Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Mark Allinson

Rice Robotics partners with crypto game thingy company Floki to launch ‘companion robot’

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Rice Robotics, a Hong Kong-based robotics startup, has launched an AI-powered companion robot, the Minibot M1, developed in partnership with Floki, which is sort of like a cryptocurrency company or game which has cryptocurrency within it – or something.

Apologies, but we’re not sure what kind of company Floki is. It’s probably best described as an online games company. Or is it a cryptocurrency company? We’re confused.

Anyway, the robot Floki and Rice Robotics have launched will operate on the decentralized Rice AI protocol and integrate features designed to support everyday tasks and foster emotional interaction with users. [Read more…] about Rice Robotics partners with crypto game thingy company Floki to launch ‘companion robot’

Dubai embraces robot food delivery

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Dubai, a city state within the United Arab Emirates, is rapidly becoming a hub for innovative delivery solutions, with several initiatives launched in the past year to utilize autonomous robots for food delivery services.

These projects align with Dubai’s Smart City vision and its goal to have 25 percent of all transportation be autonomous by 2030.

One of the latest developments is the pilot program by Yango Group at Expo City Dubai. This four-month trial involves robots delivering meals from select cafes and restaurants to the main office in Al Wasl Plaza. [Read more…] about Dubai embraces robot food delivery

Amazon Vulcan robot latest to join online retail giant’s 750,000 robots in workforce

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Amazon’s recent unveiling of its Project Vulcan underlines its position as a leader in warehouse automation.

Vulcan is a sophisticated robot equipped with a sense of touch; it features advanced force feedback sensors, can precisely handle a vast array of products, including delicate items, working collaboratively with human employees to enhance efficiency and safety within Amazon’s fulfillment centers.

This latest innovation demonstrates the online retail giant’s ongoing commitment to integrating cutting-edge robotics into its global operations. [Read more…] about Amazon Vulcan robot latest to join online retail giant’s 750,000 robots in workforce

AI robot attacks worker: Viral video shows Unitree humanoid going berserk

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A concerning video circulating online appears to show a humanoid robot experiencing a severe malfunction, coming dangerously close to a human worker. (See video below.)

The brief clip, which has quickly gained traction across social media platforms, depicts the advanced automaton making erratic and forceful movements within what seems to be a factory or research environment.

In the shaky footage, the robot, a Unitree H1 humanoid, is seen suspended from a construction crane when it lost control and wildly flailed its arms and legs. [Read more…] about AI robot attacks worker: Viral video shows Unitree humanoid going berserk

Chinese auto giant Chery integrates 220 self-made humanoid robots into its operations

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Chery, a leading Chinese automobile manufacturer, is making headlines with its recent delivery of 220 AiMOGA humanoid robots.

Developed in collaboration with the team at AiMOGA – which is believed to be a business unit within Chery – these robots integrate Chery’s advanced technologies, including assisted driving, intelligent cockpit systems, the CheryGPT large language model, and smart sensors.

The robots are designed to assist in car sales and provide support services at Chery dealerships. [Read more…] about Chinese auto giant Chery integrates 220 self-made humanoid robots into its operations

The Science Behind Dire Wolf Revival

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How Colossal Biosciences Achieved 20 Genetic Edits

The resurrection of the dire wolf (Aenocyon dirus) by Colossal Biosciences represents a landmark achievement in genetic engineering, setting a new record with 20 precise genomic edits in a vertebrate animal.

This scientific breakthrough not only brought back an iconic Ice Age predator but also demonstrated the feasibility of sophisticated genetic interventions that could revolutionize conservation efforts for endangered species worldwide. [Read more…] about The Science Behind Dire Wolf Revival

Opinion: ‘Specialized robots – not humanoids – will dominate robotics’, says Exotec CEO

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In an opinion piece published on the Fortune website, Romain Moulin, CEO of Exotec, argues that specialized robots, designed for specific tasks, are more efficient and cost-effective than humanoid robots.

This perspective, also highlighted in the Fortune article, suggests that the future of robotics lies in purpose-built machines rather than those mimicking human form.

Moulin uses the analogy of a dishwasher versus a humanoid robot washing dishes to illustrate his point: “The dishwasher is faster, more efficient, and vastly more cost-effective because it’s designed specifically for one task.” [Read more…] about Opinion: ‘Specialized robots – not humanoids – will dominate robotics’, says Exotec CEO

Underwater robotic lidar scans play key role in extending life of Angolan oil field

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Off the coast of Angola, in the deep waters of the South Atlantic Ocean where the Girassol oil field has been producing for over two decades, a crucial project is under way to ensure its continued operation. (See video below.)

A key part of this “life extension project” involves the intricate work of 3D at Depth, a subsidiary of Kraken Robotics.

Recently, the company marked a significant milestone, completing its 1,000th subsea measurement task for TotalEnergies at the Girassol field. [Read more…] about Underwater robotic lidar scans play key role in extending life of Angolan oil field

Amazon unveils Project Vulcan: A ‘fundamental leap forward in robotics’ with a sense of touch

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Amazon, the world’s largest online retailer and one of the world’s biggest users of robotics technology, has recently unveiled Project Vulcan – a new robot designed to work alongside human employees in its warehouses and fulfillment centers.

This innovative robot is equipped with “force feedback sensors” at the end of its arm and grabbing tool, giving it a sense of touch.

This allows Vulcan to understand and control the amount of force it applies when pushing or grabbing items, enabling it to handle a wide range of products, including fragile ones, without causing damage. [Read more…] about Amazon unveils Project Vulcan: A ‘fundamental leap forward in robotics’ with a sense of touch

Top 10 robotic camera systems: Lights, robots, action!

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The world of film and television production is in constant evolution, driven by the need for greater efficiency, creative flexibility, and the ability to capture increasingly dynamic and complex shots.

One area experiencing significant growth is the adoption of robotic camera systems.

From automated studio setups to remotely operated rigs on location, these technologies are transforming how content is created. [Read more…] about Top 10 robotic camera systems: Lights, robots, action!