Robotics & Automation News

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Decelerating progress for autonomous buses and roboshuttles, says report

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By Shihao Fu, technology analyst, IDTechEx

In recent years, the promise of the public transport revolution has been teased by autonomous buses and roboshuttles. These technologies promise to deliver significant cost reductions for operators and alleviate labor pressures.

More than 50 autonomous bus and roboshuttle players once competed in this space. However, as the autonomous driving industry evolved during 2022-2024, the commercialization progress of autonomous buses and roboshuttles has been slow, falling short of industry expectations.

IDTechEx has observed a yearly decline in the number of active companies from 2020 to 2024, and large-scale commercial testing has not been achieved. Roboshuttles need to overcome the uncertainties posed by dynamic routes and the performance challenges of navigating narrow urban streets.

[Read more…] about Decelerating progress for autonomous buses and roboshuttles, says report

With Human Controls Abolished, Only a Few Hurdles Remain in Making Automation Legally Secure

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One of the greatest barriers to the true stress testing of automated devices is the need for human control.

According to Reuters, however, US regulators have now eliminated the need for human control in automated devices, such as cars, paving the way for significant future developments.

But the removal of human control does not remove total legal liability, and there are a few legal hurdles yet left that will need to be addressed before automation innovation can start to progress quickly. [Read more…] about With Human Controls Abolished, Only a Few Hurdles Remain in Making Automation Legally Secure

Everyday Robots comes out of Google Moonshot Factory with robots that can learn variety of tasks

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A startup company called Everyday Robots has unveiled a new robot that it says can perform a range of tasks including wiping tables and windows as well as arrange chairs.

Everyday Robots started out as a project at Alphabet’s Moonshot Factory – also known as X, formerly Google X – but has now started to strike out on its own, setting up its own website as well.

Writing on X’s blog, Hans Peter Brøndmo, chief robot officer, says: “We are now operating a fleet of more than 100 robot prototypes that are autonomously performing a range of useful tasks around our offices. The same robot that sorts trash can now be equipped with a squeegee to wipe tables and use the same gripper that grasps cups can learn to open doors.” [Read more…] about Everyday Robots comes out of Google Moonshot Factory with robots that can learn variety of tasks

Zepth and Boston Dynamics develop construction robotics solution

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Zepth, a construction industry solution provider, has agreed a new collaboration with Boston Dynamics, a builder of canine and humanoid robots.

As part of an early adopter program, the project management platform now offers users seamless integration with Boston Dynamics’ mobile robot Spot, enabling project teams to automate routine inspection tasks and capture data safely and with greater precision.

The collaboration combines the data collection capabilities of Spot with Zepth’s cutting-edge intelligent technology, allowing users to draw powerful insights from captured data to enhance efficiency, productivity, and collaboration throughout each phase of a project lifecycle. [Read more…] about Zepth and Boston Dynamics develop construction robotics solution

2020 saw ‘significant organizational growth and progress in autonomous vehicle market’, says industry group

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2020 saw “significant organizational growth and progress” in the autonomous vehicle market, according to the Autonomous Vehicle Computing Consortium, a global group of automotive and technology industry leaders cooperating to help accelerate the delivery of automated and assisted driving compute solutions.

AVCC members have finalized two key foundation documents, new working groups have kicked off work, and critical topics such as cybersecurity are now being addressed. Additional work and liaisons are kicking off in 2021, and new members are invited to help drive these initiatives forward.

Armando Pereira, president of AVCC, says: “The need for AVCC’s guidance for autonomous vehicle computing has gained importance over the past year, and we are proud of our technical committees’ work to unite and build consensus around industry recommendations. [Read more…] about 2020 saw ‘significant organizational growth and progress in autonomous vehicle market’, says industry group

How Modernization of Our World Reflects in Our Well-Being

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Modernization of our world is an inevitable process as our everyday needs drive innovation in every field out there.

The thing is, progress is never a straightforward process. It is without a doubt that it improves our lives, but some drawbacks are inevitable. In some cases, new problems arise as well. That being said, what does the full picture say?

Well, it’s hard to say. The consensus on this topic has not been reached, and it is a source of constant debate – among scientists and regular people as well. [Read more…] about How Modernization of Our World Reflects in Our Well-Being

Are Robots After Your Job?

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With all the new technology being developed lately, it’s common to worry about job security, especially when we consider that robotics and automation are bound to eventually replace a lot of workers. In fact, it’s pretty common to find businesses automating tasks that we once performed by humans.

Not only are machines more reliable, they’re also unhindered by things like fatigue and stress, which essentially minimizes the margin of error.

Coupled with the Covid-19 pandemic and the migration of business to the online landscape, job security is now more important than ever. [Read more…] about Are Robots After Your Job?

HOOPS Exchange 2020 ramps up support for manufacturing as a service

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Tech Soft 3D, a provider of software development toolkits to engineering software companies, has released HOOPS Exchange 2020.

The company describes it as “the industry’s fastest and most accurate CAD data access and reuse technology for manufacturing and architecture, engineering and construction workflows”.

Tech Soft adds that HOOPS Exchange 2020 continues to improve support for manufacturing as a service applications. [Read more…] about HOOPS Exchange 2020 ramps up support for manufacturing as a service