Robotics & Automation News

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Robots and AI playing their part in coronavirus cleanup

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As China finally ends the lockdown it imposed on Wuhan about two-and-a-half months ago, we look at some of the cleanup operations involving robots and artificial intelligence in the country.

UBTech Robotics has been at the forefront of robotic and AI implementations fighting Covid-19 away from of hospitals. Below are some examples.

Back to school

At the school gates of two major middle schools – Kunming Number 3 Middle School and Kunming Dianchi Middle School – in Yunnan province, southwest of China, students returning from prolonged absence for Covid-19 fear are now greeted by a robot instead of a human. [Read more…] about Robots and AI playing their part in coronavirus cleanup

Fast Company includes UBTech Robotics on list of ‘most innovative companies worldwide’

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UBTech Robotics, an artificial intelligence and robotics company specializing in the services and education sectors, has been selected by Fast Company into its latest list of most innovative companies worldwide.

The Shenzhen-based company has been included in the robotics category for advancing the art of humanoid service for various business environments.

The enterprise-grade, cloud-connected Cruzr robot has been used in retail stores, airports, banks, and other environments. With wheels and arms, the gleaming white bot is already performing tasks such as providing directions and discounts to shoppers at EasyHome, China’s largest home-innovation chain. [Read more…] about Fast Company includes UBTech Robotics on list of ‘most innovative companies worldwide’

Misty Robotics launches two new Misty II models

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Misty Robotics, the creators of the Misty II platform robot, have launched two additional Misty II models.

Customers can now choose between three models (Misty II Basic Edition, Misty II Standard Edition, and Misty II Enhanced Edition) based on the robot capabilities required for their given use case and budget.

Tim Enwall, CEO Misty Robotics, says: “Our introduction of additional models builds on our vision of a robot in every business, home and school, enabling more people to put Misty to work doing useful things. [Read more…] about Misty Robotics launches two new Misty II models

Dexai Robotics raises $5.5 million to develop commercial kitchen automation solutions

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Dexai Robotics, an artificial intelligence and robotics company focused on commercial kitchen automation, says it has raised $5.5 million in an oversubscribed seed round, led by Hyperplane Venture Capital.

New investors Rho Capital, Harlem Capital, Contour Venture Partners, and NextView Ventures also participated in this financing round. Vivjan Myrto, a managing partner at Hyperplane, joined Dexai’s board of directors.

The company will use the funding to expand its engineering, sales, and product teams, allowing it to serve new cuisines and fuel its growth in the foodservice space. [Read more…] about Dexai Robotics raises $5.5 million to develop commercial kitchen automation solutions

SoftBank Robotics launches educational IDE for Pepper robot

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SoftBank Robotics Americas has launched an integrated development environment for its humanoid Pepper robot.

SoftBank calls the IDE “Tethys”, and says it has been created to teach students how to code.

The standalone visual programming software can connect to their humanoid robot, Pepper, to program full functionality of the robot in real time.

SBRA’s first commercially available software tool is the latest milestone in their longstanding education initiative spanning Nao, Pepper, and their partnership with the SoftBank Group. [Read more…] about SoftBank Robotics launches educational IDE for Pepper robot

China buys Danish robots to fight coronavirus

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As a new and powerful weapon against the spread of the coronavirus, Chinese hospitals are now deploying Danish disinfection robots from UVD Robots.

Self-driving Danish disinfection robots are now shipping to a number of hospitals in China to help fight the coronavirus, also called COVID-19.

This happened after Sunay Healthcare Supply today signed an agreement with the Danish company UVD Robots. [Read more…] about China buys Danish robots to fight coronavirus

BICS powers first intelligent exoskeleton with global connectivity

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BICS, a global communications enabler, is providing global internet-of-things connectivity and asset management for a pioneering exoskeleton developed by German Bionic.

The Cray X is the first connected asset from the Robot-as-a-Service (RaaS) provider and marks the first instance of a European manufacturer developing, producing and deploying smart exoskeletons for use in industrial production.

Designed to support and enhance the wearer’s movements, German Bionic’s Cray X reduces the risk of accidents and excessive strain for employees in sectors that involve repetitive but unpredictable heavy lifting. [Read more…] about BICS powers first intelligent exoskeleton with global connectivity

Comau’s brief history of exoskeletons

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Since 1965, when the first exoskeleton was produced for military use, exoskeletons have been increasingly popular in the manufacturing world, supporting workers and improving the quality of their working hours. (See video below.)

In 2018 more than 7,000 units were sold in manufacturing, according to ABI Research data.

However, the potential market need would be 60,000 units for all types of exoskeleton, with an estimated growth rate of more than 50 percent from 2019 to 2024. [Read more…] about Comau’s brief history of exoskeletons

Essentium and Vorum partner to develop 3D printing solution for prosthetics

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Essentium, a provider of 3D printing solutions for manufacturing industries, and Vorum, a CAD/CAM processes company specialising in the orthotics and prosthetics market, have agreed an exclusive global partnership to develop 3D printing for the medical sector.

Essentium + Vorum, a 3D print solution for O&P customers worldwide, offers practitioners a “SurePath” to success for the production of mass-customized O&P devices at speed and scale, say the companies.

It also provides a proven transition methodology including proof of concept mapped to individual customer business goals, design, deployment path, training, installation and support. [Read more…] about Essentium and Vorum partner to develop 3D printing solution for prosthetics

Robotic rehabilitation and assistive technologies market to grow by 13 percent

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Robotic rehabilitation and assistive technologies market are forecast to grow by more than 13 percent, according to a report by Transparency Market Research.

The global robotic rehabilitation and assistive technologies market is at its nascent stage and therefore, only a fraction of the possible applications have been explored till now by companies, labs, and universities.

This also means that there is much room for this market to grow. As of now the market is filled with start-ups and small companies which are well established.

This makes the global robotic rehabilitation and assistive technologies market fragmented. Some of the leading players in the market are:

  • Vincent Medical;
  • Ekso Bionics;
  • Accuray;
  • Mazor Robotics;
  • DIH Technologies;
  • Reha-Stim Medtec;
  • Intuitive Surgical;
  • AlterG;
  • Instead Technology; and
  • Bionik Laboratories.

According to a market intelligence study, the global robotic rehabilitation and assistive technologies market will be worth $2,290.3 million by 2025, expanding at a 13.1 percent annual growth from 2017 to 2025.

On the basis of application, the surgery segment led the market. This segment is anticipated to continue to lead in the years to come.

By geography, the market is will witness highest growth in Asia Pacific on account of the growing pool of geriatric population.

Asia Pacific market for robotic rehabilitation and assistive technologies is expected to exhibit a 15.3 percent annual growth between 2017 and 2025, with Japan being the foremost revenue generator.

The high cost however, will limit the adoption of robotic rehabilitation and assistive technologies by emerging economies in the region.

High Demand for Surgical Assistance During Complex Procedures Predicted

The use of robotic rehabilitation and assistive technologies has just begun in the healthcare industry.

Surgical robots are of much assistance during surgeries when surgeons perform complex and minimally invasive procedures.

Robots are also assisting doctors in boosting accuracy during radiation treatment for cancer patients as well as assist with rehabilitation of disabled patients.

Robotic rehabilitation and assistive technologies have immense growth opportunities and holds much promise in the healthcare area.

As per the lead author of this report, “the growing instance of strokes which in turn renders people bed-ridden or in a way takes away their ability to move to some degree, will be a key factor boosting the growth of the robotic rehabilitation and assistive technologies market”.

Rapid Improvement and Advancements in Technology to Accelerate Growth

The market is also driven by the surge in the geriatric population worldwide. Aged people are also in limited in their ability to move, to some degree and this will create a need for robotic rehabilitation and assistive technologies.

The technological advancements occurring in the field has led to a more efficient use of motors and light materials.

Advancements and innovations have also resulted in sophisticated control, improved safety mechanisms, and power backup.

High Cost of Robotic Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies to Pose a Challenge

On the other hand, it is predicted that the steep price will go against the growth of the market as it will limit the adoption rates, especially in cost sensitive regions of the world.

The cost to performance ratio may not be feasible on account of the high cost of development and relatively low benefit for hospitals or patients will hamper adoption rates.

However, some relief can be expected on account of the improvement in production methods as well as due to favourable reimbursement policies.