Robotics, AI and SmartTech News – Latest Headlines

Japan robot firm showcases thought-controlled suits

A Japanese robot-maker on Wednesday showed off suits that the wearer can control just by thinking, as it said it was linking up with an industrial city promoting innovation.

June 18, 2014 Read more

The future role of robotics in food production

Computer scientists are organizing an international workshop on recent advances in agricultural robotics.

June 16, 2014 Read more

New computer program aims to teach itself everything about anything

Computer scientists from the University of Washington and the Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Seattle have created the first fully automated computer program that teaches everything there is to know about any visual concept.

June 13, 2014 Read more

Fuzzy logic brings robots closer to human-like reasoning

Sophia Mitchell's latest paper, Precision Route Optimization using Fuzzy Intelligence, is getting international attention with her invitation to the International Conference on Awareness Science and Technology in Paris, France.

June 12, 2014 Read more

Lighter cars with new robotic welding method

Researchers invented a welding tool that also functions as a temperature sensor. The temperature is measured continuously and, if it becomes too hot, the heat is regulated by controlling the force and tool rotation. The researchers have also made use of an industrial robot to perform the welds and achieve a constant welding quality.

June 11, 2014 Read more

Overcoming barriers to successful use of autonomous unmanned aircraft

While civil aviation is on the threshold of potentially revolutionary changes with the emergence of increasingly autonomous unmanned aircraft, these new systems pose serious questions about how they will be safely and efficiently integrated into the existing civil aviation structure, says a new report from the National Research Council.

June 5, 2014 Read more

Intelligent machines for tomorrow's factory

Plug and produce process for efficient manufacture of niche products - EU funds SkillPro research project with EUR 3.8 million

June 5, 2014 Read more

Smoothly moving industrial robots save energy

Engineers developed a simulation model that calculates the best trajectories for robots from the standpoint of energy efficiency. Tests have shown that this approach can reduce energy consumption by up to half.

June 4, 2014 Read more

Collisions with robots - without risk of injury

Teamwork between humans and robots will be the motto of the future. But robots may not injure humans at all. When does contact cause an injury, though? Researchers are exploring this for the first time in a study.

June 2, 2014 Read more

Bake your own self-assembling robot (w/video)

New algorithms and electronic components could enable printable robots that self-assemble when heated.

May 30, 2014 Read more

Think fast, robot

Algorithm that harnesses data from a new sensor could make autonomous robots more nimble.

May 29, 2014 Read more

Robot warriors pose ethical dilemna

With the increasing use of drones in military operations, it is perhaps only a matter of time before robots replace soldiers. Whether fully automated war is on the immediate horizon, one researcher says it's not too early to start examining the ethical issues that robot armies raise.

May 26, 2014 Read more

Researchers demonstrate that brain controlled flight is possible

Pilots of the future could be able to control their aircraft by merely thinking commands. Scientists have now demonstrated the feasibility of flying via brain control - with astonishing accuracy.

May 26, 2014 Read more

Nature inspires drones of the future

Researchers have been taking tips from nature to build the next generation of flying robots.

May 23, 2014 Read more

Roombots - robots transform into furniture (w/video)

EPFL scientists from the Biorobotics Laboratory (BIOROB) have developed small robotic modules that can change their shape to create reconfigurable furniture.

May 21, 2014 Read more

Biomechanics behind amazing ant strength could lead to advancements in robotic engineering

A recent study into the biomechanics of the necks of ants - a common insect that can amazingly lift objects many times heavier than its own body - might unlock one of nature?s little mysteries and, quite possibly, open the door to advancements in robotic engineering.

May 20, 2014 Read more

Factories of the future: assembly-line machines do their own 'thinking'

By designing assembly-line machines so they can perform on command - not unlike robots that can follow verbal instructions - factories can meet the rapidly changing needs of consumers and industrial customers, while developing high-quality products at lower costs.

May 20, 2014 Read more

Robot suit helps paraplegic patients (w/video)

For most paraplegic patients, being able to walk again remains a dream. The HAL robot suit can help them regain a certain degree of mobility and activity.

May 19, 2014 Read more