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Automated transport ‘could propel development forward’, say World Bank analysts

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Automated transportation and mobility systems – such as autonomous cars, driverless trains, elevators, escalators and moving walkways – “could propel development forward” for the global economy, according to World Bank analysts.

Writing on the World Bank blog, Michael Lokshin, lead economist, Europe and Central Asia, and David Newsom, retired World Bank senior IT manager, say that although the vast majority of new transportation ideas do not succeed, innovation should nonetheless be encouraged.

“Despite impressive technological strides, attempts to automate transport operations are usually met with reactions that can range from mild skepticism to downright hostility,” say Lokshin and Newsom in their article. [Read more…] about Automated transport ‘could propel development forward’, say World Bank analysts

MIT adapts Ava Robotics platform to build robot to disinfect Greater Boston Food Bank

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A robot built by MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) has disinfected the Greater Boston Food Bank. (See video below.)

The robot uses ultraviolet-C light to disinfect a warehouse floor “in half an hour”, and could one day be employed in grocery stores, schools, and other spaces.

CSAIL developed the robot in partnership with Ava Robotics and the GBFB, and says the system “powerfully disinfects surfaces and neutralizes aerosolized forms of the coronavirus”. [Read more…] about MIT adapts Ava Robotics platform to build robot to disinfect Greater Boston Food Bank

Robotics one of the hottest investment sectors of the decade, says Silicon Valley Bank report

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Entrepreneurs have invested more money in robotics than all other sectors combined, according to a new report by Silicon Valley Bank.

In a report called The Future of Robotics, SVB says: “Investment in robotics has significantly outpaced the rest of venture (financing), making robotics one of the hottest sectors of the decade.”

SVB’s data shows that robotics venture capital funding represented 55 percent of all venture financing (see bar chart below). [Read more…] about Robotics one of the hottest investment sectors of the decade, says Silicon Valley Bank report

Robots and AI playing their part in coronavirus cleanup

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As China finally ends the lockdown it imposed on Wuhan about two-and-a-half months ago, we look at some of the cleanup operations involving robots and artificial intelligence in the country.

UBTech Robotics has been at the forefront of robotic and AI implementations fighting Covid-19 away from of hospitals. Below are some examples.

Back to school

At the school gates of two major middle schools – Kunming Number 3 Middle School and Kunming Dianchi Middle School – in Yunnan province, southwest of China, students returning from prolonged absence for Covid-19 fear are now greeted by a robot instead of a human. [Read more…] about Robots and AI playing their part in coronavirus cleanup

The Future of Finances – A Digital Banker

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As a consumer, the most beneficial aspect of modern banking is the ability to have your money by your side at all times.

This easy access to your money will save you from having to make your way to the bank every time one of your accounts runs low and you need to transfer.

As a banker, there is a growing demand for banks and financial institutions to implement this digital method of banking. Consumers want their money whenever and wherever they can get to it. [Read more…] about The Future of Finances – A Digital Banker

Bank of America hires chatty virtual robot

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By David Henry, Reuters

Bank of America plans to provide customers with a chatty “virtual assistant” named Erica that will use artificial intelligence to make suggestions over mobile phones for improving their financial affairs.

Michelle Moore, head of digital banking for Bank of America, said in an interview on Monday that Erica will be smarter than a robot because she will bring up topics on her own, using predictive analytics as opposed to only answering questions customers ask.

For example, Erica may recommend taking steps to lift a sagging credit rating she noticed. Or, she may propose a customer make higher monthly payments on an outstanding credit card balance to reduce interest expenses.  [Read more…] about Bank of America hires chatty virtual robot

Paul von der Bank invents ‘world’s smallest’ robotic arc welding cell using Kuka industrial robot

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Kuka has revealed what it claims is the world’s smallest robotic cell for arc welding, developed by a company called Paul von der Bank Schweisstechnik. 

The tiny cell – of about 1 cubic metre – is also said to have achieved a 50 per cent increase in productivity. It uses Kuka Agilus robots.

The cell, named the WTG 1200, is already being used by companies such as Brüninghaus & Drissner.  [Read more…] about Paul von der Bank invents ‘world’s smallest’ robotic arc welding cell using Kuka industrial robot