Robotics & Automation News

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robotics

Reinforcement learning in robotics: Robots that learn from experience

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Reinforcement learning (RL) is transforming the way robots interact with the world.

Unlike traditional programming or supervised learning, which depend on pre-defined rules or labeled datasets, RL enables robots to learn through trial and error – much like how humans and animals acquire new skills.

This approach is increasingly vital as robots are deployed in complex, unstructured environments where adaptability is key. [Read more…] about Reinforcement learning in robotics: Robots that learn from experience

Most frequently asked questions in robotics: What is robotics vs. automation vs. robots?

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This is the third article in a series of FAQs about robotics. The first one and the second one can be found on this website. This article deals with the question: What is robotics vs. automation vs. robots?

In simple terms, “robotics” is the broader science; “robots” are physical units; and “automation” is the enabling technology. Moreover, “automation” is the umbrella term within which “robotics” is a sub-sector.

Though often used interchangeably, the terms robotics, robots, and automation refer to distinct – but overlapping – concepts.

Understanding the differences is essential for anyone navigating today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, from engineers and investors to factory workers and everyday consumers. [Read more…] about Most frequently asked questions in robotics: What is robotics vs. automation vs. robots?

Are We Nearing the End of the Edge vs. Cloud Debate for Smart Robots?

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Robots have evolved from isolated, pre-programmed units to intelligent, connected collaborators.

In this new era, one of the biggest questions that engineers, technologists, and robot operators continue to grapple with is: Are we nearing the end of the edge vs. cloud debate for smart robots?

For the longest time, robot design and deployment came down to choosing between edge processing – relying on local hardware for computational needs – and cloud processing, which taps into remote servers for greater data storage and AI capabilities. [Read more…] about Are We Nearing the End of the Edge vs. Cloud Debate for Smart Robots?

Exclusive interview with Anscer Robotics: ‘Our priority is to deliver return on investment’

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In the dynamic world of automation, Anscer Robotics – an autonomous mobile robot solutions provider – is making significant strides, particularly with its expansion into the Americas.

So Robotics and Automation News decided to interview Mark Messina, managing director and CEO of Anscer Robotics Americas, to discuss the company’s vision, solutions, and strategic approach to transforming the manufacturing, logistics, and 3PL industries.

Messina, a veteran in the robotics space with a rich background from his time at Kiva Systems (now Amazon Robotics), Geek+, and Addverb, shares his insights on leading Anscer’s charge into the US market. [Read more…] about Exclusive interview with Anscer Robotics: ‘Our priority is to deliver return on investment’

Industrial vehicle automation specialist ASI opens new office in Utah

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Autonomous Solutions, Inc. (ASI), an industrial vehicle automation specialist and developer of the Mobius autonomous fleet management system, has broadened its presence within the state of Utah with the addition of an office in Lehi, part of the Salt Lake City metro.

ASI’s expansion, along with its ever-growing employee base at its headquarters in Mendon, Utah, makes it one of the fastest-growing technology companies within the state.

ASI’s increased US presence follows last month’s announcement of the launch of ASI’s construction business unit with SoftBank Group Corp. [Read more…] about Industrial vehicle automation specialist ASI opens new office in Utah

Drone delivery: Navigating the path from high-flying hype to last-mile reality

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An in-depth analysis of the current technological landscape, regulatory roadblocks, and the commercial scalability of autonomous aerial delivery

The promise of near-instantaneous delivery via autonomous drones has captivated investors and engineers for over a decade.

Initial forecasts, often fuelled by blockbuster tech announcements, painted a futuristic picture of skies buzzing with packages, a vision that has been stubbornly slow to materialize. This has led many to question the ultimate viability of the concept.

Is drone delivery, then, finally poised to overcome its significant hurdles and become a mainstream logistics solution, or is it destined to remain a niche, novelty service? [Read more…] about Drone delivery: Navigating the path from high-flying hype to last-mile reality

Interview with Jensen Huang: ‘This is going to be the decade of AV, robotics, autonomous machines’

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In an interview with CNBC on the sidelines of the VivaTech conference in Paris, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang predicted a major shift in global industry, stating: “This is going to be the decade of AV, robotics, autonomous machines.”

The comment, shared with Robotics & Automation News by CNBC, reflects Huang’s growing conviction that artificial intelligence is no longer confined to the virtual world.

After transforming data centers, cloud computing, and creative tools, AI is now poised to reshape physical infrastructure – from automated warehouses and industrial robotics to self-driving vehicles and autonomous delivery systems. [Read more…] about Interview with Jensen Huang: ‘This is going to be the decade of AV, robotics, autonomous machines’

Humanoid robots forecast to see ‘14-fold market expansion in five years’

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The global market for humanoid robots, widely categorized as “embodied AI”, is projected to grow rapidly over the next 10 years – and is expected to see a ‘14-fold market expansion in five years’ , according to IDTechEx. 

This surge is fueled by major players like Tesla and BYD, who plan to expand humanoid deployment in their factories more than tenfold between 2025 and 2026, aiming for over 25 percent cost reduction per humanoid robot.

With 2025 seen as the industry’s take-off year, IDTechEx anticipates the market for humanoid robot sensory components, including LiDAR, encoders, torque sensors, 6-axis sensors, IMUs, MEMS sensors, and cameras, to reach approximately $10 billion within 10 years. [Read more…] about Humanoid robots forecast to see ‘14-fold market expansion in five years’

Amazon reportedly preparing to test humanoid robots for package deliveries

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The world’s largest online retailer, Amazon, is exploring the use of humanoid robots to automate package deliveries, a move that could significantly reshape its fulfillment and delivery network.

According to reports, the e-commerce giant is in the process of testing these advanced robots for handling tasks currently performed by human workers.

The story, which appears to have been first reported by the subscription-based tech publication The Information, has been widely circulated by other news outlets. [Read more…] about Amazon reportedly preparing to test humanoid robots for package deliveries

Smart factory vision: Interview with robotics boss at Panasonic Connect

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The vision of the “smart factory” has moved from a futuristic concept to a critical strategic goal for manufacturers worldwide.

In an era defined by labor shortages, supply chain volatility, and ever-increasing consumer demands for customization, the ability to create a more intelligent, agile, and resilient production environment is paramount.

Panasonic Connect has positioned itself as a key enabler of this transition, leveraging its deep manufacturing heritage and a broad portfolio of integrated hardware, software, and service solutions. [Read more…] about Smart factory vision: Interview with robotics boss at Panasonic Connect