Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

trees

NorDan becomes first timber products manufacturer to monitor tree health

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NorDan, one of Europe’s leading timber composite window and door manufacturers, has become the first manufacturer in its sector to actively measure and monitor the health of the forests from which it sources its timber.

NorDan invited independent consultants Fortis Facades to analyse the Polish forests that are a vital part of its supply chain, checking important factors such as tree health, density and chronology of the trees, as well as the quality and yield of timber.

Fortis Facades’ “BIOME” division employed the use of scientific methods to assess the condition and sustainability of the NorDan forests in Poland. [Read more…] about NorDan becomes first timber products manufacturer to monitor tree health

Georgia Tech develops robot designed for thinning and pruning peach trees

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Peaches, not surprisingly, pack a punch for Georgia’s economy.

Over 130 million pounds of peaches are produced in Georgia per year, and the Southern staple has a total farm gate value of over $71 million, according to recent estimates.

But cultivating peaches is a complex and manually-intensive process that has put a strain on many farms stretched for time and workers. To solve this problem, the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) has developed an intelligent robot designed to handle the human-based tasks of thinning and pruning peach trees, which could result in significant cost savings for peach farms in Georgia. [Read more…] about Georgia Tech develops robot designed for thinning and pruning peach trees

Trees and power lines

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Trees are an important part of our lives; they add aesthetic value to the surrounding environment, improve air and water quality, reduce soil erosion, and provide shade during the scorching summer months.

Likewise, power lines serve the machinery and equipment we interact with every day, adding luxury and efficacy to our lives.

While these two provide amazing benefits, when trees and power lines are in close proximity to roads, they become a potential hazard to motorists and can cause extreme vehicle damages and bodily injuries if they fall over or motorists accidentally run into them.

Read on to find out how to stay safe while driving on roads with trees and power lines. [Read more…] about Trees and power lines

Scientists build robot to climb coconut trees

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A group of scientists has developed a robot that can climb coconut trees and harvest the delicious fruit, or nut, or whatever it is. (See video below.)

In a paper authored by nine authors, the researchers say there is “an acute shortage of human coconut tree climbers to harvest coconuts in India and other developing countries”.

In response, the team has built a robot called Amaran, which is described as “a novel robotic coconut tree climber and harvester”, and which can be operated through a smartphone. [Read more…] about Scientists build robot to climb coconut trees