RBR50 company SICK, a leading developer of sensors, safety systems, machine vision and more, expanded its 2D LiDAR sensor lineup for localization and anti-collision applications with the compact TiM2xx product family. This is in response to new requirements on functionality, size, and price. The TiM240 is the first variant in the TiM2xx LiDAR series and…
Picking With Purpose uses Berkshire Grey robots to help feed families in need
As Thanksgiving approaches, Berkshire Grey has partnered with City Harvest and the Greater Boston Food Bank for the Picking With Purpose initiative, which uses robots to pack meals in the fight against hunger.
Ottava surgical assistant robot finally unveiled by Johnson & Johnson
After delays, Johnson & Johnson has announced its Ottava robot-assisted surgical platform, which it claimed will be more flexible than other systems currently on the market.
MGS Manufacturing uses Stäubli robots, controls for inspection of medical devices
MGS, a contract manufacturer for a major European medical device maker, turned to Stäubli robots to support automated inspection of single-use catheters.
Wisk partners with NASA to accelerate autonomous passenger aircraft nationwide
Wisk said its partnership with NASA is the first of its kind and is intended to address key challenges and create a framework for autonomous passenger flight.
Dextrous Robotics exits stealth; how robots impact the future of work
Welcome to Episode 25 of The Robot Report Podcast, which brings conversations with robotics innovators straight to you. Join us each week for discussions with leading roboticists, innovative robotics companies, and other key members of the robotics community. You can subscribe to The Robot Report Podcast on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, SoundCloud, Spotify and more. Please subscribe…
Neural network plus motion planning equals more useful robots, finds UC Berkeley
Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, said that combining neural networks with motion-planning software will give robots the speed and skill to assist in warehouse environments.
October 2020 Robotics Transactions Dip, but Vehicles and Drones Still Get Funding
Although robotics investments, mergers, and acquisitions may have dropped a bit in October 2020, autonomous vehicles, drones, and healthcare applications continued to receive funding.
Black in Robotics launches Boston chapter
Black in Robotics, the new organization founded to advocate for diversity and inclusion in the robotics industry, has launched a regional chapter in Boston. Boston, the world’s leading robotics cluster, is the organization’s first regional chapter and home to many top robotics institutions. Black in Robotics co-founder Ayanna Howard, who also is the chair of…
Rapid Robotics raises seed funding for robotic machine operator to avoid offshoring
Rapid Robotics has raised seed funding as it works on the Rapid Machine Operator, which it claims does not require expensive integration and can help U.S. manufacturers “close the automation gap.”
Podcast: FORT Robotics on how to keep humans safe and in control of robots
The automotive sector has, for years, driven the growth of the robotics industry. But robots are now moving beyond industrial manufacturing environments and into other industries, including agriculture, construction, healthcare and logistics, to name a few. As robots continue to find new applications, alleviating concerns about safety and security are crucial to their adoption, acceptance…
STCR works with Badger Technologies to help independent grocers adopt robots
Badger Technologies’ in-store, multipurpose robots will complement the retail systems of STCR, which hopes to help independent grocers adopt automation.
Motional fully driverless vehicle tests approved in Nevada
Motional, the $4 billion autonomous driving joint venture between Hyundai and Aptiv, today received approval to test fully driverless vehicles in Nevada. While Nevada won’t require a human safety driver behind the wheel, Motional will still have a safety driver in the passenger seat. The tests of Chrysler Pacifica minivans without a human driver will begin in…
NASA initiative developing wireless charging for lunar robots
Battery life is an issue for many types of robots. But it is especially challenging for robots operating in outer space. A new initiative under NASA’s “Tipping Point” program hopes to solve this and make smaller robots available for missions that weren’t within reach before, including night missions on the moon. NASA awarded a $5.8…
Robotics investments recap: October 2020
Robotics investments slowed somewhat in October 2020, but transportation, healthcare, and software remained strong.
Bobacino launches crowdfunding campaign for automated bubble tea machine
As robotics and automation expand to new markets, startup Bobacino brings a customizable and futuristic splash to a time-honored tradition of bubble tea.
Thales works with North Dakota government on BVLOS drone operations
Thales, a “deep tech” multinational, is working with the state government of North Dakota and other partners to provide the TopSky UAS Traffic Management System to scale safe and secure drone air traffic control.
Delivery drone firm Volansi expands to VTOL development facility in Oregon
VTOL drone delivery developer and service provider Volansi said it is expanding in Bend, Ore., to take advantage of the region’s talent pool and aviation technology expertise and scale its production and operations.
How a leading British architect uses Spot for site documentation
Boston Dynamics’ Spot robot, which went on sale for $74,500 in June, has found early success working in the construction industry. The RBR50 company recently announced a partnership with Trimble to expand Spot’s capabilities within the construction industry. As part of Boston Dynamics’ Early Adopter Program, Foster + Partners, a London-based architectural design and engineering…
MMI wins CE Mark for Symani robotic microsurgery system
Italian robotic surgery company MMI announced the CE marking and launch of what it’s calling the “world’s smallest wristed surgical instruments.” MMI designed the Symani surgical system for open microsurgical procedures. The system combines the benefits of tremor reduction and motion scaling (7-20x) with the world’s smallest wristed instrumentation, offering seven degrees of freedom and dexterity…
Millennials ready for robots to aid family health and wellness, finds IEEE survey
The IEEE surveyed 2,000 millennials with children worldwide and found growing acceptance of robotics for maintaining the healthcare and wellbeing of their families. U.S. respondents were more wary than averaage.
Universal Robots hosting Cobot Expo 2.0 Nov. 16-17
Cobot Expo 2.0 will feature 25-plus live demos from Universal Robots’ partners, as well at 15 informative keynotes. Attendees will learn about cobot applications such as welding, machine tending, autonomous bin picking and end-of-line packaging, while hearing from top automation experts about safety, ROI and service.