Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Science

WSU researchers design robot that can pick ‘hidden strawberries’

by

By Shawn Vestal, WSU News

Strawberries are delicate and hard to harvest – easily bruised and often hidden under a canopy of leaves.

This creates headaches for scientists trying to design robotic harvesters. Now a Washington State University-led team has designed one that combines an artificial-intelligence vision system, soft silicone “fingers”, and a fan that gently move leaves out of the way to get at hidden fruit.

Experiments in the lab and in outdoor fields showed that the harvester correctly detected strawberries 80 percent of the time, on average, and could classify whether the berries were hidden 93 percent of the time. [Read more…] about WSU researchers design robot that can pick ‘hidden strawberries’

Scientists discover novel kiri-origami structures to enable ‘high-performance stretchable electronics’

by

Researchers develop hybrid kiri-origami structures that enable the fabrication of high-performance stretchable electronics using non-stretchable materials

Stretchable electronics have broad applications, including wearable sensors and curved displays. However, the electronic performance of stretchable materials is poor in comparison to non-stretchable rigid electronic materials.

In a new study, researchers have developed a new technique, using kiri-origami structures, that combines the benefits of both origami and kirigami to achieve stretchable devices with high-performance non-stretchable materials.

This innovative technique can lead to the development of advanced stretchable electronic devices. Stretchable electronics are used in smartphones, smartwatches, curved displays, and wearable sensors. [Read more…] about Scientists discover novel kiri-origami structures to enable ‘high-performance stretchable electronics’

Japanese scientists develop ‘quantum computer-based robot control’

by

The researchers say the new system enables ‘smoother, more complex movements for next-generation robots’

Scientists in Japan, working in partnership with Fujitsu, say they have developed “an innovative method for efficiently controlling robot posture using quantum computing technology”.

The scientists involved are from the Shibaura Institute of Technology (Associate Professor Takuya Otani, Faculty of System Science and Engineering – Human Robot System Laboratory), and Waseda University (Professor Atsuo Takanishi, Faculty of Science and Engineering).

This new approach facilitates the efficient and accurate calculation of inverse kinematics; that is, determining joint angles from a target end-effector position, for multi-joint robots by leveraging qubit-based position representation and quantum entanglement. [Read more…] about Japanese scientists develop ‘quantum computer-based robot control’

But first, pizza: Virginia Tech team creates assistive robotics that can make you a meal

by

For the millions of Americans who live with a mobility issue, making a pizza can be a lot more challenging than just choosing between pepperoni or sausage.

Now, Virginia Tech researchers have developed a robotic arm with novel assistive grippers that can help those with disabilities accomplish complex everyday tasks, including building a pizza.

The results of the research, which can increase independence for people with limited mobility, were published in Soft Robotics.

Creating new tools that can mimic the motions of human users is the work of Dylan Losey and Michael Bartlett, both associate professors of mechanical engineering. [Read more…] about But first, pizza: Virginia Tech team creates assistive robotics that can make you a meal

Pusan National University scientists develop ‘game-changing method’ to create safer, long-lasting lithium-ion batteries

by

A novel mathematical framework unlocks unlimited customization of full concentration gradient in high-nickel cathodes for improved safety and stability

High-nickel cathodes are promising for improving the energy density of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, their high nickel concentration leads to intense side reactions, degrading safety and stability. While full concentration gradient (FCG) design can address this issue, current approaches limit design flexibility.

Now, researchers have developed a novel mathematical framework that, combined with an automated reactor system, allows unlimited customization of FCGs with independent parameter control, leading to LIBs with enhanced safety and stability.

With the recent global push toward renewable energy and electric vehicles, the demand for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is rising rapidly. The performance and stability of LIBs largely depend on the cathode material, which can account for nearly 40-45 percent of the total battery cost. [Read more…] about Pusan National University scientists develop ‘game-changing method’ to create safer, long-lasting lithium-ion batteries

Fraunhofer develops ‘resource-efficient’ measurement system for semiconductor wafer production

by

The Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems (IPMS), in collaboration with DIVE imaging systems, has achieved a major milestone in resource-efficient semiconductor manufacturing.

With the successful installation of an optical measurement system by DIVE in the cleanroom of Fraunhofer IPMS, the effort required for quality control during wafer production has been significantly reduced. This collaboration paves the way for a more sustainable and efficient semiconductor production process.

Semiconductor manufacturing involves up to 1,500 process steps, including etching, deposition and lithography. Due to their complexity of structures, finished wafers must be nearly defect-free, which requires rigorous quality control. [Read more…] about Fraunhofer develops ‘resource-efficient’ measurement system for semiconductor wafer production

Tokyo University scientists discover key to ‘stable, high-performance, and long-life’ sodium-ion batteries

by

Sodium (Na)-ion batteries have recently emerged as cost-effective and sustainable alternatives to lithium (Li)-ion batteries. Na, the sixth most abundant element on Earth, offers lower material costs and greater availability compared to Li-ion batteries.

The design of cathode materials plays a key role in determining battery life and stability. Layered sodium manganese oxide (NaMnO2) has received increased attention from researchers for its use as a cathode material in Na-ion batteries.

NaMnO2 exists in two crystal forms: α-NaMnO2 and β-NaMnO2. The α-phase features a monoclinic layered structure, where planar MnO2 layers, consisting of edge-sharing distorted MnO6 octahedra, are stacked alternatively with Na-ions in between. [Read more…] about Tokyo University scientists discover key to ‘stable, high-performance, and long-life’ sodium-ion batteries

MIT develops vision-based system that gives machines ‘bodily self-awareness’

by

In an office at MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL), a soft robotic hand carefully curls its fingers to grasp a small object.

The intriguing part isn’t the mechanical design or embedded sensors – in fact, the hand contains none. Instead, the entire system relies on a single camera that watches the robot’s movements and uses that visual data to control it.

This capability comes from a new system CSAIL scientists developed, offering a different perspective on robotic control. Rather than using hand-designed models or complex sensor arrays, it allows robots to learn how their bodies respond to control commands, solely through vision. [Read more…] about MIT develops vision-based system that gives machines ‘bodily self-awareness’

IEEE study describes ‘breakthroughs’ in semiconductor nanolasers for ultra-efficient optical technologies

by

Researchers reveal that advanced nanolaser designs enable ultra-low power operation and compact integration for next-generation optical systems

Semiconductor nanolasers are emerging as key components for next-generation optical systems requiring ultra-low power and compact design. Traditional lasers face limitations at the nanoscale, prompting researchers to explore innovative nanolaser architectures.

A recent study outlines “breakthroughs” in photonic crystal nanolasers, deep subwavelength cavities, and Fano lasers.

These technologies enable enhanced light confinement and energy efficiency, making them ideal for applications in on-chip communication, neuromorphic computing, and hybrid optical-electronic systems.

A new wave of innovation is transforming the future of optical technologies, driven by rapid advancements in semiconductor nanolasers. These advances are essential for future applications such as on-chip optical communication and neuromorphic computing, which require compact, energy-efficient light sources. [Read more…] about IEEE study describes ‘breakthroughs’ in semiconductor nanolasers for ultra-efficient optical technologies

New robotic solution from Fizyr and Yaskawa targets food and life sciences

by

Fizyr and Yaskawa Europe has delivered a new automated hygienic handling solution for the food and life sciences industries.

The system utilizes Yaskawa’s new HD-series robots, Fizyr Panoptic vision AI, a binpick food cell from Van Wees Waalwijk, and programming support from Alpha Robotica.

The initial installation is for a salad production company, where two HD7 robots place pieces of raw peppers and bags of salad dressing in bowls of lettuce.

Fizyr Panoptic accurately determines the position of the objects and the correct placement position. Designed for mobility, the machine can be wheeled to the correct place on the production line. [Read more…] about New robotic solution from Fizyr and Yaskawa targets food and life sciences