|
From the Editor
Will Consumer Robots Become More Acceptable in 2023?
Happy 2023 everyone! I hope your holidays were fun and/or relaxing, and that you were able to spend time with friends and family. Back in the robotics space, this week we expect to see news from consumer robotics companies at the Consumer Electronics Show (aka CES), but the big question is whether consumers will buy them. Apart from robot vacuums and mops, robots for the home have had a spotty record at best, with high costs, clunky directions and other missteps. I don’t think any single company can expect to create a robot that everyone would want, but it should be interesting to see another wave of specific robots that look to perform singular tasks for people. Stay tuned and we’ll have more news from the show over the next few weeks. On a personal note, we are now in Year 3 of Robotics World! We have a new website design that should make it easier to find older stories and interesting content - drop me a note if you like the new look or have additional ideas on what we should cover. Thanks as always for reading the newsletter and supporting our sponsors! – Keith Shaw, Managing Editor. |
|
|
|
IDS: Upgraded Ensenso 3D Cameras Now Available
|
|
Imaging Development Systems (IDS) has announced that its Ensenso N series of 3D cameras, which have almost doubled resolution and accuracy from previous models, are now available. Customers can now purchase the N31, N36, N41 and N46 cameras from IDS. The Ensenso N 3D cameras have a compact housing (made of aluminum or plastic composite, depending on the model) with an integrated pattern projector. IDS said the cameras are suitable for capturing both static and moving objects. The integrated projector projects a high-contrast texture onto the objects in question. A pattern mask with a random dot pattern complements non-existing or only weakly visible surface structures. |
|
|
|
MOV.AI Launches Flow Environment to Simplify ROS Development
|
|
MOV.AI, which develops the Robotics Engine Platform, has announced the beta release of Flow, a visual integrated development environment (DE) designed specifically for ROS-based robot software. The open IDE speeds and streamlines robot software development with a visual representation of ROS projects, making it easier to understand ROS projects and allow for simple and intuitive development, the company said. MOV.AI Flow also makes it easier to import assets, reduces configuration and integration work, speeds up debugging, and makes it easier to port projects across environments, and share with the community, MOV.AI said. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
RoboSense to Show New Smart Lidar Sensor Systems at CES 2023
|
|
RoboSense, which develops smart lidar sensor systems, said it will showcase its latest products at CES 2023 in Las Vegas from Jan. 5-8, 2023. RoboSense said it will exhibit its first solid-state, short-range flash lidar, RS-LiDAR-E1 (E1) at Booth #5461, West Hall, Tech East, LVCC. Attendees will learn about E1’s performance characteristics, deployment solutions and other details. E1 will be mass produced in the second half of 2023 and will support smart vehicles’ “all-scenario perception” capabilities. E1 is automotive-grade solid-state LiDAR with RoboSense-developed chips. |
|
|
|
Moorebot Launches Mobile Robot for Consumers
|
|
Moorebot, which makes robot applications such as the Hubble HUGO Baby Cam and the ZEUS fighting robot, has announced the new Scout E robot aimed at kids, adults for use in homes and businesses. Built with a high-definition, 1080p video camera, microphone and speakers, the Scout E can move and explore under beds, tables and chairs. The system supports a secure peer-to-peer connection which lets users access the robot remotely from anywhere in the world. The Scout E can also record and create short videos, even in the dark with its night vision ability. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gausium to Showcase New Navigation Engine at CES 2023
|
|
Gausium, a global provider of autonomous cleaning and service robots, will bring its latest navigation technology “GMind X” to CES 2023. “We are very much looking forward to the CES,” said Peter Kwestro, global business development director at Gausium. “Gausium is presenting our award-winning service robots at the fair. Having won six awards in best innovation and design in 2022, Gausium is leading the autonomous cleaning market. The success of the Gausium robots can be largely attributed to the Gausium’s unique vision SLAM and the groundbreaking Auto Spot Cleaning feature supported by AI deep learning. |
|
|
|
Aurora Releases Driver Beta 5.0 on Journey to Commercial Launch
|
|
Pittsburgh-based Aurora Innovation has announced the release of Aurora Driver Beta 5.0, the latest version of its integrated hardware and autonomy system, to its autonomous trucking fleet in Texas. With a more performant Aurora Driver, the company said it is advancing toward commercial launch and continues to increase its weekly freight hauls for pilot customers such as FedEx, Uber Freight, Werner, and Schneider. The new Driver Beta 5.0 unlocks key safety-critical and increasingly complex highway driving capabilities, which enables trucks to autonomously operate in more scenarios. |
|
|
|
|
|
In Case You Missed It
NASA Ends Mars InSight Mission After 4 Years of Data Collection
NASA announced that its InSight mission has ended after more than four years of collecting unique science on Mars. Mission controllers at the agency’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Southern California were unable to contact the lander after two consecutive attempts, leading them to conclude the spacecraft’s solar-powered batteries have run out of energy – a state engineers refer to as “dead bus.” NASA said it had previously decided to declare the mission over if the lander missed two communication attempts. The agency will continue to listen for a signal from the lander, just in case, but hearing from it at this point is considered unlikely. The last time InSight communicated with Earth was Dec. 15. Read More |
|
Sponsored Video
Oriental Motor's AZ Series mini Driver
The AZ Series mini Driver from Oriental Motor works with a variety of AlphaStep AZ Series, DC input products. This driver can be controlled using EtherCAT or RS-485 communication and daisy chained to maximize design, space and improve installation time. The mini Driver is also designed to be close to the motor, making it ideal for robotic applications. The elimination of switches and I/O connectors allows for a compact and lightweight design. Utilizes the MEXE02 Support Software, available for free download. Watch the video HERE. |
|
|
|
|
Featured Article
RoboTire Expands Deployments, Partners with Creamery Tire
RoboTire, a Michigan-based robotics and automation startup that deploys systems to change vehicles’ tires, has announced a partnership with Creamery Tire, a locally owned service center founded in Pennsylvania in 1988. Creamery Tire is deploying the RoboTire tire changing system at a location in a north Philadelphia suburb in Creamery, Penn. The partnership between Creamery Tire and RoboTire aims to improve the overall tire changing experience for customers, the companies said. The systems aim to reduce the current hour-long tire changing experience to less than 25 minutes, allowing shops to serve more cars in a safe and efficient environment. Read More |
|
|
Robotics News
- TeamViewer Digitizes Warehouse Operations at GlobalFoundries with AR-Based Picking Solution
TeamViewer, a provider of remote connectivity and workplace digitalization solutions, announced that the global semiconductor manufacturer GlobalFoundries (GF) has deployed TeamViewer’s Augmented Reality (AR) platform Frontline for its warehouse operations at its facility in Dresden, Germany. The company said this deployment looks to provide up to 25% faster execution of warehouse processes, better employee ergonomics, a picking error rate close to zero and a reduction in waste of around 100,000 paper sheets per year. At the GF warehouse, the software guides the warehouse workers through the picking process with clear step-by-step instructions that are displayed on smart glasses directly in their field of view. Together with the integrated voice control, it provides hands-free information to the workers, replacing the former paper-based process.
- L3Harris Delivers First T7 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Robots to U.S. Air Force
L3Harris Technologies announced delivery of the first of more than 100 T7 explosive ordnance disposal robots to the U.S. Air Force as part of a contract supporting the USAF’s global EOD mission. The L3Harris T7 EOD robot, compared to previous systems, offers increased speed, improved lift, reach strength, extended battery life and human-like dexterity, increasing mission-critical precision for complex explosive ordnance disposal missions. The T7 will help safeguard Air Force EOD operators as they mitigate explosive threats around the globe, L3Harris said. The initial four-robot delivery represents the first of 56 T7 systems, and includes support, maintenance and training provided under an $85 million, 10-year, indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract awarded in September 2021. In May 2022 the USAF requested 51 additional T7 robots, for a total of 107 robots ordered to date.
- Veuron Technology Launches Eco-Friendly Autonomous Cold-Chain Delivery Truck
South Korean lidar and autonomous driving startup Vueron Technology has announced it will launch an eco-friendly autonomous truck delivery business, with an exclusive partnership with the leading cold-chain logistics platform in Korea. Founded in 2019, Veuron specializes in developing lidar solutions and autonomous driving technology. It provides VueOne, an automotive lidar solution, and VueTwo, a smart infrastructure lidar solution, based on self-developed perception algorithms. The company said it succeeded earlier this year in obtaining an autonomous vehicle permit in California and Nevada for the use of only one lidar sensor.
- Cobalt Robotics Integrates With Envoy for Workplace Visitor Check-In
Cobalt Robotics, which uses autonomous robots to supplement security guard posts, has announced a new technology partnership and software integration with Envoy, a workplace platform that enables more flexible workplace options. Envoy Visitors is now integrated with Cobalt’s autonomous robots, adding a new level of innovation to the visitor check-in process, Cobalt said. Workplaces that require a visitor to register at the reception desk will be greeted by a Cobalt robot.
|
|
|
Robotics News
Monopoly-based Theme Park Deploys RoboButler to Interact with Visitors
Monopoly Dreams Hong Kong and Novelte Robotics have announced a collaboration that aims to pamper visitors with an interactive Information and tour-guide service using a mobile robot called “RoboButler” (GB1). As the Monopoly Dreams’ frontline ambassador, GB1 can work during opening hours every day, providing visitors with friendly services at various attraction sites inside the theme park. Receptionists and tour guides also stand by to help and escort visitors. GB1 is configured with a 14-inch 1,920 by 1,080 pixel touchscreen interface. GB1’s 1-meter tall robot trunk can climb slopes of up to 7 degrees. With six loudspeakers located at different parts of the body, the robot’s friendly greetings are easily heard at the theme park, Novelte Robotics said. Read More |
|
Fuji Demonstrates Autonomous Mobile Robot for Moving Carts in Retail Stores
Fuji Corporation said it has used its know-how from years of experience in robotics and automation to develop a solution for automatically moving wheeled carts in retail stores. The solution aims to handle multiple types of existing carts that are typically used in retail stores, and requires no changes to existing store layout or infrastructure. The company said it plans to demonstrate this under-development solution at the NRF 2023 Retail Big Show in New York in January 2023. To evaluate the practicality and capability of the robot, Fuji said testing began in July 2022 at selected stores of Cainz, a top home improvement center chain in Japan. Read More |
|
Bridgestone to Showcase its Vision of Sustainable Mobility at CES 2023
Bridgestone will demonstrate its comprehensive vision for sustainable mobility at the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas from January 5-8. At CES 2023, Bridgestone will showcase renewable natural rubber and tire recycling, “Smart Corner” digitally connected tires and air springs for EVs, and will offer a digital concierge experience for personal and fleet vehicle management. At CES 2023, Bridgestone said it will debut its vision of end-to-end tire ownership and vehicle management with the goal of carbon-neutral transportation and sustainable mobility. Read More |
|
Ubitus, Smart Surgery Help Doctors Practice Robotic Surgery Through VR
Tokyo-based Ubitus and Smart Surgery Technology have announced the rollout of a virtual reality-driven surgery simulation application – Sim Surgery. Smart Surgery recently demonstrated the product at the Medical Taiwan Exhibition in early December 2022. The companies said ample practice is required for a medical student or even a doctor to become a skillful surgeon operating a robotic surgery system, such as the da Vinci Surgical System or Laparoscopy surgery. Robotic surgery simulators are available only in medical schools or hospitals, as they are bulky and expensive. Sim Surgery addresses this problem with a VR-equipped interactive application, providing a visual experience and tactile feel from operating on 3D organ models through affordable personal VR gear. Read More |
|
About Us Unsubscribe Privacy Policy |
This email was sent to @. |
|