Robotics News
Shape-changing robots could create new swarms
The flower-like set of points represents all possible shapes the shape-changing robots can take on. In line with rattling theory, the most common shapes are also the most orderly with the lowest rattling (shown in blue). | Credit: Thomas A. Berrueta) A team of...
The 5 Key Abilities of Mobile Manipulation Systems
The capabilities spectrum for robotics systems has been expanded from fixed manipulators and teleoperated mobile robots to now include their intersection - mobile manipulation systems. To reach their full potential, however, mobile manipulation robots must be able to...
NASA initiative developing wireless charging for lunar robots
Astrobotic’s shoebox-sized CubeRover is heading to the moon aboard the Peregrine lunar lander in 2021. | Credit: Astrobotic 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...
Teleoperation: indirect control methods for autonomous vehicles
Remote assistance methods such as “path choice” allows the remote operator to make full use of an autonomous vehicle’s capabilities, eliminating the need for direct steering and braking. | Credit: Ottopia Self-driving technology always seems to be just beyond our...
Students teach AI to make beer
Humans have been brewing beer for more than 5,000 years, and the process has only grown more complicated since its beginnings. Now, two students are seeing if an AI is up to the task. The post Students teach AI to make beer appeared first on The Robot Report.
Robots can now grab six-packs without damage using new Piab vacuum system
The gripper gently but firmly holds and lifts the sixpack without any damage to bottles, carton, or label. Source: Piab Vakuum GmbH Many tasks that seem simple to humans have eluded robots. Grabbing six-packs was one of them, but Piab Vakuum GmbH has developed a...
Chaotic physics approach leads researchers to insectlike gaits for robots
The experimental robot, demonstrating the location of the six legs and the corresponding joints. Source: American Institute of Physics Researchers in Japan and Italy are embracing chaos and nonlinear physics to create insectlike gaits for tiny robots — complete with a...
Robot orders up 3.5% as non-automotive sales surged
For the first time, yearly orders of robots from non-automotive sectors surpassed automotive robot orders, as sales of robotic units in North America increased 3.5% in 2020 from 2019. This growth was driven by a strong Q4 that was the second-best quarter ever for...
Robot arm opens new doors for Spot
Spot Arm features integrated time of flight, IMU, and 4K RGB sensors. | Credit: Boston Dynamics Boston Dynamics released several updates to its Spot product line. The goal is to enhance the quadruped’s ability to autonomously monitor job sites. To do so, the RBR50...
Teaching robots how to grasp transparent, shiny objects
Kitchen robots are a popular vision of the future, but if a robot of today tries to grasp a kitchen staple such as a clear measuring cup or a shiny knife, it likely won’t be able to. Transparent and reflective objects are the things of robot nightmares. Roboticists at...
Picking Robots Address Agriculture’s Labor Shortage Challenge
Companies continue to come to market with robotics solutions that seek to remedy the agricultural sector's ongoing labor shortage challenge, especially pronounced in advanced economies, as well as the need to pay a living wage to workers.
How precision drives can improve the performance of robotic grippers, mobile robots
Precision drives are essential for numerous robotics applications. Source: FAULHABER Today, a world without robots is inconceivable. The areas of application that require process safety, reliability, and economic efficiency from these robots are equally manifold....