Robotics & Automation News

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ANYmal can do parkour and walk across rubble

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The quadrupedal robot ANYmal went back to school and has learned a lot. ETH Zurich researchers used machine learning to teach it new skills: the robot can now climb over obstacles and successfully negotiate pitfalls.

ANYmal has for some time had no problem coping with the stony terrain of Swiss hiking trails.

Now researchers at ETH Zurich have taught this quadrupedal robot some new skills: it is proving rather adept at parkour, a sport based on using athletic manoeuvres to smoothly negotiate obstacles in an urban environment, which has become very popular.

ANYmal is also proficient at dealing with the tricky terrain commonly found on building sites or in disaster areas. [Read more…] about ANYmal can do parkour and walk across rubble

How to Convert (Swap) Ethereum (ETH) to Dogecoin (DOGE)

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Amidst the turbulence of the cryptocurrency market, the question of transitioning from one digital asset to another often arises.

This article acts as your guide on navigating the process of how to to perform the ETH Dogecoin exchange, the latter of which is a vibrant and community-driven cryptocurrency capturing attention across the internet.

Whether you’re an experienced crypto aficionado seeking to infuse some lightheartedness into your ETH DOGE portfolio or a newcomer eager to explore the world of digital currencies, this is a great opportunity to learn about how to swap ETH to DOGE. [Read more…] about How to Convert (Swap) Ethereum (ETH) to Dogecoin (DOGE)

ETH develops ‘lighter, safer, more robust’ artificial muscles for robots

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Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed artificial muscles for robot motion. The researchers say their solution offers several advantages over previous technologies: it can be used wherever robots need to be soft rather than rigid or where they need more sensitivity when interacting with their environment.

Many roboticists dream of building robots that are not just a combination of metal or other hard materials and motors but also softer and more adaptable. Soft robots could interact with their environment in a completely different way; for example, they could cushion impacts the way human limbs do, or grasp an object delicately.

This would also offer benefits regarding energy consumption: robot motion today usually requires a lot of energy to maintain a position, whereas soft systems could store energy well, too. So, what could be more obvious than to take the human muscle as a model and attempt to recreate it? [Read more…] about ETH develops ‘lighter, safer, more robust’ artificial muscles for robots

Autonomous excavator constructs 6-metre-high dry-stone wall

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ETH Zurich researchers from Gramazio Kohler Research, the Robotics Systems Lab, Vision for Robotics Lab, and the Chair of Landscape Architecture deployed an autonomous excavator to build a 6-metre-high and 65-metre-long dry-stone wall.

The wall is embedded in a digitally planned and autonomously excavated landscape and park. The team developed this innovative design application as part of the National Centre of Competence in Research for Digital Fabrication (NCCR dfab). [Read more…] about Autonomous excavator constructs 6-metre-high dry-stone wall

ETH succeeds in printing robot parts with different polymers and new laser scanning technique

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Scientists at ETH have succeeded in printing a robotic hand with bones, ligaments and tendons made of different polymers using a new laser scanning technique. It is believed this is the first time such materials and techniques have been used.

3D printing is advancing rapidly, and the range of materials that can be used has expanded considerably. While the technology was previously limited to fast-​curing plastics, it has now been made suitable for slow-​curing plastics as well.

These have decisive advantages as they have enhanced elastic properties and are more durable and robust. [Read more…] about ETH succeeds in printing robot parts with different polymers and new laser scanning technique

Ethereum 2.0 Could End Bitcoin’s Dominance

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We see a fierce debate going on different topics surrounding crypto. In recent years, we have seen good growth of Bitcoin globally, and it is moving faster in the market. Technology has become an uncommon thing in the market, and it continues to move ahead in life at a more excellent pace in the market.

In technology circles, it is common to see discussions going on different topics. Ever since crypto came into the picture and created a good buzz around, we see a clear consensus to see Bitcoin coming along with a market cap that charts in the earliest days in the market.

Since the beginning of the crypto waves, we have seen a clear consensus option for Bitcoin and many more things about the market cap. Also, several experts have been putting things on hold, and we know the grandfather of cryptos and Blockchain are now working with it. [Read more…] about Ethereum 2.0 Could End Bitcoin’s Dominance

ETH scientists create one-wheel robot that balances with only a single reaction wheel

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Robotics specialists from a group led by ETH professor Raffaello D’Andrea have created a new, cube-​shaped robot that can balance on its pivot and compensate for external disturbances.

What makes the One-​Wheel Cubli unique? Unlike its predecessors, it only requires a single reaction wheel.

It was almost ten years ago that researchers led by ETH robotics professor Raffaello D’Andrea made a splash with a robotic cube that was capable of balancing on its pivot. [Read more…] about ETH scientists create one-wheel robot that balances with only a single reaction wheel

How robots learn to hike: ETH researchers look to improve four-legged ANYmal’s mobility

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By Christoph Elhardt

ETH Zurich researchers led by Marco Hutter have developed a new control approach that enables a legged robot, called ANYmal, to move quickly and robustly over difficult terrain.

Thanks to machine learning, the robot can combine its visual perception of the environment with its sense of touch for the first time.

Steep sections on slippery ground, high steps, scree and forest trails full of roots: the path up the 1,098-​metre-high Mount Etzel at the southern end of Lake Zurich is peppered with numerous obstacles. [Read more…] about How robots learn to hike: ETH researchers look to improve four-legged ANYmal’s mobility

ABB and ETH extend partnership to advance research into the future of robotics

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Building on their long-term relationship across several disciplines, ABB and ETH Zurich, a leading research university in Switzerland, have expanded their partnership into robotics research as part of ETH’s RobotX strategic initiative.

Launched in 2019, RobotX aims to position ETH among the top robotics research institutions worldwide.

As part of RobotX’s industry affiliation program, ABB’s Robotics & Discrete Automation business will support ETH’s ambitious initiative with its leading in-house robotics expertise to combine competence into a platform aimed at training new talent and attracting worldwide experts to advance a range of future technologies, including mobile robotics. [Read more…] about ABB and ETH extend partnership to advance research into the future of robotics

ANYbotics raises $23 million in Series A funding

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ANYbotics, a maker of four-legged robots, has raised CHF20 million ($23 million) in its Series A financing round led by Swisscom Ventures.

The startup says the funding will serve to accelerate the commercialization of its autonomous robots for industrial inspection applications.

ANYbotics enhances safety and productivity in industrial operations through autonomous mobile robots capable of navigating complex environments. [Read more…] about ANYbotics raises $23 million in Series A funding