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Space Robotics: Trends Shaping the Industry Today

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The market of space robots is booming, fueled by innovations in robotics, automation, and technologies aimed at exploring the cosmos. As investments in space missions keep growing, there is a need for autonomous systems that can handle complex tasks in challenging conditions.

Examples like satellite servicing, planetary exploration, and orbital debris removal highlight how space robotics is changing our interaction with the cosmos. Let’s explore the factors fueling the rapid evolution of space robotic systems. [Read more…] about Space Robotics: Trends Shaping the Industry Today

Top 10 space robotics companies: Commercialising the final frontier

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Space has become something of a commercial gold rush in the past 10 years or more, with new opportunities increasingly opening up for, and attracting, companies and individuals from many backgrounds.

Right now, as many of you will know, a student or maybe a group of students could build a “CubeSat” satellite for a few thousand dollars and find a rocket to take it up into space for a fee of around $40,000. So, for less than $50,000, they could legitimately call their enterprise a “space company”.

For the generation that grew up watching NASA and only NASA fly to space and back using the Space Shuttle and traditional rockets, this is difficult to believe. I suppose younger people have grown up in a time of unprecedented opportunity, at least in terms of space. [Read more…] about Top 10 space robotics companies: Commercialising the final frontier

Spain’s King Felipe visits GMV to celebrate space robotics company’s 40th anniversary

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His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain presided over the celebration of GMV’s 40th anniversary today. GMV is a prominent multinational technology company, renowned for its innovation and development in strategic sectors, and a pioneer in the Spanish aerospace industry.

Founded in 1984, GMV is recognized as the leading independent Spanish company in the space sector by employee count, the sixth largest in Europe, and a global reference in areas such as intelligent transportation systems, defense, and cybersecurity.

With nearly 3,500 employees in 12 countries, 92 percent of whom are engineers, and a strong presence in Europe, the Americas, and Asia, GMV collaborates closely with space agencies like the European Space Agency (ESA), defense institutions, and public organizations, contributing to cutting-edge global projects. [Read more…] about Spain’s King Felipe visits GMV to celebrate space robotics company’s 40th anniversary

RoboForce raises $10 million to build robots for solar and space industries

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RoboForce, the world’s most advanced “Robo-Labor” provider, today announced it has raised $10 million early stage funding with support from investors such as Nobel Laureate Myron Scholes, co-founder of Softbank VC (SBVC) Gary Rieschel, and Carnegie Mellon University.

With this funding, RoboForce is emerging from stealth as it prepares to deploy its Robo-Labor this year for early customers, for whom robots can fulfill labor shortages in harsh outdoor conditions, complete the most hazardous tasks in dangerous work environments, and maximize project efficiency and cost savings.

With 1mm accuracy in performing fine motor skills like picking, placing, pressing, twisting and connecting, the Robo-Labor has all-terrain mobility, precise manipulation, learning, communication, and safety compliance capabilities. RoboForce’s robots are unparalleled in the emerging field of AI robotics. [Read more…] about RoboForce raises $10 million to build robots for solar and space industries

Stanford University launches new, multidisciplinary and ‘unified’ robotics centre

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Stanford University’s robotics researchers, once dispersed in labs across campus, now have a unified, state-of-the-art space for groundbreaking research, education, and collaboration.

The basement beneath the Packard Electrical Engineering Building, once a hallway with researchers working behind closed doors, is now a bustling hub for collaboration. After many years of planning, fundraising, and development, the all-new Stanford Robotics Center officially opened its doors with a reception on November 1st.

The new facility is a bright, open, and vibrant space with a number of research bays arranged side-by-side. In one corner, a dancer pirouettes as her movements are digitized and projected on a nearby monitor.

Next door, a pair of robotic arms makes a bed while others prepare a meal. Not far away, a medical student gazes into stereoscopic lenses manipulating hand tools while a machine across the room performs a mock surgery.

[Read more…] about Stanford University launches new, multidisciplinary and ‘unified’ robotics centre

How to Increase the Space of Your Warehouse

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Space is among the most critical resources for warehouse operators. Making good use of the space you have available can make the difference between profit and loss. Let’s take a look at a few optimisations that can help you to get the most from your warehouse. [Read more…] about How to Increase the Space of Your Warehouse

European Space Agency to test animal brain autonomy for future space missions

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Opteran works with Airbus to show how nature can revolutionize space robotics

Opteran, which describes itself as ‘the natural intelligence company”, says that Airbus Defence and Space, with support from European Space Agency (ESA) and the UK Space Agency, will test the Opteran Mind, its general purpose neuromorphic software, in Airbus space rovers.

Opteran believes nature offers a more efficient, robust solution for autonomy in space robotics which will enable new mission capabilities for future Mars missions and other space exploration projects.

Based on over a decade of research into animal and insect vision, navigation and decision-making, Opteran is conducting tests with Airbus at its Mars Yard to enable rovers to understand depth perception in the toughest off-world environments.

[Read more…] about European Space Agency to test animal brain autonomy for future space missions

HEBI Robotics awarded $150,000 grant by NASA

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HEBI Robotics, creator of a robot development platform that makes it possible to quickly design and create robust robots, has been awarded a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant by NASA to develop smart robotic actuation hardware and building blocks that are compatible with the HEBI Platform for robot development, and suitable for use in missions to space.

Bob Raida, CEO of HEBI Robotics, says: “For 10 years, HEBI has been working to streamline the process of developing robots. Customers around the world use our system to create robust robots that would have been infeasible without the HEBI Platform.

“Many of those users are designing systems that will ultimately be deployed in space. This project will make it possible for those users to design and build robots in their lab with the HEBI Platform, knowing that work will carry through to the final production design and system.” [Read more…] about HEBI Robotics awarded $150,000 grant by NASA

NASA boosts GoAERO’s mission with Space Act Agreement and university innovation project funding

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GoAERO says its Space Act Agreement with NASA codifies and expands its partnership and marks a “significant leap forward” in its mission to revolutionize emergency response aviation.

In addition, NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD) has committed additional funding through its University Innovation Project, specifically targeting US-based university teams participating in the GoAERO Prize competition.

This collaboration, announced at the recent International Council of Aeronautical Sciences (ICAS) conference, underscores NASA’s dedication to fostering innovation in aviation and emergency response technologies. [Read more…] about NASA boosts GoAERO’s mission with Space Act Agreement and university innovation project funding

The Ultimate Guide to Bathroom Vanities: Choosing the Right Size for Your Space

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When it comes to bathroom renovations, one of the key elements that can transform the look and functionality of your space is the vanity.

Among the various sizes available, the 84 inch vanity stands out as a popular choice for those looking to make a bold statement.

But how do you know if an 84 inch vanity is the right fit for your bathroom? Let’s explore the different sizes of bathroom vanities, discuss the benefits of each, and provide some helpful tips to make your decision easier. [Read more…] about The Ultimate Guide to Bathroom Vanities: Choosing the Right Size for Your Space