Category Archives: Robotics

For people who have suffered neurotrauma such as a stroke, everyday tasks can be extremely challenging because of decreased coordination and strength in one or both upper limbs. These problems have spurred the development of robotic devices to help enhance their abilities. However, the rigid nature of these assistive devices can be problematic, especially for more complex tasks like playing a musical instrument.

A first-of-its-kind robotic glove is lending a "hand" and providing hope to piano players who have suffered a disabling stroke. Developed by researchers from Florida Atlantic University's College of Engineering and Computer Science, the soft robotic hand exoskeleton uses artificial intelligence to improve hand dexterity.

Combining flexible tactile sensors, soft actuators and AI, this robotic glove is the first to "feel" the difference between correct and incorrect versions of the same song and to combine these features into a single hand exoskeleton.

"Playing the piano requires complex and highly skilled movements, and relearning tasks involves the restoration and retraining of specific movements or skills," said Erik Engeberg, Ph.D., senior author, a professor in FAU's Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering within the College of Engineering and Computer Science, and a member of the FAU Center for Complex Systems and Brain Sciences and the FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute. "Our robotic glove is composed of soft, flexible materials and sensors that provide gentle support and assistance to individuals to relearn and regain their motor abilities."

Researchers integrated special sensor arrays into each fingertip of the robotic glove. Unlike prior exoskeletons, this new technology provides precise force and guidance in recovering the fine finger movements required for piano playing. By monitoring and responding to users' movements, the robotic glove offers real-time feedback and adjustments, making it easier for them to grasp the correct movement techniques.

To demonstrate the robotic glove's capabilities, researchers programmed it to feel the difference between correct and incorrect versions of the well-known tune, "Mary Had a Little Lamb," played on the piano. To introduce variations in the performance, they created a pool of 12 different types of errors that could occur at the beginning or end of a note, or due to timing errors that were either premature or delayed, and that persisted for 0.1, 0.2 or 0.3 seconds. Ten different song variations consisted of three groups of three variations each, plus the correct song played with no errors.

To classify the song variations, Random Forest (RF), K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) algorithms were trained with data from the tactile sensors in the fingertips. Feeling the differences between correct and incorrect versions of the song was done with the robotic glove independently and while worn by a person. The accuracy of these algorithms was compared to classify the correct and incorrect song variations with and without the human subject.

Results of the study, published in the journal Frontiers in Robotics and AI, demonstrated that the ANN algorithm had the highest classification accuracy of 97.13 percent with the human subject and 94.60 percent without the human subject. The algorithm successfully determined the percentage error of a certain song as well as identified key presses that were out of time. These findings highlight the potential of the smart robotic glove to aid individuals who are disabled to relearn dexterous tasks like playing musical instruments.

Researchers designed the robotic glove using 3D printed polyvinyl acid stents and hydrogel casting to integrate five actuators into a single wearable device that conforms to the user's hand. The fabrication process is new, and the form factor could be customized to the unique anatomy of individual patients with the use of 3D scanning technology or CT scans.

"Our design is significantly simpler than most designs as all the actuators and sensors are combined into a single molding process," said Engeberg. "Importantly, although this study's application was for playing a song, the approach could be applied to myriad tasks of daily life and the device could facilitate intricate rehabilitation programs customized for each patient."

Clinicians could use the data to develop personalized action plans to pinpoint patient weaknesses, which may present themselves as sections of the song that are consistently played erroneously and can be used to determine which motor functions require improvement. As patients progress, more challenging songs could be prescribed by the rehabilitation team in a game-like progression to provide a customizable path to improvement.

"The technology developed by professor Engeberg and the research team is truly a gamechanger for individuals with neuromuscular disorders and reduced limb functionality," said Stella Batalama, Ph.D., dean of the FAU College of Engineering and Computer Science. "Although other soft robotic actuators have been used to play the piano; our robotic glove is the only one that has demonstrated the capability to 'feel' the difference between correct and incorrect versions of the same song."

Study co-authors are Maohua Lin, first author and a Ph.D. student; Rudy Paul, a graduate student; and Moaed Abd, Ph.D., a recent graduate; all from the FAU College of Engineering and Computer Science; James Jones, Boise State University; Darryl Dieujuste, a graduate research assistant, FAU College of Engineering and Computer Science; and Harvey Chim, M.D., a professor in the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Florida.

This research was supported by the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Institute of Aging of the NIH and the National Science Foundation. This research was supported in part by a seed grant from the FAU College of Engineering and Computer Science and the FAU Institute for Sensing and Embedded Network Systems Engineering (I-SENSE).

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Robotic glove that 'feels' lends a 'hand' to relearn playing piano after ... - Science Daily

To students in his University of Toronto lab, Brokoslaw Laschowski is known as the bionic professor a superhuman nickname that speaks to both his fascination with wearable robotics and passion for helping others.

Their work includes bionic prosthetic legs, exoskeletons, AI-powered smart glasses and neural interfaces.

We are trying to help individuals with physical disabilities. Its such a challenging problem, how do you design technology that interface with humans and allows them to synergistically move in a meaningful way?

For Laschowski, who says he has long been fascinated with the concept of cyborgs, computer vision can help seamlessly merge humans with machines.

Humans use their vision for path planning and control, which inspired the use of vision in autonomous cars, he says. I started looking into how we could possibly use vision with walking robots.

For the teams prosthetic leg and exoskeleton, tiny cameras allow the devices to sense their environments in real-time an idea that Laschowski says is unique to his research.

There arent many labs in the world that are using computer vision to improve human-robot walking, he says.

The teams smart glasses interact with both the exoskeleton and bionic prosthetic leg. The system works by combining computer vision and deep-learning AI to recognize the surrounding environment and adapt to obstacles and changes in terrain.

We can accurately and quickly identify features of the environment and relay that information to the bionic legs, he says.

Laschowski says he became passionate about assistive technology while he was pursuing his second masters degree at the University of Waterloo. At the time, he was working with Paralympic athletes from Team Canada on design optimization of wheelchairs using computer simulations.

He completed a PhD in engineering at Waterloo before coming to U of T to do a postdoctoral fellowship in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine.

Laschowskis drive to help others extends well beyond the realm of assistive devices.

Last year, he worked with Michael Brudno, chief data scientist for the University Health Network and a professor of computer science in the Faculty of Arts & Science, to launch a summer research program for students fleeing the Russian invasion and war in Ukraine.

As a Ukrainian-Canadian, Laschowski says the initiative is close to his heart.

We took students out of war zones and gave them a safe learning environment especially last year.

We feel a huge sense of responsibility, Laschowski says. They are under our care. We promised that we would help them while their brothers and fathers are fighting for freedom.

Oleksii Tsepa, a masters student in computer science at U of T, left his home in Kyiv on the first day of the war, with his parents urging him to go aboard. The borders were still open, he recalls. I understood that I wouldnt be able to leave Ukraine later.

He stayed in Cyprus for a couple of months before finding out about the U of T program.

I feel lucky that I qualified and that I worked with Professor Laschowski, Tsepa says. He taught me that I always have to answer myself. I understood that achievements cant be reached without putting in effort.

The effort put in by Laschowski and his team is evident in their potentially game-changing technologies, which are being tested in environments both inside and outside the lab.

I am a huge proponent of getting out of the lab as fast as possible because these devices are going to have the greatest impact in the real world. Laschowski says.

His lab is also developing neural interfaces, which would give humans direct control over the bionic prosthetic leg and exoskeleton. Far into the future, he imagines hell be working on connecting his smart glasses to a brain implant.

We could potentially map images of the walking environment from the glasses directly onto the visual cortex of the brain essentially bypassing the eyes and giving users bionic vision, he says.

If somebody has macular degeneration or some age-related visual impairment, we may be able to use the smart glasses to bypass that and interface directly to the brain.

Laschowski says he believes humans are beginning to go through a technological evolution one that he is helping to make reality.

If we could allow the visually impaired to see and the paralyzed to walk through advances in technology those are some of my career goals.

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'Bionic professor' aims to transform the field of wearable robotics - University of Toronto

The energy sector is constantly evolving, and as the world moves towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, the need for efficient and safe maintenance of energy infrastructure becomes increasingly important. One of the most promising solutions to this challenge is the adoption of robotics. The integration of advanced robotics technologies into the maintenance of energy infrastructure offers numerous advantages, including enhanced safety, increased efficiency, and reduced costs.

Safety is a top priority in the energy sector, and the use of robotics can significantly improve the safety of workers involved in the maintenance of energy infrastructure. Many maintenance tasks, such as inspecting pipelines, power lines, and wind turbines, can be hazardous and require workers to operate in dangerous environments. By utilizing robotics, these tasks can be performed remotely, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. For example, drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and sensors can inspect power lines and pipelines from a safe distance, while robotic crawlers can navigate through confined spaces to perform inspections and repairs.

In addition to improving safety, robotics can also increase the efficiency of energy infrastructure maintenance. Traditional methods of inspection and maintenance can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, often requiring manual processes and the use of heavy equipment. Robotics can automate many of these tasks, allowing for faster and more accurate inspections and repairs. For instance, autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) can be used to inspect offshore oil and gas platforms, while robotic arms can perform maintenance tasks on wind turbines, such as cleaning and repairing blades. This increased efficiency can lead to reduced downtime and improved productivity, ultimately resulting in cost savings for energy companies.

The adoption of robotics in energy infrastructure maintenance can also lead to significant cost savings. The use of robotics can reduce the need for manual labor, which can be expensive and difficult to find, especially in remote locations. Additionally, the increased efficiency and reduced downtime associated with robotic maintenance can lead to lower operating costs. Furthermore, the use of robotics can extend the lifespan of energy infrastructure by enabling more frequent and thorough inspections, identifying potential issues before they become critical and costly to repair.

Another advantage of adopting robotics for energy infrastructure maintenance is the ability to collect and analyze large amounts of data. Advanced sensors and cameras on robotic systems can capture high-resolution images and other data during inspections, which can be used to create detailed digital models of the infrastructure. This data can then be analyzed using artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to identify patterns and trends, allowing for predictive maintenance and more informed decision-making. This data-driven approach can help energy companies optimize their maintenance strategies, further reducing costs and improving the overall performance of their infrastructure.

In conclusion, the adoption of robotics in the maintenance of energy infrastructure offers numerous advantages, including enhanced safety, increased efficiency, and reduced costs. As the energy sector continues to evolve and the demand for clean and sustainable energy sources grows, the integration of advanced robotics technologies will become increasingly important in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of energy infrastructure. By embracing robotics, energy companies can not only improve the safety and well-being of their workers but also ensure the long-term sustainability and success of their operations.

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The Advantages of Adopting Robotics for Energy Infrastructure ... - EnergyPortal.eu

NEW DELHI: Five mechanical and electrical engineers, among the nine accused chargesheeted by NIA in the IS Shivamogga conspiracy case, were asked by their foreign-based handler to pursue a course in robotics to pick up skills to carry out terrorist attacks as part of terror group Islamic State's subversive agenda for India. NIA on Friday filed a supplementary chargesheet in the case, charging the nine accused with carrying out a trial IED blast in Shivamogga, Karnataka, reconnaissance of multiple targets and arson of properties and vehicles to spread terror among people as part of an anti-India IS conspiracy. The chargesheet names Mohamed Shariq (25), Maaz Muneer Ahmed (23), Syed Yasin (22), Reeshaan Thajuddin Sheikh (22), Huzair Farhan Baig (22), Mazin Abdul Rahman (22), Nadeem Ahmed K A (22), Zabiulla (32) and Nadeem Faizal N (27). All of them belong to Karnataka. The accused have been charged under UA(P) Act 1967, IPC, and KS Prevention of Destruction and Loss of Property Act, 1981. Maaz Muneer Ahmed and Syed Yasin had figured in the original chargesheet filed in March this year, but now other offences have been invoked against them in the supplementary chargesheet. NIA on Saturday said its investigations have revealed that Mohamed Shariq, Maaz Muneer Ahmed and Syed Yasin had hatched a criminal conspiracy, in connivance with an IS operative based abroad, to promote terror & violence on the directions of the proscribed terror outfit, in the region. The trio had actively radicalised and recruited the co-accused with the intention to disturb the national security, unity and sovereignty of the country, said the agency. The online handler of the chargesheeted accused had funded them through crypto currencies, according to NIA. The Shivamogga IS case was initially registered by the Shivamogga rural police on September 19,2022, and later taken over and re-registered by NIA on November 15, 2022.

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Upskill with course in robotics, IS handler told terrorists: NIA - Times of India

Coral reefs are considered to be the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. They provide societies around the world with$375 billionin ecosystem services each year, but theyre in trouble.

As of this year, the world has already lost halfof its coral reefs and is on track to lose up to 90 percent by 2050, even if global warming is capped at 1.5 degrees Celsius. While governments and NGOs around the world are making policies and enacting programsto stop the demise of coral reefs, one company is turning to artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics.

Coral Maker, founded by coral biologist Taryn Foster, manufactures and deploys premade coral skeletons seeded with coral fragments. The use of premade coral skeletons significantly reduces the number of years corals take to reach their mature, adult size.

Coral Makers goal is to quickly scale up in order to restore 250 acres of coral reefs annually. And it's utilizing the robotics and engineering expertise of design software giant Autodeskto help make that happen.

We are always seeking new ways of engaging with innovators and entrepreneurs. They push our thinking, said Rick Rundell, senior director of research programs at Autodesk Research. Coral Maker first joined us through a program at our technology center that allows people to do their own technology work. Dr. Taryn Foster collaborated with our researchers working in robotics and AI.

The first project that Foster and the Autodesk Research team collaborated on was automating the placement of seed coral into a frame or skeleton. Then, Foster worked with a different team to design and manufacture the coral skeletons utilizing recycled construction materials. By providing underwater skeletons for the coral to inhabit, they can more quickly grow to maturity and propagate themselves.

Coral Maker can now manufacture 10,000 coral skeletons per day, and each skeleton holds six to eight coral fragments. The manufacturing equipment is deployed at coral reefrestoration sites in order to reduce shipping and transportation emissions. Foster hopes to deliver tens of millions of coral fragments to restoration sites annually.

The global risk is that the reefs will die faster than they can reseed, Rundell said. Coral Maker is seeding reefs in areas that will be more suitable for reefs in the long term. They are moving them to places where temperatures will be more suitable as the oceans warm.

While millions of hectares of coral reefs are currently at risk of degradation, bleaching or die-offs, traditional reef restoration projects using manual methods restore less than one hectare per year. To protect and restore reefs at scale, restoration must advance quickly which is why Coral Maker utilizes automation, robotics and AI.

One of the things that is so challenging when youre dealing with big, global problems like coral reef degradation is that its not always clear as to what one person can do, Rundell said. We know we need to cool the planet, but that is difficult. It is inspiring to our researchers and employees to be involved with a group like Coral Maker which is biting off a big, challenging problem in a way that seems like it could really work. They can help make it successful. Thats exciting for us.

Images courtesy of Coral Maker andAutodesk Research

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Saving the World's Coral Reefs with AI and Robotics - TriplePundit

The rise of automation in various sectors has made pursuing a career in robotics a practical option. However, if you have ambitions of delving into the field of robotics and coding, you should be prepared to tackle difficulties by utilizing your coding skills.

When students utilize an essay writing service to complete their assignments, they have the opportunity to integrate robotics education into their schoolwork. This frees up additional time for them to concentrate on coding projects and develop a portfolio.

No matter how old or what kind of education someone has, coding can be learned by anyone. Here are some practical methods to acquire coding and robotics skills.

To pursue a profession in robotics, it is necessary to acquire proficiency in a programming language. For beginners, it is advisable to prioritize a language that is devoid of intricate data structures or algorithms.

Once you have made a decision about which programming language to learn, establish a specific timeframe and begin your learning journey. While certain languages may be comprehensible within a few weeks, others demand daily practice for several months.

HTML and CSS, while not considered traditional programming languages, are markup languages that are suitable for beginners. Eventually, you have the option to transition to more advanced languages like JavaScript or Python.

There are numerous online coding courses available that range from introductory HTML to advanced robotics programming. Some of these courses are free, while others have a subscription fee.

Visit websites such as freeCodeCamp, w3Schools, and Codecademy and choose courses based on the amount of time you can dedicate each day.

More individuals, especially students, are motivated to utilize legit paper writing services that can effortlessly write my thesis while they learn coding due to their accessibility. Prior to enrolling in any course, it is advisable to carefully examine the reviews on the website. If there is an absence of reviews, one can explore the option of free trials in order to gain an understanding of their teaching style prior to making a commitment.

For any inquiries regarding programming, YouTube is the ultimate platform to turn to. A multitude of videos related to robotics and coding can be found on this online video-sharing platform. It offers a valuable resource for beginners, providing access to expert-led videos and coding shortcuts.

Additionally, YouTube permits global interaction with programmers by enabling individuals to leave comments on videos, thus offering supplementary guidance to those new to programming.

In addition to that, there are more options available. You have the ability to watch YouTube tutorials and practice at the same time. People who are new to the subject can also take advantage of live classes and webinars provided on the platform in order to broaden their understanding.

If you want to develop a strong background in programming, it is recommended that you engage in reading introductory books on robotics and coding. Although it is not mandatory to read these materials prior to coding, they can be beneficial in helping you understand fundamental programming principles.

Look for crash courses and books that cover HTML/CSS, JavaScript, and Python. These resources provide explanations for coding concepts and models that will be helpful in managing complicated projects.

Studying programming literature can provide a valuable academic understanding. Nevertheless, acquiring an academic degree is not necessary for enhancing ones abilities and imaginative thinking.

Practicing robotics and coding can be made less monotonous with the help of certain tools. For instance, IDEs such as Visual Studio Code provide useful functionalities like color coding, find-and-replace, and dark mode, which aid programmers in generating well-organized code.

In English, you can utilize your console, which is a text-based interface, to find files and perform actions on your computer. Additionally, project management tools enable you to modify timelines and handle different aspects of a coding project simultaneously.

Having troubleshooting tools is crucial for novice programmers. If you encounter any bugs, a debugger can help identify the issue and provide valuable solutions.

In order to learn coding, the most effective approach is to practice regularly and consistently. There are no shortcuts or quick fixes to becoming proficient in coding. Although reading books and enrolling in courses can be helpful, it is essential to actually write and implement code in order to truly learn and improve.

This is the reason why it is important for you to create coding projects. Engaging in a coding project allows you to gain practical experience while you are learning. It can be a program of any duration, whether short or long, that you develop using the programming language of your preference.

In general, online courses often offer coding assignments as you progress. If you are learning by yourself, consider creating a calculator, time converter, address book, or a hangman game.

A group of programmers on the internet can provide support and encouragement to help you improve your coding skills. You have the opportunity to join coding communities on various social media platforms where you can connect with like-minded individuals. These communities can also assist in finding mentors who offer guidance and feedback to make your learning process smoother.

In addition to online communities, it is important to actively search for local events and gatherings taking place in your vicinity. Participating in hackathons and technology-related events not only provides opportunities to connect with other experts in your field but also opens doors to improved career prospects.

Virtual coding boot camps are a great option for enhancing your programming knowledge and skills. These boot camps are typically led by experts and are specifically designed to assist learners in improving their abilities and attaining more favorable prospects.

Online boot camps like Simplilearn, HackerRank, and Code Academy offer opportunities for learners to acquire proof of their participation, which could prove advantageous while seeking employment.

Signing up for a boot camp also provides the opportunity to form connections with individuals who share common interests. Within this community, you can readily seek assistance, offer help to others, and receive valuable insights and guidance for your professional journey.

Are you prepared to put your coding abilities to the test? Participating in robotics competitions and hackathons will provide you with the opportunity to display your skills, innovations, and projects in front of an audience.

They provide an opportunity for you to try out your innovations and receive input from professionals and enthusiasts. If you are unsure about joining a competition, you can always take part in one to gain confidence. Afterward, familiarize yourself with how hackathons operate and determine if it is an event that you would enjoy participating in.

If you want to become skilled in coding, it is necessary to code on a daily basis. While robotics may present difficulties, with regular practice, one can achieve expertise. To lessen your workload, you have the option to assign your essays to a reputable online research paper writing service.

Begin by selecting the programming language you desire to master, and then proceed by enrolling in an internet-based course. It might be necessary for you to engage in reading materials, viewing tutorial videos, and utilizing coding aids for enhanced ease and productivity.

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How To Learn Robotics and Coding - StartupGuys.net

A transformative impact of robotics in the healthcare industry is improving efficiency

Robotics in healthcare improves patient care through precise surgical procedures, assistive rehabilitation devices, automated diagnostics, and streamlined administrative tasks. Robots enhance outcomes, efficiency, and patient experience in the healthcare industry.

The healthcare industry has been rapidly adopting robotics to enhance patient care, improve surgical procedures, and streamline administrative tasks. Robotics technology offers numerous benefits, including increased precision, reduced human error, and improved efficiency. Some popular Robots in healthcare include da Vinci, Xenex Gern- Zapping Robot, PARO, TUG, CyberKnife, etc. This article explores the transformative impact of robotics in healthcare, discussing its applications in surgery, rehabilitation, diagnostics, and administrative tasks, while highlighting the potential challenges and ethical considerations.

Robots are already part of the healthcare industry and paved the path of rising the present level of care and medical aid. An integral part of the healthcare sector for the past ten years, it developed from medication to virtual support to remote diagnosis. In the past, it was considered that robots could not replace humans, regardless of how exact they were. But now that artificial Intelligence and machine learning have been included, these precision robots can carry out a range of activities in the healthcare sector.

Da Vinci: A well-known robotic surgical system used for minimally invasive procedures. It consists of robotic arms controlled by a surgeon who operates from a console.

Paro: Paro is a therapeutic robot designed to resemble a baby seal. It is used in healthcare settings, particularly with the elderly and those with dementia, to provide comfort and companionship.

TUG: TUG is an autonomous mobile robot designed to transport items in hospitals. It can deliver supplies, medications, and lab specimens, reducing the need for human labor in these tasks.

CyberKnife: A robotic radiosurgery system used for non-invasive treatment of tumors and lesions. It delivers high-dose radiation with sub-millimeter precision, allowing for targeted treatment while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues

Robotic-assisted surgery has revolutionized the field of medicine. Surgeons can now perform complex procedures with greater precision and control using robotic systems like the da Vinci Surgical System. These robots provide enhanced visualization, dexterity, and range of motion, allowing for minimally invasive surgeries, reduced scarring, and faster recovery times. Robotic-assisted surgery has proven particularly effective in urological, gynecological, and cardiovascular procedures, with improved patient outcomes and reduced complications.

Robotics plays a vital role in the rehabilitation of patients with physical disabilities. Advanced exoskeletons and prosthetic limbs enable individuals with mobility impairments to regain their independence and improve their quality of life. Robotic devices assist in walking, grasping objects, and performing daily activities. Additionally, robot-assisted therapy helps patients recover from strokes, spinal cord injuries, and other neurological conditions. These robots provide personalized rehabilitation programs, precise movement analysis, and real-time feedback to optimize recovery outcomes.

The integration of robotics in diagnostic processes has led to improved accuracy, speed, and efficiency. Robots can perform repetitive and precise tasks, such as sample handling, laboratory analysis, and medical imaging. Automated systems assist in conducting tests, interpreting results, and generating reports, enabling faster diagnosis and treatment decisions. Robotic technologies like telemedicine and remote monitoring further expand access to healthcare services, especially in underserved areas. These innovations allow healthcare professionals to remotely assess patients, monitor vital signs, and provide timely interventions, thus reducing the burden on healthcare systems and improving patient outcomes.

Robots are transforming administrative tasks in healthcare, streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency. Intelligent software systems automate appointment scheduling, patient registration, and billing processes, reducing administrative burdens for healthcare providers. Robotic process automation (RPA) optimizes data entry, medical coding, and claims processing, minimizing errors and improving accuracy. Chatbots and virtual assistants offer 24/7 patient support, answering common queries and providing basic medical advice. These applications improve patient experience, increase access to information, and free up healthcare professionals to focus on critical tasks.

While robotics brings significant benefits, it also poses challenges and ethical considerations. Safety and cybersecurity are vital concerns, as robots interact closely with patients and handle sensitive data. Ensuring the privacy and security of patient information must be prioritized. Additionally, there are concerns about the impact on employment as automation replaces certain job roles. Ethical considerations include the potential for bias in algorithms, patient autonomy in decision-making, and the need for clear regulations and guidelines to govern the use of robotics in healthcare.

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Transformative Impact of Robotics in the Healthcare Industry - Analytics Insight

Robotics in the workplace especially autonomous mobile robots, or AMRs may be able to reduce injuries and improve safety across a variety of industries, according to a May 25 report from the National Safety Council.

Overall, U.S. workplace fatality rates havent changed much in the past three decades, despite efforts to reduce injury and death. However, newer technologies may be able to help.

Robotics have long been deployed by organizations to improve operational efficiencies, but as companies increasingly look towards a more automated future, the many benefits this technology brings to workplace safety programs cannot be overlooked, Katherine Mendoza, senior director of workplace programs with the National Safety Council, said in a statement.

Recent advancements in data science and artificial intelligence mean that robotic vehicles and arms arent just capable of augmenting complex, precise tasks alongside human workers, but in many instances, can eliminate employees exposure to dangerous machinery and workplace hazards altogether, she said.

Based on information from academic journals, vendor interviews, and company case studies, the report outlines the various types of robots, their benefits and drawbacks, and best practices for implementation. This type of technology may be most effective for manufacturing applications and repetitive, high-volume production, according to the report, as well as several other settings:

Some barriers may exist, particularly for smaller operations, such as cost and ongoing maintenance. Technologies also need to be tailored to the work environment to meet unique safety needs and deliver a return on investment, according to the report.

Despite ongoing concerns about automation in the workplace, robotics focused on safety could lead to the creation of new jobs in other areas, particularly in engineering, maintenance and programming, the report found. Taking a proactive approach can help address the consequences of automation, including programs that highlight training and upskilling for displaced workers.

When it comes to automation, people may overestimate the capabilities of robots and underestimate their own skills, sources told HR Dive. In most cases, automated vehicles contribute to tasks or eliminate some human-machine interactions but dont replace jobs entirely.

At the same time, employee needs should be considered when determining automation and AI use at work, according to a recent report. Large-scale technology changes require buy-in and input to better imagine how work should be accomplished.

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Implementing robotics could improve workplace safety, report says - HR Dive

Editors Note: Koji Hasegawa is general manager at Kubota Innovation Center Silicon Valley, where he is responsible for new agricultural business planning and execution with open innovation and investing in US agtech startups.

The views expressed in this guest article are the authors own and do not necessarily represent those of AFN.

You have probably seen videos of rice and wheat being speedily harvested with a combine harvester. Yet specialty crops such as strawberries are still picked by hand at a time when growers are facing rising labor costs and labor shortages. So why isnt mechanization being utilized by more growers of specialty crops?

In part, it relates to these crops variability and fragility. In fields of rice and wheat, for example, there is no big difference in the speed of growth for each individual plant, while the crops also grow to the same height. Consequently, harvesting is not very complicated, and can be mechanized easily.

In the case of specialty crops, on the other hand, fruits are scattered irregularly, while their ripeness varies widely. Many kinds of fruits are also easily damaged during harvesting. Therefore, people need to visually judge fruits one by one and pick them gently to avoid damaging them.

Similar challenges apply to pruning and weeding. The branches to be cut and the weeds to be removed need to be identified precisely.

Up to now, these tasks have been difficult to mechanize because there was no established technology capable of substituting for the human eye, brain, and hand.

However, there have been recent advances in technology, mechanization and automation. The human eye is being replaced by camera-based imaging technology, the brain by AI, and the hands by robotics.

Recently, several startups have combined these technologies to find solutions to these challenges, such as Advanced Farm Technologies and Tortuga AgTech in the field of strawberry harvesting, and FarmWise and Carbon Robotics for weeding. They are already offering their services on a commercial basis and many growers are adopting their groundbreaking solutions.

In the coming years, the widespread penetration of such mechanization and automation solutions is likely to depend on two key factors.

The first one, of course, is economics. No matter how many people can be replaced, if the cost of using robots is higher, farm operators will not accept the solution. Unless the cost of the robot solution is equal to or less than the human solution, they will not embrace it.

This explains why, in addition to improving work precision, speed and efficiency, these startups are also focused on improving COGS (Cost of Goods Sold) and OPEX (Operating Expenses), to achieve better total cost competitiveness.

The second factor is achieving and delivering added value that is unique to robots, i.e., value that cannot be generated with human labor. Returning to the example of harvesting, a robot can make use of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) and harvest data to record the quantity of the harvest in small parts of a field.

At best, humans are only capable of making rough estimates of large fields; they cannot determine this information with such granularity. The data acquired by a robot can be used to compare yield and crop quality of each area of the field.

Furthermore, if the cause-and-effect relationships between inputs and outputs can be clarified by combining them with input data from the other farming process, it could be possible to improve the yield and quality of crops in the following year.

If this became a reality, robots would not merely replace labor; they would become an indispensable element of solutions for achieving more precise and efficient agricultural production. As such, they would be highly valued by growers.

In addition, as the shift to smart agriculture advances, data collection and utilization at every step of the farming process will become more sophisticated, and as a result, we can expect to see the emergence of platforms for managing this data centrally. Such platforms will be key factors in accelerating the spread of robot-mechanization and automation solutions.

On the other hand, major challenges for startup companies who provide robotics and automation solutions are the time required to scale up and to secure working capital during the scale-up period.

As there are so many factors involved in agriculture which is typically done outdoors, a non- controlled environment, growers would like to see multiple results for verifying ROI of newly introduced solutions. However, since agriculture has seasons, the cycle is naturally long, resulting in multiple years of ROI verification.

Also, farmers tend to be risk averse, testing new solutions in limited spaces at first before introducing them to a larger field area.

Many robotics startups have not yet demonstrated sufficient reliability to sell their products, so they adopt a RaaS (Robot as a Service) or leasing model, in which they provide services while having robots as their own assets. Therefore, even if they are ready to scale, its not easy for startups with limited capital to own a large number of robots.

Therefore, I believe that continuous robust support by investors and strategic partners like us, with a full understanding of the time required to scale up for agtech startup companies, is also an essential requirement for the spread of robotics and automation in agriculture.

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Rise of the machines: What will drive adoption of robotics and ... - AgFunderNews

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Robotics investments totaled $1.63 billion in April 2023 as a result of 47 investments (see Table 1 below or download Table 1 HERE). The April investments bring the 2023 robotics funding total to approximately $3.3 billion. Investments totaled $526 million in March 2023, $620 million in February 2023 and $521 million in January 2023.

Table 1: April 2023 Robotics Funding and Investment

U.S.-based robotics companies landed the most rounds (17) and funding ($514M) in April. Chinese and Swiss firms also received substantial funding ($104M and $165M, respectively). See Figure 1 below.

It should be noted that South Korea, an outlier having a single company receiving funding, was included in the Other category. However, that company, 42dot, a provider of self-driving software and hardware solutions for autonomous transportation, received a substantial funding amount of $783 million. Other sizable April 2023 robotics investments include Zipline ($330 million), Distalmotion ($150 million), Covariant ($75 million), Carbon Robotics ($30 million), Phantom Auto ($25 million) and Robust.AI ($20 million).

Figure 1: April 2023 Robotics Investment by Country

Early investments (Pre-Seed, Seed and A rounds) accounted for most of the investments (42%). In terms of investment amounts, rounds deemed Other attached most of the funding dollars. A single Series C round (Zipline, $330M) accounted for 20% of April 2023s funding totals.

Figure 2: April 2023 Robotics Funding Amounts by Investment Type

Figure 3: April 2023 Robotics Funding Amounts by Investment Number and Amounts

Editors note: What defines robotics investments? The answer to this simple question is central in any attempt to quantify them with some degree of rigor. To make investment analyses consistent, repeatable, and valuable, it is critical to wring out as much subjectivity as possible during the evaluation process. This begins with a definition of terms and a description of assumptions.

Investors and investing Investment should come from venture capital firms, corporate investment groups, angel investors, and other sources. Friends-and-family investments, government/non-governmental agency grants, and crowd-sourced funding are excluded.

Robotics and intelligent systems companies Robotics companies must generate or expect to generate revenue from the production of robotics products (that sense, analyze, and act in the physical world), hardware or software subsystems and enabling technologies for robots, or services supporting robotics devices. For this analysis, autonomous vehicles (including technologies that support autonomous driving) and drones are considered robots, while 3D printers, CNC systems, and various types of hard automation are not.

Companies that are robotic in name only, or use the term robot to describe products and services that do not enable or support devices acting in the physical world, are excluded. For example, this includes software robots and robotic process automation. Many firms have multiple locations in different countries. Company locations given in the analysis are based on the publicly listed headquarters in legal documents, press releases, etc.

Verification Funding information is collected from a number of public and private sources. These include press releases from corporations and investment groups, corporate briefings, market research firms, and association and industry publications. In addition, information comes from sessions at conferences and seminars, as well as during private interviews with industry representatives, investors, and others. Unverifiable investments are excluded and estimates are made where investment amounts are not provided or are unclear.

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Robotics investments top $1.63B in April 2023 - Robot Report