Robotics & Automation News

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soft robotics

MIT develops vision-based system that gives machines ‘bodily self-awareness’

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In an office at MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL), a soft robotic hand carefully curls its fingers to grasp a small object.

The intriguing part isn’t the mechanical design or embedded sensors – in fact, the hand contains none. Instead, the entire system relies on a single camera that watches the robot’s movements and uses that visual data to control it.

This capability comes from a new system CSAIL scientists developed, offering a different perspective on robotic control. Rather than using hand-designed models or complex sensor arrays, it allows robots to learn how their bodies respond to control commands, solely through vision. [Read more…] about MIT develops vision-based system that gives machines ‘bodily self-awareness’

Robotic piece-picking: Inside the quest for human-level dexterity

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Exploring the convergence of advanced grippers, 3D vision, and sophisticated AI that is enabling robots to handle an ever-wider variety of items with near-human skill

The relentless surge of global e-commerce has transformed our expectations for speed and convenience. But behind the one-click purchase lies a vast, complex, and physically demanding logistics network.

At its heart is a critical bottleneck: the manual, often strenuous task of piece picking. For decades, the simple act of identifying a specific item from a diverse jumble in a bin, grasping it securely, and placing it in a shipping container has remained stubbornly in the human domain.

Humans’ innate combination of sight, touch, and judgment has been the one ingredient that automation couldn’t replicate. Possibly until now. [Read more…] about Robotic piece-picking: Inside the quest for human-level dexterity

Ground and Soft Robotics partner on material handling solution

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Logistics automation company Ground Inc concluded a sales partnership agreement with Soft Robotics to provide the first of its “SuperPick” solution in Japan.

Soft Robotics is a startup company originating in the United States, founded mainly in 2013 by researchers at Harvard University.

The company’s “SuperPick” is to apply atypical individuals with high precision and speed like a human hand by applying technologies such as proprietary latest vision technology, algorithms, patented materials, and so on.  [Read more…] about Ground and Soft Robotics partner on material handling solution

ABB invests in soft robotics to transform pick and place processes

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ABB is backing a new technology which will enable robots to pick up and handle fragile items that would be damaged if current grippers were used. 

ABB Technology Ventures is ABB’s strategic venture capital investment arm. ATV finds the startup partners from which ABB can best benefit, both strategically and financially.

ABB’s partnership with Soft Robotics provides a perfect example of how proactive engagement with a startup can make all the difference when it comes to improving innovation processes.  [Read more…] about ABB invests in soft robotics to transform pick and place processes

Soft Robotics raises $20 million in ‘oversubscribed’ funding round

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Industrial robotics company Soft Robotics has raised $20 million in what it says was “an oversubscribed funding round”.

The new investors include Scale Venture Partners, Calibrate Ventures, Honeywell Ventures, Tekfen Ventures, Yamaha Motor, with Hyperplane Venture Capital leading the round.

Existing investors include Material Impact, ABB Technology Ventures, Taylor Farms Ventures and Haiyin Capital.  [Read more…] about Soft Robotics raises $20 million in ‘oversubscribed’ funding round

Robotic gripper soft enough to change light bulbs without breaking them

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How many robots does it take to screw in a light bulb?

The answer: just one, assuming you’re talking about a new robotic gripper developed by engineers at the University of California San Diego.

The engineering team has designed and built a gripper that can pick up and manipulate objects without needing to see them and needing to be trained.  [Read more…] about Robotic gripper soft enough to change light bulbs without breaking them

Columbia University develops soft actuator three times stronger than human muscle to make robots more lifelike

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Columbia University says it has developed a self-contained soft actuator that is three times stronger than natural muscle, without the need of externals.

The researchers say the development means robotic motion will be more lifelike, and that it signals a breakthrough in soft robotics.

The creation of untethered soft robots whose actions and movements can help mimic natural biological systems have been a long-standing issue, and the scientists at Columbia Engineering say they have solved it.  [Read more…] about Columbia University develops soft actuator three times stronger than human muscle to make robots more lifelike