Category: Robots

A remarkable startup hailing from Arizona, Revolute Robotics, has introduced a groundbreaking creation known as the Hybrid Mobility Robot (HMR). This fully autonomous bot showcases an impressive combination of rolling and flying capabilities, making it an ingenious solution for inspecting confined spaces. Designed to enhance safety and efficiency in challenging environments like oil rigs and deep mine shafts, the HMR has the potential to revolutionize the inspection process.

The core idea behind the HMR’s development is to automate inspections in spaces where human presence poses significant risks. Traditionally, inspections in such areas can halt operations for extended periods, resulting in increased costs for businesses. However, Revolute Robotics’ innovative solution utilizes a pair of gyroscopic gimbal rings, enabling the bot to roll in any direction. When faced with obstacles or inaccessible zones during inspections, it effortlessly switches to flying mode using its four propellers.

Continue reading… “Revolute Robotics Unveils Mesmerizing Hybrid Mobility Robot: A Game-Changer for Confined Space Inspections”

Establishing a permanent lunar base on the moon is a daunting task, requiring massive logistical efforts and significant expenses. To ease the burden of transporting all necessary supplies from Earth, researchers are exploring the possibility of harvesting materials directly on the lunar surface. To accomplish this challenging feat, a team of four-legged robots may become valuable allies.

A recent study published in Science Robotics showcases the work of researchers at Switzerland’s ETH Zurich university, who conducted outdoor excursions with a trio of modified quadruped ANYmal robots. The team tested the robots on various terrains in Switzerland and at the European Space Resources Innovation Centre (ESRIC) in Luxembourg. Collaborating with the Universities of Basel, Bern, and Zurich, engineers programmed each ANYmal with specific lunar tasks: one was equipped with a microscopy camera and spectrometer to identify rock varieties, while another utilized cameras and a laser scanner to map and classify its surroundings. The third robot demonstrated the ability to identify rocks and map its environment, albeit with slightly less precision than its counterparts.

Continue reading… “Quadruped Robots: Paving the Way for Lunar Base Construction”

Legged robots have gained popularity due to the use of electric motors, providing controlled movement for robotic limbs. However, when it comes to achieving the instantaneous power of biological muscles, electric motors fall short. To address this, researchers from the University of Cape Town have turned to an old-school alternative—pneumatics. Inspired by the rapid maneuvers of cheetahs, they have demonstrated that pneumatics can offer high force-to-weight ratios, built-in compliance, and cost-effective solutions, making them a viable option for powerful and agile legged robots.

The use of hydraulics in legged robots can be complicated, expensive, and messy if accidents occur. Furthermore, while hydraulics are easier to model and control, they lack forgiveness in real-world applications. Pneumatics, on the other hand, offer simplicity, relatively low cost, and compliance that hydraulics lack. The challenge lies in controlling pneumatics effectively due to the compressibility of air, which disrupts traditional control methods. Nevertheless, researchers have found that complex control may not be necessary to mimic cheetah-like locomotion.

Continue reading… “Pneumatics Bring Power and Maneuverability to Legged Robots Inspired by Cheetahs”

A groundbreaking robot named M4 (Multi-Modal Mobility Morphobot) has emerged as a real-life Transformer, showcasing an extraordinary range of motion capabilities. Developed by a team led by Professor Mory Gharib at Caltech’s Center for Autonomous Systems and Technologies (CAST), M4 can autonomously adapt its body to achieve eight distinct types of motion, enabling it to navigate various terrains with unparalleled versatility.

The brainchild of Professor Gharib and Assistant Professor Alireza Ramezani from Northeastern University, M4 opens up a world of possibilities in fields ranging from medical transportation to space exploration. The research team, including Eric Sihite, Reza Nemovi, and Arash Kalantari, aimed to design a robot that showcases exceptional mobility and diverse locomotion modes, resulting in the successful realization of the M4 project.

The robot’s remarkable flexibility is further enhanced by artificial intelligence, allowing it to select the most effective mode of locomotion based on the terrain it encounters. For instance, M4 can roll on four wheels, stand on two wheels like a meerkat to overcome obstacles, walk using wheel-like feet, transform its wheels into rotors for flight, and even tackle steep slopes using two rotors. The seamless transition between these modes showcases the power of M4’s adaptability.

By employing artificial intelligence and reconfigurable appendages, M4 can repurpose its components to optimize its locomotion capabilities. When faced with an unfamiliar environment, M4 can analyze the situation and adjust its form accordingly. For example, it can roll on wheels for energy efficiency but switch to a bipedal stance to gain a better view of the surroundings. If confronted with an impassable obstacle, M4 can transform its wheels into rotors and effortlessly fly over the obstruction before returning to its rolling mode.

Professor Gharib emphasizes that robots equipped with multi-modal components and aided by artificial intelligence are key to navigating unknown environments successfully. One of M4’s notable features is its ability to repurpose its appendages as wheels, legs, or thrusters. When standing on two wheels, M4’s folding wheels provide balance, and when flying, all four wheels fold up, allowing the propellers to lift the robot off the ground.

The design of M4 draws inspiration from nature, taking cues from animals such as chukar birds and sea lions. By studying how these creatures utilize their appendages for various locomotion strategies, the research team incorporated similar concepts into M4’s design. Although nature has previously inspired biologists with examples of appendage repurposing, engineering is now exploring these concepts in greater depth.

Equipped with autonomous capabilities, M4 can navigate complex environments and make informed decisions about the most suitable mode of locomotion. It has undergone successful outdoor testing on Caltech’s campus, showcasing its ability to adapt to diverse terrains.

The Nature Communications paper, titled “Multi-Modal Mobility Morphobot (M4), A Platform to Inspect Appendage Repurposing for Locomotion Plasticity Enhancement,” highlights the significant advancements achieved through the development of M4 and the potential it holds for revolutionizing the field of robotics.

In a sprawling warehouse in Reading, Massachusetts, Amazon has deployed a fleet of distinctive robots named Proteus that are revolutionizing the interaction between humans and automation. With their LED-rendered eyes, lidar sensors, and expressive features, these robots aim to enhance communication and collaboration with human workers. Sophie Li, a software engineer at Amazon, explains that allowing Proteus to express happiness can contribute to its effectiveness in working alongside people.

Proteus, slated for deployment aboard the Lunar Gateway as part of the Artemis mission, is just one example of the new wave of smarter robots entering Amazon’s fulfillment centers. These robots are taking on tasks previously handled by humans, such as the Sparrow robot that demonstrates human-like dexterity in picking products from storage cubbies. With these advancements, Amazon is poised for a company-wide and industry-wide shift in the balance between automation and human involvement.

Continue reading… “Amazon’s Expressive Robots Reshape Fulfillment Centers and Human-Machine Dynamics”

Serve Robotics, the autonomous sidewalk delivery robot company spun out of Uber, is set to strengthen its collaboration with Uber Eats. The startup, backed by Nvidia, will now roll out up to 2,000 of its adorable robots through Uber’s platform in several markets across the United States. The partnership is scheduled to continue until early 2026, indicating both Serve’s commitment to mass commercialization of autonomous delivery robotics and Uber’s dedication to advancing autonomy in its services.

The initial partnership between Serve and Uber began as a pilot program in West Hollywood a year ago. Since then, the robotic deliveries facilitated by Uber have experienced a remarkable growth rate of over 30% month-over-month. Currently, more than 200 restaurants in West Hollywood, Hollywood, and Fairfax are participating in Serve’s delivery service. Serve’s CEO and co-founder, Ali Kashani, stated that the robots now operate daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Kashani expressed optimism about the continuous growth of Serve’s presence on Uber Eats, revealing plans to expand the fleet of 100 robots in Los Angeles as delivery volume and coverage on Uber’s platform increase. The fleet is shared among Serve’s various partners, including 7-Eleven, which recently introduced robotic sidewalk delivery in LA. Although the specific markets for the expanded Uber partnership were not disclosed, Serve is considering San Jose, Dallas, and Vancouver as potential locations. The company has also completed successful pilot programs with Walmart in Arkansas and Pizza Hut in Vancouver.

Continue reading… “Serve Robotics Expands Uber Eats Partnership, Deploying 2,000 Autonomous Delivery Robots”

As the cost of space launches continues to decrease, thanks to advancements like the Starship and other massive lift systems, the barriers to entry for the space economy are expected to significantly diminish. This shift raises the question: What comes next? Two acronyms—In-Space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM) and On-orbit Servicing (OOS)—have gained prominence in the literature, offering potential glimpses into the future. In a series of articles, we will explore the meaning and prospects of these acronyms. To begin, let us examine the role of robots in this equation.

Continue reading… “Robots: Key Enablers for the Growing In-Space Economy”

Figure, a startup aiming to create versatile humanoid robots, announced on Wednesday that it has secured $70 million in its first external funding round, led by Parkway Venture Capital. The investment will be utilized to expedite the development and manufacturing of Figure’s inaugural autonomous humanoid, slated for launch in the coming months. While the valuation of the one-year-old company remains undisclosed, insiders estimate its value to surpass $400 million.

Founder and CEO Brett Adcock personally contributed $20 million to the funding round. Additional investors include Aliya Capital and Bold Ventures.

Headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, Figure specializes in the development of general-purpose humanoid robots capable of operating across diverse environments and performing various tasks, ranging from warehouses to retail settings. The company is currently engaged in discussions with retailers regarding potential commercialization opportunities.

Continue reading… “Figure Raises $70 Million to Propel Development of General-Purpose Humanoid Robots”

“Let the robot make your coffee” is the captivating tagline behind Botbar Coffee, a unique coffee shop set to open soon in Brooklyn. Located at 666 Manhattan Avenue, amidst Greenpoint’s bustling cafe scene, Botbar Coffee aims to revolutionize the industry with its robotic workforce. With signage already in place, the shop’s manager, Sunny Lam, confirms that food service will commence within the next two weeks, promising an innovative coffee experience for patrons.

Breaking New Ground:

Botbar Coffee stands out as the first of its kind in New York City, introducing a concept where robots take charge of pulling espresso shots. While the idea of robotic coffee preparation is not entirely new, with a robotic arm already serving drinks at San Francisco International Airport since 2021, Botbar Coffee brings this technology to the heart of Brooklyn. In Seattle, coffee start-up Artly has also gained attention by securing $8.3 million in funding to establish a series of automated cafes.

Continue reading… “Botbar Coffee: Brooklyn’s First Robot-Run Coffee Shop Takes Center Stage”

Tesla AI engineers, developers, and designers have recently unveiled a captivating demonstration video showcasing the current capabilities of their latest creation: artificial intelligent humanoid robots. During Elon Musk’s shareholder event, investors were given an exclusive preview of the robots’ remarkable skills, as highlighted in the embedded video below.

According to Tesla, the robots have achieved significant milestones, including the ability to walk forward, pick up objects, and even recognize various items. This video demonstration serves as a testament to the impressive progress made by Tesla in the field of robotics.

The Tesla Bot has been specifically designed to tackle tasks that are either hazardous, repetitive, or monotonous for human workers. With a height estimated at around 5’8″ and a carrying capacity of up to 45 lbs, the Tesla Bot aims to be a versatile assistant. It boasts a maximum walking speed of 5 mph, utilizing technologies similar to those found in Tesla’s renowned vehicles. This includes the utilization of the autopilot system for autonomous navigation, as well as advanced sensors and cameras for perceiving and understanding its surroundings.

Continue reading… “Tesla Bot AI Humanoid Robots Unveil Impressive New Capabilities”

Significant progress has been made in human-robot interactions in recent years. However, the lack of an affordable and generalized modular robotic platform has hindered researchers’ ability to share and compare findings, impeding further advancements in the field. In a bid to accelerate progress in robotics, the National Science Foundation (NSF), an independent US government-funded agency supporting research and education, has announced an initiative to distribute a $5 million fleet of standardized humanoid robots called Quori bots. This initiative aims to foster collaboration, innovation, and advancements in robotics research.

The NSF plans to distribute an additional 50 Quori bots to various research projects, in partnership with Oregon State University, University of Pennsylvania’s GRASP Laboratory, and robotics software company Semio. Initially developed with support from the NSF’s Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) Community Research Infrastructure, Quori robots are equipped with an omnidirectional wheeled base, an expressive video screen face, two gesturing arms, and a bowing spine. These versatile robots are designed to operate in both laboratory settings and real-world environments.

Continue reading… “National Science Foundation Boosts Robotics Research with $5 Million Fleet of Standardized Humanoid Robots”

The ‘X-ble MEX’ is a wearable medical robot Hyundai Robotics Lab developed to help with lower muscle reconstruction and joint mobility recovery.

Hyundai Motor Group has announced that it is developing a wearable robot for patient rehabilitation. The wearable robot, which is currently in the prototype stage, is designed to help patients who have suffered from strokes or other neurological disorders regain their mobility.

According to the company, the wearable robot consists of a waist belt and leg straps that can be worn by the patient. The robot is equipped with sensors that can detect the patient’s movements and provide feedback to help them improve their walking and balance.

“We are excited to be developing this innovative wearable robot technology, which has the potential to revolutionize the way patients recover from neurological disorders,” said Chung Eui-sun, executive vice chairman of Hyundai Motor Group. “Our goal is to help patients regain their mobility and independence, and improve their quality of life.”

Continue reading… “Hyundai Building Wearable Robot for Patient Rehabilitation”