Spot, a four-legged robot about the size of a golden retriever, went on sale last year for industrial uses—inspecting construction sites, patrolling power plants, and other chores in places a wheeled robot can't go.
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In the past six months, Spots have delivered food to quarantined patients in Singapore, and danced around at a Japanese baseball game as a mechanical substitute for human fans. In Singapore last May, after a social-distance enforcement officer was stabbed by an unmasked man, a Spot was tested for the role of "safe distance ambassador" in Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park.
Quite a lot has been going on:
Oregon Business - Rise of Robots
In 2017 the company premiered Cassie, a pair of robotic legs that could run and walk over all kinds of rough terrain. The robot was a breakthrough in engineering, and was purchased by robotics labs at universities across the country for experimentation and study.
Now, Agility Robotics has launched Digit, a robot that, as the name implies, has arms. The robot is capable of walking, and picking up and putting down objects. While that might not seem like much, the company has formed partnerships with four large companies, including Ford Motors, which intends to develop the robot for commercial use.
Nifty mini-robots you can build / Boing Boing
With this set, you get a collection of seven different NanoBots, each gathered in a wrapper that looks like a package of baseball cards. But inside are all the pieces you need to assemble a cool little robot.
From 70 different robot parts and 250 different components, each robot is a creation in itself. With light sensors and vibro-motors, these robots intelligently move toward any light source, giving you endless amusement and an amazing conversation starter — not to mention building out your engineering and problem-solving skills.
Why we explored humanity's complicated relationship with robots
Humankind has a complicated relationship with robots. On one hand, we appreciate how they can do dangerous, repetitive work so we don't have to. Robots don't need vacations or medical insurance. And in areas such as agriculture, where farmers can't find enough people to pick the produce, robots can shoulder (do they have shoulders?) some of those tasks. But polls show that the growing robotization of the planet makes us feel deeply uncomfortable—and threatened.
Of course, these surveys were taken before COVID-19 , when replacing people with robots began to look like a highly practical answer to social distancing, no masks required.
Other things to check out:
Worldwide Social Robots Industry to 2025 - Featuring Intuition Robotics, Haapie SAS & Reach
The Social Robots market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of about 14% over the forecast period 2020 to 2025.
The rise of research in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Natural Language Processing(NLP), and development platforms such as the Robotic Operating System has enabled the rise in a class of robots called Social Robotics.
5 steps to robotic integration - Today's Medical Developments
Robots perform tasks faster, operate without a break, and run 24/7. Additional throughput can lead to more product, revenue, and profit. Precision and repeatability can improve processes, reducing defects, scrap/waste, and rework. Quantifying the cost of worker safety is not as easy, however eliminating repetitive, strenuous operations can reduce injuries.
Define and complete the first project before attempting an additional one. Understanding the time, money, and people required is key. Jumping too quickly can slow robotic adoption as an overwhelmed staff will look at automation as a burden rather than a profit center. Target the easiest solution to implement first and tackle more complex projects as you learn.
Demand for Automation, Robots Spikes
The dynamic intersection of manufacturing and automation has positioned the industry at an exciting crossroads.
By implementing automation technology and installing robots throughout their production processes, industrial businesses enable their human employees to dedicate time to more intellectually demanding projects, improve quality, reduce risks associated with dangerous tasks, and lower overall operational costs.
According to the NASDAQ Artificial Intelligence & Robotics report, industrial businesses spent $11 billion on robots installed across the globe in 2015. This year, the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) says global sales will hit a new record of $16.5 billion.
Happening on Twitter
One of the strongest arguments that I have heard in favor of Trump's re-election has been that during a panic and p… https://t.co/AmwaAlrXcB AP4Liberty (from Jefferson City, MO) Fri Sep 04 17:53:58 +0000 2020
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