Robotics & Automation News

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The future of landscaping: Autonomous technology is mowing the path ahead

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By Tim Kubista, RC Mowers

When robotic mowing first appeared in the late 1990s, the mowers were primarily focused on the residential market and were commonly referred to as “lawn Roombas”. These mowers were small and innovative, but weren’t all that reliable or productive.

As the technology expanded, demand shifted to the commercial market, where expectations are significantly higher. Reliability, productivity and integration into existing operations are non-negotiable for most commercial lawn care and landscaping businesses.

Today, we’ve moved from simple robotic mowers to autonomous mowing, an industry that is in the critical early-adoption phase and is comparable to where robotic vacuums were in the early 2010s. Autonomous mowers are seen as having real utility but are often met with skepticism and infrastructure challenges. [Read more…] about The future of landscaping: Autonomous technology is mowing the path ahead

Robotics and Automation Leading the Charge in Water Purification

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Clean, safe water is a universal necessity and increasingly, a global challenge. From the microscopic particles we can’t see to large-scale pollutants that threaten ecosystems, the pressure to protect water sources is mounting.

Fortunately, a wave of innovation in robotics and automation is offering powerful tools to protect the water we depend on.

Across research labs, natural reserves, and even underwater, cutting-edge tech is revolutionizing water protection. From microplastic contamination to dangerous forever chemicals like PFAS, innovation is changing how we tackle these challenges. [Read more…] about Robotics and Automation Leading the Charge in Water Purification

Amazon-backed Glacier secures $16 million to expand robotic waste recycling business

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San Francisco-based startup Glacier has raised $16 million in a Series A funding round to accelerate the deployment of its AI-powered recycling robots across the United States, as reported by TechCrunch.com.

The funding round was led by Ecosystem Integrity Fund, with participation from investors including Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund, New Enterprise Associates, AlleyCorp, and others.

Glacier’s robots utilize advanced computer vision and machine learning to identify and sort over 30 types of recyclable materials at a rate of 45 items per minute. [Read more…] about Amazon-backed Glacier secures $16 million to expand robotic waste recycling business

Yarbo secures $27+ million Series B funding to accelerate global expansion

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Yarbo, a provider of multipurpose intelligent yard robots, has successfully closed its Series B funding round, raising approximately $27 million.

The round was backed by a group of strategic and financial investors, bolstering Yarbo’s vision of reimagining how the world handles outdoor work – one season at a time.

This fresh injection of capital will turbocharge Yarbo’s ability to scale mass production, enhance supply chain resilience, and deepen investment in R&D, fuelling faster product optimisation and iteration. [Read more…] about Yarbo secures $27+ million Series B funding to accelerate global expansion

Rosendin to showcase robotic solar installation system at Texas job site

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Rosendin, which claims to be the largest employee-owned electrical contractor in the US, is preparing to publicly demonstrate a new robotic system designed to accelerate the construction of solar energy projects. (See video below.)

The showcase, scheduled for April 17 at a utility-scale solar site in West Texas, will feature a three-part autonomous robotic system developed to install photovoltaic (PV) panels more quickly and safely than traditional manual methods.

The robotics platform is the result of a multi-year collaboration between Rosendin’s Renewable Energy Group and ULC Technologies, a company known for its robotic innovations in the energy sector. [Read more…] about Rosendin to showcase robotic solar installation system at Texas job site

Fugro and Spoor to develop bird-monitoring solution for offshore renewable energy projects

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Fugro and Spoor, a software company that helps renewable energy projects reduce their environmental impact, have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a new bird-monitoring solution for offshore renewable energy projects.

This innovative system will not only help protect bird populations but also supports the growth of renewable energy by making environmental assessments more affordable, cleaner, and safer.

The solution uses video cameras installed on Fugro’s SeaWatch Wind Lidar and other metocean buoys to record bird activity at wind farm locations. Spoor’s advanced computer vision and AI software then analyses these recordings to quickly and accurately identify bird species. [Read more…] about Fugro and Spoor to develop bird-monitoring solution for offshore renewable energy projects

Electric Vehicles are Part of the Future of Frugal Living

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Electric cars are no longer a dream of the future; they are now the hype on the roads. With growing concerns over climate change and air quality, EVs promise a sustainable replacement for traditional gasoline-run automobiles.

In direct support of the values of frugal living, the move to electric mobility means minimum waste, expense, and living within one’s available resources. By embracing electric vehicles, we can significantly reduce our transportation costs, aligning with the core principles of frugal living.

Furthermore, utilizing other tools like budgeting apps and ride-sharing services can further enhance our financial well-being and help us live more economically. [Read more…] about Electric Vehicles are Part of the Future of Frugal Living

Carnegie Mellon develops Apple-inspired recycling robot

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A researcher from Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Computer Science is using robotics to improve e-waste recycling.

E-waste is one of the fastest-growing types of waste in the world, with an estimated 62 million tons produced in 2022 alone. But only about 20 percent of that was recycled. As reliance on tech devices grows, finding ways to salvage and recycle their components becomes critical.

Matt Travers, a senior systems scientist in the School of Computer Science’s Robotics Institute, has launched a new company, roboLoop, that uses technology inspired by his e-waste recycling research partnership with Apple to help disassemble flat panel displays. roboLoop’s robot was recently installed at a facility in State College, Pennsylvania. The new robot speeds up e-waste recycling for flat-screen displays. [Read more…] about Carnegie Mellon develops Apple-inspired recycling robot

Starship Technologies and Topanga partner to offer reusable packaging with campus food orders

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Starship Technologies, a builder and provider of autonomous delivery robots, and Topanga.io, a reusable packaging management platform, are partnering to offer reusable packaging for food orders at US campuses.

George Mason University will be the first Starship campus to introduce the ReusePass integration and the first university to offer a fully integrated reusables experience for kiosks.

There are plans to expand the service to additional Starship campuses. Initially available for mobile pickup and kiosk orders, it will be available for robot deliveries after the launch. [Read more…] about Starship Technologies and Topanga partner to offer reusable packaging with campus food orders