Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Mark Allinson

US National Science Foundation funds ‘Vulcan mind meld’ technology

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US National Science Foundation awards hundreds of thousands of dollars to develop mind-reading technology

It’s the stuff of science fiction: the ability to communicate with someone else simply by thinking – no speaking or physical gesture. For fans of Star Trek, this is known as the “Vulcan mind meld”, wherein Captain Spock is able to communicate with someone else telepathically.

For Chang Soo “CS” Nam, chair of the Northern Illinois University’s Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, it’s brain to brain interface (BBI or B2BI). Nam is the principal investigator on a $600,000 research grant from the US National Science Foundation to explore this relatively new realm of science and technology.

Over the next three years, in collaboration with Dr. Xiaoning Jiang, the co-principal investigator at North Carolina State University, Nam will guide this ambitious pursuit. [Read more…] about US National Science Foundation funds ‘Vulcan mind meld’ technology

Spotlight on humanoids: A deep dive into Figure AI

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Founded in 2022, Figure AI, a US-based company, has quickly become a notable player in AI-powered humanoid robots.

In this article, we explore Figure AI’s technology, potential impact, and future within the robotics market. We will examine the company’s background, technology, applications, and prospects, considering the competitive landscape and challenges in installing humanoid robots at scale.

The intense early interest in Figure AI suggests a groundbreaking approach in the robotics sector, potentially addressing critical market needs with unique technological advantages. [Read more…] about Spotlight on humanoids: A deep dive into Figure AI

Important Factors That Determine the Success of a Water Bore Drilling Operation

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Water bore drilling is a critical activity for accessing groundwater in many regions, where surface water is scarce. Understand the factors that contribute to the success of such operations for higher levels of efficiency and reduce the occurrence of failures.

From site selection to technological considerations, each element plays a role in drilling effectively. For organizations looking to provide optimal outcomes, take a look at these factors. [Read more…] about Important Factors That Determine the Success of a Water Bore Drilling Operation

Five robotic systems that can paint like human artists

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The intersection of robotics and art is producing increasingly fascinating results, blurring the lines between human creativity and machine capabilities.

While industrial robots have long been adept at precise, repetitive tasks like automotive painting, a new generation of robotic arms is emerging with the ability to create art in a manner reminiscent of human painters.

These machines are not simply following pre-programmed paths; they are learning, adapting, and producing unique artistic expressions that challenge our perceptions of creativity itself. [Read more…] about Five robotic systems that can paint like human artists

Toyota partners with Waymo to develop autonomous driving tech

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Toyota and Waymo have reached a preliminary agreement to explore a collaboration focused on accelerating the development and deployment of autonomous driving technologies.

Woven by Toyota will also join the potential collaboration as Toyota’s strategic enabler, contributing its strengths in advanced software and mobility innovation. This potential partnership is built on a shared vision of improving road safety and delivering increased mobility for all.

Toyota and Waymo aim to combine their respective strengths to develop a new autonomous vehicle platform. [Read more…] about Toyota partners with Waymo to develop autonomous driving tech

Hyundai and Plus AI to roll out hydrogen-powered autonomous trucks across US freight routes

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Hyundai and Plus AI have unveiled a shared vision at the recent Advanced Clean Transportation Expo in Anaheim, California, outlining their collaboration on autonomous hydrogen-powered fuel cell trucks and their aims to accelerate the development of a hydrogen-powered freight network in the United States.

The collaboration pairs Hyundai Motor’s hydrogen-powered XCIENT Fuel Cell truck with Plus’s AI-based autonomous driving software, SuperDrive, proposing a scalable and cost-effective solution to long-haul freight that aims to reduce the carbon footprint of commercial transportation.

Jim Park, SVP of commercial vehicle and hydrogen business development at Hyundai Motor North America, says: “Hyundai Motor believes in a sustainable future powered by advanced fuel cell technologies. [Read more…] about Hyundai and Plus AI to roll out hydrogen-powered autonomous trucks across US freight routes

BMW experiments with AI for smarter vehicle quality control

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Can artificial intelligence (AI) make quality control in vehicle production more efficient, faster and more reliable?

A software solution developed at BMW Group Plant Regensburg as part of the “GenAI4Q” pilot project is making this a reality.

At its core is an AI that delivers tailored inspection recommendations for the approximately 1,400 vehicles manufactured each day. [Read more…] about BMW experiments with AI for smarter vehicle quality control

What robotics developers need to know about workforce transition and reskilling

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As robotics and AI technologies become increasingly embedded in industrial systems, they are transforming how work is done.

While these innovations unlock new levels of efficiency and productivity, they also bring profound implications for employment, particularly in sectors where repetitive, manual tasks are common.

For robotics developers, understanding workforce transition is not just a social consideration – it’s a commercial and strategic one. [Read more…] about What robotics developers need to know about workforce transition and reskilling

Hitachi and Daikin test AI chatbot for diagnosing factory equipment failures

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Hitachi and Daikin have launched a trial of a new AI-powered chatbot designed to help diagnose equipment failures on factory floors.

The digital agent, developed through a co-creation partnership, acts as a conversational interface between factory operators and complex machinery data.

The system draws on Hitachi’s Lumada data analytics platform and Daikin’s manufacturing expertise to assist workers in identifying failure causes and suggesting remedies. [Read more…] about Hitachi and Daikin test AI chatbot for diagnosing factory equipment failures

B&R unveils ‘AI-enhanced fitness tracking for machines’

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B&R Industrial Automation has unveiled what it describes as “AI-enhanced fitness tracking for machines” – or a new artificial intelligence-based system that monitors the health of industrial machines, aiming to help manufacturers prevent costly breakdowns and extend equipment lifespan.

The system functions much like a fitness tracker, continuously collecting performance data from machines and analyzing it in real time. By identifying subtle changes in vibration, temperature, and other indicators, the software can detect early signs of wear or failure – before they disrupt production.

Designed to integrate with B&R’s existing automation platforms, the system uses machine learning to adapt to each machine’s unique operating patterns. This allows it to improve diagnostic accuracy over time, tailoring maintenance recommendations to the actual usage and condition of the equipment. [Read more…] about B&R unveils ‘AI-enhanced fitness tracking for machines’