Robotics & Automation News

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exoskeletons

Renault Group invests in ‘humanoid robot’ maker Wandercraft

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Renault Group has made a minority investment in Wandercraft, which is said to be “the first company to develop, manufacture and market medical self-balancing exoskeletons”.

Building on its strong expertise in powerful and reliable exoskeletons, Wandercraft has developed an advanced platform for uses such as manufacturing.

Moreover, Wandercraft describes its exoskeleton as a “humanoid robot”, and the (main) picture supplied with the press release shows the exoskeleton apparently working alone in a warehouse of some sort. [Read more…] about Renault Group invests in ‘humanoid robot’ maker Wandercraft

5 Reasons Why Robotic Technologies are Important in Today’s Digital Age

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Robotics are the future of technology, and it’s easy to understand why. One reason is that innovations have broad applications that today’s digital age can’t do without.

Here, we’ll discuss five main reasons robotic technologies are invaluable to the modern world. [Read more…] about 5 Reasons Why Robotic Technologies are Important in Today’s Digital Age

Ottobock acquires exoskeleton specialist suitX

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Ottobock, a developer of prosthetics, orthotics, and exoskeletons, has acquired 100 percent of the shares in suitX, a US-based company spun out of the Robotics and Human Engineering Lab at the University of California, Berkeley.

suitX specializes in the research and development of occupational and medical exoskeletons.

Ottobock and suitX are combining their expertise and products to take the exoskeleton market to a new level and to foster the worldwide adoption of exoskeletons. [Read more…] about Ottobock acquires exoskeleton specialist suitX

How robotics is helping those with disabilities

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Government statistics show that 14.1 million people reported a disability in the UK in 2018-19 – a figure that equates to 21% of the population. Of course, disabilities can range in severity and further data from the authorities reveals 4.1 million disabled people are in work.

Although that represents almost 30% of all disabled people, Scope’s 2019 disability price tag study found that on average, those with a disability face extra living costs of nearly £600 per month.

The encouraging news is that plenty is being done to improve the quality of life for disabled people, to help them enjoy the sense of freedom and independence that more able members of the population may take for granted. [Read more…] about How robotics is helping those with disabilities

Robots in Healthcare and Human Perception

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Robots. They are everywhere. Every sector in human society now has robots that perform all sorts of tasks. Many times, those tasks are some that could harm flesh and blood if humans did it, or those where human error could be catastrophic, or those where human efforts would be too slow.

In the healthcare sector today, robots pervade the space, especially in first world countries.

This article discusses the uses, benefits, and disadvantages of robots in the healthcare industry. It then goes ahead to discuss the perception of humans about these machines. [Read more…] about Robots in Healthcare and Human Perception

Comau’s brief history of exoskeletons

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Since 1965, when the first exoskeleton was produced for military use, exoskeletons have been increasingly popular in the manufacturing world, supporting workers and improving the quality of their working hours. (See video below.)

In 2018 more than 7,000 units were sold in manufacturing, according to ABI Research data.

However, the potential market need would be 60,000 units for all types of exoskeleton, with an estimated growth rate of more than 50 percent from 2019 to 2024. [Read more…] about Comau’s brief history of exoskeletons

Nidec to supply actuators for German Bionic exoskeleton

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Nidec is to supply “super flat” actuators for a new German Bionic exoskeleton prototype, which will be showcased at an exhibition in Tokyo. 

A German Bionic exoskeleton prototype based on its Cray X power suit that uses Nidec-Shimpo’s innovative super flat actuator will be displayed at the International Robot Exhibition 2019 (iREX 2019), a trade show focusing on industrial and service robots and related equipment, taking place December 18-21 at Tokyo Big Sight.

Hitoshi Inoue, CTO at Nidec-Shimpo, says: “After investing substantially in its development, we are very proud to now see our groundbreaking actuator integrated in the German Bionic exoskeleton prototype that is being shown at this year’s iREX.” [Read more…] about Nidec to supply actuators for German Bionic exoskeleton

Comau features its exoskeleton in Pack Expo robotics showcase

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Comau, an industrial automation company and part of the Fiat Chrysler Group, is presenting its Muscular Aiding Tech Exoskeleton (Mate) in the all new Robotic Zone (booth N-850G) at Pack Expo Las Vegas.

Visitors to Comau’s interactive booth will have the opportunity to experience firsthand the benefit of incorporating exoskeletons into material handling processes by wearing a Mate in a typical pick and place operation.

Mate has been designed to improve work quality in an efficient and highly ergonomic manner by providing consistent and advanced movement assistance during prolonged overhead, as well as daily tasks. [Read more…] about Comau features its exoskeleton in Pack Expo robotics showcase

Global wearable robotic exoskeleton market forecast to grow to $4 billion

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The global wearable robotic exoskeleton market is forecast to grow to more than $4 billion by the end of 2026 and record annual growth of 43.1 per cent during the forecast period of 2019-2026.

At present advancement in Artificial Intelligence and robotics is enabling wearable robotic exoskeleton development primarily for logistics, medical and engineering commitments due to limited battery support capabilities.

However wearable robotic exoskeleton can be applied in a wide range of industries capable of augmenting the growth of the global wearable robotic exoskeleton market. [Read more…] about Global wearable robotic exoskeleton market forecast to grow to $4 billion

Industry group developing standards for exoskeletons

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ASTM International, formerly known as American Society for Testing and Materials, is developing global standards for exoskeletons.

The group’s proposed “Exoskeletons Guide” aims to provide tools that help assess and ultimately improve the usefulness and usability of exoskeletons and exosuits.

Kevin Purcell, an ergonomist at the US Army Public Health Center’s Aberdeen Proving Ground, says: “Exoskeletons and exosuits can open up a world of possibilities, from helping workers perform industrial tasks while not getting overstressed, to helping stroke victims learning to walk again, to helping soldiers carry heavier rucksacks longer distances. [Read more…] about Industry group developing standards for exoskeletons