Robotics & Automation News

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Data Visualization Comes to Robotics

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The growth of the robotics sector was nothing short of spectacular in 2021. In just one year, robot density in manufacturing processes doubled, leading many to herald the dawn of a new era. Robots are finally here in numbers that matter, and it looks like they’re here to stay.

Robot development, though, is changing. It’s no longer a logical codified process, Instead, it’s more about learning and training, similar to the approach you’d take with a human child.

Unfortunately, getting to grips with all that data is difficult. Not only is the way machines are being programmed changing, but also how engineers and software professionals troubleshoot and analyze outputs. [Read more…] about Data Visualization Comes to Robotics

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

Proud Automation named certified system integrator by MiR

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Proud Automation has become the latest addition to the Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR) list of certified system integrators.

As a certified systems integrator, the company will assist MiR in implementing robots and offer customized solutions to industrial, manufacturing, and logistics customers to suit their application needs.

Proud Automation, a subsidiary of the RG Group, has been named a Certified Systems Integrator by North America’s leading producer of autonomous mobile robots and Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR). [Read more…] about Proud Automation named certified system integrator by MiR

ABB launches virtual technical assistance support service

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Industrial automation giant ABB has launched a virtual technical assistance support service.

With the theme of “A problem shared” – the new virtual assistance support service from ABB provides instant access to virtual face to face expert technical advice.

Getting to grips with robotic automation is “now even easier” with the launch of ABB’s Virtual Assistance support service, says the company. [Read more…] about ABB launches virtual technical assistance support service

ABB to continue online robot masterclass training courses

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ABB says it will continue the online versions of its popular classroom-based robot training courses, helping organisations ensure that staff still get training on robots.

ABB Robotics range of robot training courses have been available online for almost 12 months.

Built on the same materials used in its popular classroom-based courses normally run at ABB’s Robot Training Centre in Milton Keynes, UK, the Virtual Classroom Training programme is ideal for beginners and experts alike, covering topics including programming, safety and operation. [Read more…] about ABB to continue online robot masterclass training courses

Toyota Research Institute reaches ‘new technical milestones in robotics’

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Toyota Research Institute (TRI) says it has reached “new technical milestones in robotics”. The company has unveiled new robotics capabilities aimed at solving complex tasks in home environments.

Specifically, TRI roboticists were able to train robots to understand and operate in complicated situations that confuse most other robots, including recognizing and responding to transparent and reflective surfaces in a variety of circumstances.

As TRI demonstrates in a new video (see below), this robust system allows robots to make generalizations in a range of scenarios, including in different homes. [Read more…] about Toyota Research Institute reaches ‘new technical milestones in robotics’

Ekso Bionics provides exoskeletons to hospitals in Florida

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Ekso Bionics, a developer of exoskeleton technology for medical and industrial use, has expanded partnership with Kindred Healthcare, bringing EksoNR, the most clinically used robotic exoskeleton, to four of Kindred’s Long-Term Acute Care Hospitals in the US.

The multi-unit order follows a successful pilot program of the EksoNR last year.

EksoNR has become a standard of care within Kindred’s Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospitals by driving patient outcomes in neurorehabilitation through early mobility and gait training.

In 2019, Kindred executed a proof of concept in the Houston LTAC market and, after a successful implementation, launched three additional Ekso programs in the Houston-metro area in 2020. [Read more…] about Ekso Bionics provides exoskeletons to hospitals in Florida

Fanuc forms alliance with Doosan on workforce development

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Fanuc America and Doosan Machine Tools America have formed a partnership to better prepare future machine operators.

The Fanuc Certified CNC Training Program now offers manufacturing skills development using Doosan machine tools.

The new offering adds to the depth and breadth of Fanuc’s CNC training tools as well as allows operators a hands-on experience with Doosan’s high performance CNC machines, which have been used in manufacturing for over 40 years. [Read more…] about Fanuc forms alliance with Doosan on workforce development

SAE International launches 12-week robotics for autonomous vehicle systems training ‘Bootcamp’

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Virtual 12-week experience provides career development opportunities for engineers entering the fast-growing autonomous vehicles industry

SAE International has announced the new 12-week Robotics for Autonomous Vehicle Systems Bootcamp for recent graduates and/or entry-level mechanical, electrical and computer science engineers joining the industry to support autonomous vehicle (AV) system development.

In partnership with Clemson University and Argo AI, SAE designed the rigorous, virtual-only workforce development experience to provide participants with an in-depth technical understanding of how to build autonomous systems.

“Companies can spend upwards of 10 months onboarding entry-level AV positions, which in this fast-moving industry can directly hinder the development and deployment cycles. The Robotics for Autonomous Vehicle Systems Bootcamp aims to support both employers and professionals by bridging the training gap through an accelerated 12-week bootcamp,” said Elizabeth Melville, director of learning at SAE International. [Read more…] about SAE International launches 12-week robotics for autonomous vehicle systems training ‘Bootcamp’

Deep learning networks prefer the human voice – just like we do

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Columbia engineers demonstrate that AI systems might reach higher performance if programmed with sound files of human language rather than with binary data labels. (See video below.)

The digital revolution is built on a foundation of invisible 1s and 0s called bits.

As decades pass, and more and more of the world’s information and knowledge morph into streams of 1s and 0s, the notion that computers prefer to “speak” in binary numbers is rarely questioned.

According to new research from Columbia Engineering, this could be about to change. [Read more…] about Deep learning networks prefer the human voice – just like we do