Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Mai Tao

Semiconductor manufacturing faces labor crisis: Can the US train enough workers in time?

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By Dr Michael Moats, Missouri S&T

Semiconductors power nearly every aspect of modern life – cars, smartphones, medical devices and even national defense systems.

These tiny but essential components make the information age possible, whether they’re supporting lifesaving hospital equipment or facilitating the latest advances in artificial intelligence.

It’s easy to take them for granted, until something goes wrong. That’s exactly what happened when the Covid-19 pandemic exposed major weaknesses in the global semiconductor supply chain. [Read more…] about Semiconductor manufacturing faces labor crisis: Can the US train enough workers in time?

Energy company Carrier to invest additional $1 billion in US manufacturing

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Carrier Global, a provider of intelligent climate and energy solutions, has revealed plans to invest an additional $1 billion over five years in US manufacturing, innovation and workforce expansion.

Carrier says the investment is “incremental to its ongoing commitments to American operations”, and is expected to create 4,000 highly skilled jobs in R&D, manufacturing and field service.

David Gitlin, chairman and CEO, Carrier, says: “This investment marks the next chapter in our commitment to US manufacturing. [Read more…] about Energy company Carrier to invest additional $1 billion in US manufacturing

Incheon Airport continues automation push with electric vehicle charging robots from Hyundai

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Incheon International Airport has long been more than just a transit hub; it’s been a window into the future of travel.

Passengers navigating its expansive terminals might have already encountered a number of robots at Incheon airport: its roaming AirStar guide robots, ready to offer directions in multiple languages, or perhaps spotted the AirPorter robots diligently handling luggage. [Read more…] about Incheon Airport continues automation push with electric vehicle charging robots from Hyundai

Hyundai installs AI-powered EV charging robots at South Korean airport

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Hyundai Motor Group and Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC) have forged a strategic agreement to install AI-based electric vehicle automatic charging robots (ACRs) at the airport as part of a demonstration project.

To that end, Hyundai signed a Memorandum of Understanding with IIAC. The signing was attended by Heui Won Yang, president and head of R&D at Hyundai; Hag Jae Lee, president and CEO of IIAC; and other officials from both parties.

Yang said: “This collaboration will serve as a significant milestone in verifying the practical benefits of future mobility technologies by combining Hyundai Motor Group’s robotics and AI capabilities with Incheon International Airport Corporation’s extensive operational experience. [Read more…] about Hyundai installs AI-powered EV charging robots at South Korean airport

Simbe unveils ‘significant advancements’ to its computer vision for its retail robots

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Simbe Robotics, a provider of robots for retail inventory tasks, has included “significant advancements” to Simbe Vision, its AI-powered computer vision technology, further solidifying the company’s position as the retail industry’s most advanced in-store intelligence solution.

These enhancements empower the most retailer banners in the world to move beyond simply identifying problems to implementing AI-driven actions that optimize store operations with unprecedented precision and efficiency.

Brad Bogolea, co-founder and CEO of Simbe, says: “The most successful retailers are leveraging real-time, AI-powered insights to drive execution excellence. [Read more…] about Simbe unveils ‘significant advancements’ to its computer vision for its retail robots

Distributed intelligence: Using AI to manage power

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Artificial intelligence is transforming how we manage power, offering solutions to optimize energy consumption across various sectors.

Studies suggest that AI-powered energy management systems can lead to significant cost savings, with some reports indicating potential reductions of up to 20 percent in energy expenses for buildings and industrial facilities.

This article explores the key applications of the growing market for AI in power management, the companies driving this revolution, and the technologies involved. [Read more…] about Distributed intelligence: Using AI to manage power

Levels of intelligence: Navigating the future of AI, from robotic arms to autonomous cars

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Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic fantasy; it’s rapidly becoming an integral part of our daily lives, from the smartphones in our pockets to the complex systems powering industries.

As AI capabilities expand and grow more sophisticated, so does the need to understand and categorize these evolving forms of intelligence.

The concept of “levels of AI” offers a framework to discuss capabilities, manage our expectations, address safety concerns, and potentially guide regulation. [Read more…] about Levels of intelligence: Navigating the future of AI, from robotic arms to autonomous cars

Superwood: A potentially revolutionary material that could replace steel

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A new and exotic material known as “Superwood”, developed by materials science startup InventWood, is set to redefine the possibilities of wood in construction, manufacturing, and beyond.

InventWood, a spin-off from the University of Maryland where the foundational research was conducted by Dr Liangbing Hu, has created a product touted as stronger than steel yet significantly lighter.

This innovative engineered wood promises a future where the natural appeal of wood meets unprecedented strength and durability. [Read more…] about Superwood: A potentially revolutionary material that could replace steel

Materials science startup InventWood raises $15 million for its ‘stronger than steel’ Superwood

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InventWood, creator of what the startup describes as a “revolutionary” material – Superwood, has secured $15 million in the first close of its Series A funding round.

This investment marks a significant milestone as the company prepares to begin shipments from its first commercial manufacturing facility in Frederick, Maryland, in the third quarter of 2025.

InventWood has now successfully secured more than $50 million in total capital, which supported the construction of its first production facility and positions the company to scale rapidly. [Read more…] about Materials science startup InventWood raises $15 million for its ‘stronger than steel’ Superwood

MassVentures to award $4.5 million in grant funding to 26 ‘deep tech’ startups

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‘START Grants’ help Massachusetts-based Companies Convert Federally Funded Research into new Businesses and Jobs.

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Economic Development and MassVentures has announced that 26 companies will receive $4.5 million in grant funding through MassVentures’ SBIR Targeted Technologies (START) Grant Program.

Launched in 2012, the program helps startups convert research developed under SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) and STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) contracts into viable businesses and jobs in Massachusetts.

This year, MassVentures expanded the program by increasing the number of grants awarded from 17 to 25 and awarding an additional $1.5 million. [Read more…] about MassVentures to award $4.5 million in grant funding to 26 ‘deep tech’ startups