Robotics

In the future, cameras could spot blackbirds feeding on grapes in a vineyard and launch drones to drive off the avian irritants, then return to watch for the next invading flock. All without a human nearby.

Globally, the pH of the ocean is decreasing as humans burn coal, oil and gas. When carbon dioxide from these activities is absorbed by the ocean, it affects the ability of marine organisms to build and maintain their shells and may also change the behavior of some fish.

A new laser-welding 'robotic snake' developed by the UK Atomic Energy Authority has demonstrated its capability to operate inside of fusion energy powerplant pipework and is now patented technology.

AIRSKIN is an Austria-based company specializing in pressure-sensor-based skin pads for collision detection.

Engineers have developed the smallest-ever remote-controlled walking robot — and it comes in the form of a tiny crab. Just a half-millimeter wide, the tiny crabs can bend, twist, crawl, walk, turn and even jump. The researchers also developed millimeter-sized robots resembling inchworms, crickets and beetles. Although the research is exploratory at this point, the researchers believe their technology might bring the field closer to realizing micro-sized robots that can perform practical tasks inside tightly confined spaces.

Netled is a Finland-based vertical farming turnkey solutions provider, providing customers with access to the requisite technology and expertise for construction of a vertical farm. IDTechEx Analyst Brendan Beh spoke with Netled International Sales Manager Thomas Dilley on the 16th of May, 2022.

Borrowing a technique from inkjet printers, researchers have rolled out a pixel-by-pixel method to program and manufacture soft structures for use in robotics, biomedical devices or architectural features.

IDTechEx had a very in-depth conversation with Chetan Khona, Senior Director of Industrial, Vision, Healthcare & Science at AMD, discussing AMD Xilinx's new product — the Kria KR260 Robotics Starter Kit, which was launched on 17th May.

Engineers have developed a low cost, low power technology to help robots accurately map their way indoors, even in poor lighting and without recognizable landmarks or features. The technology consists of sensors that use WiFi signals to help the robot map where it's going. It's a new approach to indoor robot navigation.

Royal Mail plans to scale up its use of drone technology and create more than 50 new postal drone routes over the next three years, subject to Civil Aviation Authority approval, as part of a new partnership with Windracers, the logistics drone company.

No one likes sitting at a red light. But signalized intersections aren't just a minor nuisance for drivers; vehicles consume fuel and emit greenhouse gases while waiting for the light to change. What if motorists could time their trips so they arrive at the intersection when the light is green? While that might be just a lucky break for a human driver, it could be achieved more consistently by an autonomous vehicle that uses artificial intelligence to control its speed.

Vikaso Robotics is a UK-based company specializing in integrating robotics systems with end-effectors. As a system integrator, Vikaso has established a number of clients including Cummins, BMW, and many others.

Thursday 26 May 2022 - Summary of service robots; Dominant and non-dominant applications of service robots; Analysis of the drivers and barriers to the non-dominant applications; Introduction of major market players; Opportunities and market gaps of the non-dominant applications; and more!

Volocopter announced a strategic collaboration with Microsoft to develop an aerospace cloud system in Microsoft Azure that will address the nascent cloud computing requirements for eVTOLs, UAM, and autonomous aviation. Once primed for commercial use, Azure will support the digital platform VoloIQ, the operating system for Volocopter's UAM services, and its subsequent transition to autonomous operations.

Lely, based in the Netherlands, produce tools for the agricultural industry, with a wide range of robots for agricultural applications. They are particularly well known for their robotic milking machines.

Nano-sized robots manipulated using a magnetic field can help kill bacteria deep inside dentinal tubules, and boost the success of root canal treatments. Root canal treatments are routinely carried out to treat tooth infections in millions of patients. The procedure involves removing the infected soft tissue inside the tooth, called the pulp, and flushing the tooth with antibiotics or chemicals to kill the bacteria that cause the infection.

Renault Trucks has announced the launch of an industry-first multimodal last mile e-mobility concept, the Renault Trucks E-Tech Master OptiModale, for cleaner, greener and more accessible urban deliveries.

Many of our daily activities involve our hands' prehensile abilities. While able-bodied people don't think twice when using a spoon or lifting a glass, these actions are nearly impossible for someone unable to grasp things with their fingers. Emovo Care has now come up with a device that is specifically designed to overcome these obstacles.

This premium article gives an introduction to collaborative robots, or 'cobots'. It will compare traditional industrial robots with collaborative robots and look at their benefits, as well as exploring the safety requirements associated with collaborative robots across different countries.

BeBop Sensors Inc announced the BeBop Sensors RoboSkin line of skin-like coverings for tactile awareness for humanoid robots and prosthetics. A true nervous system for robots at less than 1mm thick, RoboSkin is the only technology that fits all robotic body parts: limbs, fingers, feet, head, and torso, to make robots "feel" better.