Robots need to know the reason why they are doing a job if they are to effectively and safely work alongside people in the near future. In simple terms, this means machines need to understand motive the way humans do, and not just perform tasks blindly, without context. According to a new article by the…
5 materials to evaluate for designing, building robust robots
From soft polymers to the hardest steel, robotics designers should know their materials options that best suit the intended uses of their machines.
Kollmorgen launches enhanced ‘Motioneering’ servo sizing tool
Kollmorgen has introduced the next generation of Motioneering, the company’s innovative servo sizing tool. Motioneering was introduced more than 20 years ago – the first tool of its kind – to help mechanical design engineers find the ideal motion products to build into their machines. It simplifies the design process by incorporating 100-plus years of…
Vacuum grippers from Robotiq now compatible with Omron cobots
Manufacturers can start production faster with AirPick and EPick, says Robotiq.
Soft robots could be powered by this mini, stretchable pump
Soft robots have a distinct advantage over their rigid forebears: they can adapt to complex environments, handle fragile objects and interact safely with humans. Made from silicone, rubber or other stretchable polymers, they are ideal for use in rehabilitation exoskeletons and robotic clothing. Soft bio-inspired robots could one day be deployed to explore remote or…
ARTAS iX system from Restoration Robotics receives European CE Mark approval
Restoration Robotics has received European approval for its ARTAS iX robotic hair restoration system, which now includes the capability of implanting hairs.
Ket-Met machine tooling shop cuts costs by 40% with UR cobots
Ket-Met, a Finnish subcontract machine tooling shop, found that its existing CNC machines required too much manpower to stay competitive. It reduced machine hour costs by 40% with UR cobots.
Robotic neck brace uses sensors, actuators to restore ALS patient functions
A robotic brace that supports the neck during its natural motion is the first device shown to dramatically assist ALS patients in holding their heads and actively supporting them during range of motion.
Robotics integrators get picked for Epson Robots AutomateElite program
Epson Robots said its new program can provide customers access to the best systems integrators for their applications and can help robotics integrators boost sales.
Georgia Tech robots learn to ‘MacGyver’ simple tools
Thanks to new technology that enables them to create simple tools, robots may be on the verge of their own version of the Stone Age. Using a novel capability to reason about shape, function, and attachment of unrelated parts, researchers have for the first time successfully trained an intelligent agent to create basic tools by…
Velodyne Puck 32MR Lidar designed for drones & mobile robots
The Velodyne Lidar Puck 32MR is designed for low-speed autonomy, including mobile robots and drones. | Credit: Velodyne Lidar Velodyne Lidar has introduced the Puck 32MR sensor to offer a perception solution for low-speed autonomous markets, including robotics, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Velodyne said the solution is “cost effective,” but interested parties will have…
MIT robot automates production of small molecules
Guided by artificial intelligence and powered by a robotic platform, a system developed by MIT researchers moves a step closer to automating the production of small molecules that could be used in medicine, solar energy, and polymer chemistry. The system, described in the August 8 issue of Science, could free up bench chemists from a…
Oriental Motor adds Ethernet/IP to AZ Series AC input drivers
Oriental Motor has added the Ethernet/IP communications protocol to its AZ Series AC input line of stored data network drivers. All of the AZ Series drivers feature remain intact in this new communications driver model and is compatible with all AZ Series family of products. With the Ethernet/IP AZ Series driver, the operating data can…
CMU names Martial Hebert Dean of School of Computer Science
Martial Hebert, a leading researcher in computer vision and robotics, has been named dean of Carnegie Mellon University’s world-renowned School of Computer Science (SCS), effective August 15. Hebert, director of the Robotics Institute in SCS since 2014, will lead a school with more than 270 faculty members and approximately 2,300 students. He has been a…
Corindus Vascular Robotics to be acquired by Siemens Medical Solutions for $1.1B
Corindus Vascular Robotics, whose CorPath GRX has FDA approval for percutaneous coronary and vascular procedures, will be acquired by Siemens Healthineers.
Robotic cane could improve walking stability
By adding electronics and computation technology to a simple cane that has been around since ancient times, a team of researchers at Columbia Engineering have transformed it into a 21st century robotic device that can provide light-touch assistance in walking to the aged and others with impaired mobility. A team led by Sunil Agrawal, professor…
Preferred Networks, Toyota agree to jointly develop service robots
Using Toyota’s Human Support Robot as a base, the two companies will accelerate development by sharing their respective technologies.
Researchers study birds to improve how aerial robots land
Under the watchful eyes of five high-speed cameras, a small, pale-blue bird named Gary waits for the signal to fly. Diana Chin, a graduate student at Stanford University and Gary’s trainer, points her finger to a perch about 20 inches away. The catch here is that the perch is covered in Teflon, making it…
Schunk EGP gripper designed for pick & place applications
Schunk has introduced a 24V gripper with IO-link called the Schunk EGP. It is designed for small components during fast-paced pick & place applications. The Schunk EGP electric gripper satisfies the IO-Link Class B Standard suitable for increased power consumption and can be directly connected with an IO-Link Class B Master. Schunk said the EGP…
Formant acquires Formation to integrate teleoperation into robotic fleet management
Formant, whose cloud- and Web-based software is designed to make it easier to manage robot fleets, is adding teleoperation from Formation to its Robotics-as-a-Service offerings.
ARM consortium welcomes FANUC America as 200th member
The ARM consortium, which is dedicated to advancing the state of robotics for manufacturing and empowering the American workforce, has grown to 200 organizations.
Scale AI raises $100M Series C for annotation services to train AI
Scale AI has raised Series C funding for its annotation services, which can help train machine learning for its customers. They include leader companies working on self-driving cars, robots, and other systems.
PH-series robots from Yaskasa provide long reach for press handling performance
Yaskawa Motoman’s new PH series robots are shelf-mounted and are available in tow models for different payloads and reach capacities.
Roach-inspired robot shares insect’s speed, toughness
A new insect-sized robot from UC Berkeley can scurry across the floor nearly as fast as a roach, and it’s also difficult to crush. It could be useful for search-and-rescue missions, say researchers.
Wearable device could improve communication between humans, robots
Researchers at in Houston, Boulder, and Nanjing, China, have developed a soft nanomembrane that could help people with wearable devices operate them more smoothly.