Robotics, AI and SmartTech News – Latest Headlines

Using static electricity, RoboBees cling to surfaces (w/video)

New method extends energy life of insect-inspired flying microrobots.

May 19, 2016 Read more

Robots get creative to cut through clutter

Clutter is a special challenge for robots, but new software is helping robots cope, whether they're beating a path across the Moon or grabbing a milk jug from the back of the refrigerator.

May 18, 2016 Read more

Animal training techniques teach robots new tricks

Researchers are using ideas from animal training to help non-expert users teach robots how to do desired tasks.

May 16, 2016 Read more

Robot's in-hand eye maps surroundings, determines hand's location

Researchers have shown that a camera attached to the robot's hand can rapidly create a 3-D model of its environment and also locate the hand within that 3-D world.

May 16, 2016 Read more

Gentle strength for robots

A soft actuator using electrically controllable membranes could pave the way for machines that are no danger to humans.

May 13, 2016 Read more

Hybrid hydrostatic transmission enables robots with human-like grace and precision (w/video)

Tele-operated system can thread needle, pick up an egg.

May 13, 2016 Read more

Ingestible origami robot (w/video)

Robot unfolds from ingestible capsule, removes button battery stuck to wall of simulated stomach.

May 13, 2016 Read more

'CardBoardiZer' allows users to create robotic models in minutes (w/video)

A new computerized system allows novice designers to convert static three-dimensional objects into moving robotic versions made out of materials including cardboard, wood and sheet metal.

May 10, 2016 Read more

This 5-fingered robot hand learns to get a grip on its own (w/video)

A team of computer science and engineering researchers has built a robot hand that can not only perform dexterous manipulation but also learn from its own experience without needing humans to direct it.

May 9, 2016 Read more

Robots battle it out, revolutionary-style

On Thursday evening, just before nightfall, a revolution was afoot at MIT. The battleground was set, the munitions were stocked, the targets were marked, and the soldiers were... robots.

May 7, 2016 Read more

Bee model could be breakthrough for robot development

Scientists have created a computer model of how bees avoid hitting walls - which could be a breakthrough in the development of autonomous robots.

May 5, 2016 Read more

Robots may be able to lift, drive, and chat, but are they safe and trustworthy?

In a newly published scan of the literature, an expert concludes that the time is ripe for human factors researchers to contribute scientific insights that can tackle the many challenges of human-robot interaction.

April 26, 2016 Read more

Robotic consensus

Control algorithm for teams of robots factors in moving obstacles.

April 21, 2016 Read more

Humanoid robotics and computer avatars could help treat social disorders

A collaborative research team has found humanoid robotics and computer avatars could help rehabilitate people suffering from social disorders such as schizophrenia or social phobia. It is thanks to the theory of similarity, which suggests that it is easier to interact socially with someone who looks, behaves or moves like us.

April 11, 2016 Read more

Virtual robots for the simulated brain

The neurorobotics platform gives scientists the chance to apply brain models to various different robots and thus conduct their own experiments.

March 30, 2016 Read more

Metal-foam hybrid has potential in soft robotics, aeronautics (w/video)

Imagine an aircraft that could alter its wing shape in midflight and, like a pelican, dive into the water before morphing into a submarine.

March 21, 2016 Read more

Development of a wall-climbing drone

A new wall-climbing drone can approach any type of structure by flying and sticking to the target and utitlizing a pose change and perching mechanism.

March 15, 2016 Read more

Amputee feels texture with a bionic fingertip

An amputee was able to feel smoothness and roughness in real-time with an artificial fingertip that was surgically connected to nerves in his upper arm. Moreover, the nerves of non-amputees can also be stimulated to feel roughness, without the need of surgery, meaning that prosthetic touch for amputees can now be developed and safely tested on intact individuals.

March 8, 2016 Read more