Was there another mysterious explosion on Irans Qeshm Island? – The Jerusalem Post

Posted on July 27, 2020 by Danzig

Residents of Qeshm Island in southern Iran reported the sound of an explosion just after 10 p.m. on Saturday. It caused concern because the electricity went off. Officials claimed there was an earthquake, but many did not believe them.Rumors pointed to other possibilities. Qeshm is known for fishing and tourism. It is a long island off the important Port of Bandar Abbas. Illicit oil trading takes place off some of the islands between Iran and the Gulf.The tanker Gulf Sky, at the center of an international case involving Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps front companies, was anchored off the island in mid-July after allegedly being hijacked from near the UAE. It is also of strategic value because the IRGC has a naval base on the island.In this context, some social-media accounts and local Arabic and Persian media outlets claimed there had been a mysterious explosion. This would be in line with another dozen such explosions that have impacted Iran since late June.One destroyed a surface-to-surface missile facility at Khojir; another harmed centrifuges at the Natanz nuclear-enrichment facility. This has left many Iranians on edge over concerns they may be targeted by cyberattacks or other acts the government is not admitting to.There are other controversies related to Qeshm. Fishermen want more support, and some believe the island will form part of a free-trade zone nexus, along with Kish Island, and that China will have a growing role there. Iran is not for sale, say some nationalist and populist social-media accounts, challenging Chinas alleged upcoming role.Fishermen held a meeting on Friday about facing issues in transporting their catch. Could an explosion be some sort of sabotage? People say it could be human error or an IRGC secret maneuver.The fishermen said they were told not to go out fishing on Saturday and link this to the supposed explosion. There are questions over whether it might be linked to ammunition storage on the island.In the absence of any real evidence that something happened at Qeshm Island, the incident will likely come and go without further details. What it does show is how Iran has been jarred by all the recent explosions and how locals are quick to report any rumors of what they think is another incident.

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Was there another mysterious explosion on Irans Qeshm Island? - The Jerusalem Post

2 murders, S.I. Expressway hit-run top Staten Island crime news this week – SILive.com

Posted on July 27, 2020 by Danzig

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Heres a look at the top criminal-justice headlines from around the borough over the past week:

MAN, 35, DEAD AFTER WEST BRIGHTON STREET-CORNER SHOOTING

The NYPD responds to a shooting on Castleton Avenue and Barker Street in West Brighton on Wednesday, July 22, 2020. (Staten Island Advance/Joseph Ostapiuk)

A 35-year-old man was gunned down on a West Brighton corner Wednesday morning.

Barry Moultrie, was fatally shot at about 11:25 a.m. at Castleton Avenue and Barker Street when a verbal disagreement escalated into violence, a source said.

Moultrie was found by officers on the scene with a gunshot wound to his torso. He was initially transported to Richmond University Medical Center in West Brighton in critical condition but later succumbed to his injuries.

Click here for the full story.

MAN, 25, KILLED IN MARINERS HARBOR DELI SHOOTING

Caution tape remains around the Holland Deli on Richmond Terrace on Thursday, July 23, 2020, a day after Kaseem Scott, 25, was fatally shot at that store. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel)

A 25-year-old man died after being shot inside a deli on Richmond Terrace in Mariners Harbor Wednesday night, and the suspect remains at large, police said.

Kaseem Scott of Mariners Harbor died at Richmond University Medical Center, according to a statement from the NYPD.

Police responded around 9:30 p.m. to a 911 call of a male shot inside of Holland Deli at 3400 Richmond Terrace, according to the police statement. Officers found Scott suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest.

Click here for the story.

MALE, 18, SHOT IN GROIN EARLY SUNDAY MORNING IN CASTLETON CORNERS

Police responded to a report of a man shot early Sunday morning near the intersection of Westwood Avenue and Todt Hill Road in Castleton Corners. (Google Maps)

An 18-year-old male was shot early Sunday morning in Castleton Corners by an unknown suspect, according to an NYPD spokesman.

The victim, who sustained a gunshot wound to the groin, was transported in stable condition to Staten Island University Hospital, Ocean Breeze, police said.

Police responded to a 911 call just before 4 a.m. for a report of a shooting near the intersection of Westwood Avenue and Todt Hill Road.

Click here for the story.

COPS: WOMAN KILLED TRYING TO CROSS SIE IN HIT-RUN

Police are investigating a crash on the Staten Island Expressway near Richmond Road on Friday morning. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel)

A 28-year-old woman was struck and killed by a suspected hit-and-run driver while she was trying to cross the Staten Island Expressway early on Friday morning, according to police.

Police responded to a 911 call of a crash involving a pedestrian on the New Jersey-bound expressway in the vicinity of Richmond Road, according to a statement from the NYPD.

The incident was reported at 3:11 a.m.

Click here for the story.

S.I. MAN ALLEGEDLY IMPERSONATED EMS OFFICER

Robert Schnepf, who is facing charges related to impersonating an EMT officer, is pictured in an undated photo. (Courtesy:FDNY)

Officials with the FDNY say a Staten Island man posed as an EMS lieutenant in an effort to swindle local businesses.

FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro announced last Friday that fire marshals arrested 45-year-old Robert Schnepf for his alleged scheme impersonating Lt. Hart.

Schnepf swindled multiple Staten Island businesses out of money, goods and services while allegedly wearing a fake uniform and flashing a fake badge, according to an FDNY media release.

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CHARGES UPPED VS. MAN IN CRASH WITH WOMAN ON HOOD

Tierra Eddy, 29, known affectionately as "Tee-Tee," was killed early Sunday morning in what police are calling a vehicular assault following a domestic incident with her boyfriend. (Submitted)

A Brooklyn man was indicted Monday on murder and other charges stemming from the death of his girlfriend who was killed when he allegedly was drunk and crashed his car into a West Brighton home while she was on the vehicles hood.

Jahfare Ford, 26, pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in state Supreme Court, St. George, in connection with the March 14 incident that claimed the life of Tierra Eddy, 29.

Eddy was killed two months after she and Ford had held a funeral service for their baby girl who died in the womb, the victims mother previously told the Advance.

Click here for the story.

ELECTRONICS STOLEN IN BURGLARY AT ST. CLARES SCHOOL

Police are seen going inside the Lindenwood Road entrance to St. Clare's School in Great Kills following the report of a burglary on Tuesday, July 21, 2020. (Staten Island Advance/Maura Grunlund)

Police are investigating a burglary at St. Clares School in Great Kills where four males were seen fleeing in a car.

The burglary occurred between 10:40 and 11:18 p.m. on Monday at the school at 151 Lindenwood Road and the incident was reported on Tuesday, according to a spokeswoman for the NYPD.

The four unknown individuals broke the glass panel of a door to enter the location and removed electronics worth about $400, the police spokeswoman said.

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MAN ACCUSED OF FIRING GUN INSIDE CAR; ATTEMPTED MURDER CHARGE

A man from Mariners Harbor was trying to commit murder when he fired a gun inside a car in Stapleton, authorities allege.

Destin Burks, of Brabrant Street in the Mariners Harbor Houses, stands accused in the incident that occurred on July 15 at about 2:35 a.m. on the 100 block of Broad Street.

The suspect, with intent to cause the death of another, fired a gun multiple times into an occupied, black Toyota sedan, according to the criminal complaint.

Click here for the full story.

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2 murders, S.I. Expressway hit-run top Staten Island crime news this week - SILive.com

ISLAND-WIDE TESTING FOR COVID-19 NOT ON THE CARDS OFFICIALS CONFIRM – Island Echo

Posted on July 27, 2020 by Danzig

Island-wide COVID-19 testing is not on the cards, according to the director of public health.

Simon Bryant, director of public health, told a meeting last week that Island-wide testing would not be helpful as it would pick up false positives.

At a meeting of the Isle of Wight Councils Health and Wellbeing Board, concerns were raised by 1 parish councillor about those who may have COVID-19 and are potentially spreading the virus but not realising it as they are showing no symptoms.

Councillor Bob Blezzard, a member of Lake Parish Council and representative of the Isle of Wight Association of Local Councils, said:

This seems to me to be a problematic area. Is there a way [testing] could be rolled out to everyone on the Island?

We were used as a guinea pig for the NHS Track and Traceappcould we not be used as a guinea pig for wider testing?

However, Mr Bryant said he would not recommend asymptomatic testing tests for those who are showing no signs of the virus for the whole Island as it would not be cost-effective. He said:

We are doing asymptomatic testing in particular settings where we know the spread is much more devastating in care homes and other places.

If we have an outbreak (two or more cases in the same area), we do test other people to see if they have got it and we will pick up asymptomatic cases in that sense.

We also have to remember, the Island has a very low prevalence of infection so it is not effective to do testing because we will start to pick up false positives which isnt helpful.

Mr Bryant mentioned a pilot trial in Southampton which conducts weekly surveillance of people by doing spit tests and suggested nationally there may be more pilots such as that.

On the Isle of Wight, 421 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in all settings hospitals, care homes, drive-through centres and more but Mr Bryant says there had been no new cases in the last 7 days.

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ISLAND-WIDE TESTING FOR COVID-19 NOT ON THE CARDS OFFICIALS CONFIRM - Island Echo

The otherworldy Spanish island that’s a hit with movie buffs – Telegraph.co.uk

Posted on July 27, 2020 by Danzig

Suppose you were a TV film-maker adapting a niche fantasy fiction book series or video game that features a monster-hunter beset by wolves, vampires and assorted nasties. Eastern Europe is lined up to supply the forests and castles. But where should you go to find the wildest, most primitive locations?

The answer, the producers of cult series The Witcher decided last year, was the popular holiday island of Gran Canaria. On the face of it, that might sound to you like a mad choice. After all, you wouldnt expect to stumble across medieval warriors, bards or princesses in the burger bars and infinity pools of the commercialised south.

But, visiting the island shortly after filming ended, I soon discovered that behind and beyond its coastal tourist resorts Gran Canaria harbours an amazingly diverse and evocative volcanic landscape. Rich in history and mystery, its tantalisingly lost in time. If youre looking ahead to snatching some Canarian sunshine post-lockdown, and plan to self-cater or are doubtful about spending too many days cooped up in a big hotel complex, its a perfect place to explore. Especially if you happen to be a film buff.

Gran Canaria has attracted scores of film-makers over the decades. Its photogenic in its own right, of course, but its also a location scouts dream when it comes to evoking alternative time-zones, countries or cultures. The film crews for The Witcher rolled up in March 2019. Inspired by news of the shoot, I hit the movie trail a month later on a mission to experience the islands chameleon magic at first-hand.

I awarded myself an A-listers head start, and began my adventure in the souths super-glamorous Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia, an exclusive garden enclave with just 54 rooms. (Previous guests include Bruce Springsteen, the manager confided to me proudly. Oh and your Mary Berry, he added. Though presumably not travelling together, I reflected. Now, that would have made a film-and-a-half.)

Just an hour into my visit and 330 yards from the hotel grounds I found myself on the western edge of one of Gran Canarias most-photographed marvels. The magnificent shifting dunes of Maspalomas are one-and-a-half square miles of undulating golden sand whipped into drifts and ridges by winnowing winds. A huddle of bored camels had been assembled to offer rides to tourists, but the dunes are easily walkable and I trekked happily inland into silence. With only blue skies and shimmering sands for company, it was mesmerisingly surreal like stepping into a melting Salvador Dali painting.

A dramatic pursuit across the Maspalomas dunes was one of the earliest scenes filmed for The Witcher. But the most distinctive filming locations of the nine-day shoot drew on landscapes that are still imbued with the spirit of Gran Canarias aboriginal settlers, a race of cave-dwellers who are thought to have arrived in the Canary Islands from the Berber regions of North Africa over 2,000 years ago.

In the north-west of the island, the remains of ancient burial sites and troglodyte villages still linger around the town of Galdr (a former capital) and rural Agaete. I spent a heady morning soaking up the scent of thick curtains of pinewoods in the Tamadaba massif (another filming location), before repairing to the areas wild and rocky beaches the antithesis of the well-manicured south. In the pleasantly scruffy fishing village of Sardina del Norte I sipped a bracing cortado coffee that was intermittently doused in sea-spray as breakers slapped over the jetty. A marmalade cat had sensibly taken up residence beneath a half-upturned boat.

The following day, I headed for the core of the island, its heritage heartland of sharp-toothed volcanoes and knife-edge ravines with walls still studded with cave-houses. Unmissably dominant are the islands twin symbols the majestic volcanic chimney Roque Nublo (Cloud Rock) and the aboriginals sacred mountain, Roque Bentayga. The drive was breathtaking, as the road spiralled upwards from the yellow-broom slopes of Barranco de Fataga into what felt like a petrified forest of tree and stone.

Misty layers of rock formations were massed against the horizon like jigsaw pieces. I pulled up at a pleasant picnic area, drowsy with birds and bees. A group of birdwatchers with binoculars were heading up the mountain footpath, clutching leaflets depicting the islands rare blue chaffinch. Above them, 90 minutes away on foot, rust-red Roque Nublo was wreathed in swirling cloud. Sometimes it was visible, sometimes it vanished. I was well and truly bewitched.

Then it was time for something completely different a visit to the islands capital. Cosmopolitan Las Palmas definitely isnt monster-slayer territory. But its no stranger to film crews, and I was ready now for a bit of clean-cut nostalgia courtesy of 1964s Wonderful Life (starring Cliff Richard and the Shadows). Although most of this musical romp was shot in the south, the opening scenes were filmed in Las Palmass Puerto de la Luz, so thats where I headed first. Strolling along the quayside where our heroes pursued a tartan-clad Susan Hampshire, I was struck by how similar parts of the palm-studded waterfront still looked to the 1960s footage.

The port was proving to be an unexpected delight. I lingered over a bowl of albndigas (spicy meatballs) at one of the tapas bars in the atmospheric fin-de-sicle Mercado del Puerto, a bustling wrought-iron market hall piled high with traffic-light peppers and papayas the size of rugby balls. Buzzing with chattering locals on lunch-breaks from nearby office blocks, their jackets and ties heaped on stools, it felt wonderfully non-touristy.

Just minutes away from the market hall were the ritzy caf-lined promenades of Playas de las Canteras, the two miles of buttery town beach that are Las Palmass equivalent of Copacabana. When Gregory Peck filmed scenes for Moby Dick (1956) here, he and director John Huston stayed at the nearby Santa Catalina Hotel, the citys most famous celebrity hideaway now recently reopened after a years closure for refurbishment.

But I wasnt on a whale trail right now. Instead, I wandered south to the jewel in Las Palmass crown the narrow cobbled alleyways and hidden courtyards of its old quarter, Vegueta, and the gracious neoclassical squares and buildings of adjacent Triana. Steeped in history, Veguetas balconied houses have provided the backdrop for many a period movie. In May 2016, Triana even switched continents. Its main square, Plaza de Cairasco, was covered in sand, and became Casablanca in the Second World War for the Hollywood thriller Allied, starring Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard.

Vegueta was enchanting. I spent an absorbing couple of hours exploring art galleries, Santa Ana cathedral and the fine colonial mansion, Casa de Coln, that houses a museum dedicated to Christopher Columbus. Yet it was the little mysteries and surprises that fascinated me the most. Near the Guiniguada theatre, on the corner of Calle la Pelota, I came across a fairy-tale three-storey house turreted with enclosed balconies of glass and wrought iron. It looked as though there could be a story behind it and sure enough, I discovered that there was.

In 1889, deeply depressed by the death of his mother and fearing he might never write music again, the composer Camille Saint-Sans fled life in the Parisian spotlight to hide away for the winter in Las Palmas. He registered at a hotel under a pseudonym. One evening, walking out in the streets of Vegueta with a music teacher hed met, he heard the strains of his own Danse Macabre drifting from a window. It turned out that the talented pianist was 19 year-old Candelaria Navarro Sigala, his new friends pupil. Hearing her play, Saint-Sans was inspired to write again and he dedicated his new composition, Valse Canariote, to her.

The house that I was gazing at was built for Candelaria in 1901, after her marriage. By then, Saint-Sans had become a firm family friend. Candelaria played her grand piano there until her death in 1945, and for some years the composer continued to visit her. I pictured him, an honoured guest sitting at one of those exquisite birdcage windows while his muse played on, older but still beautiful to him. Someone should make a film about it.

Linda Cookson travelled as the guest of Sovereign Luxury Travel (01293 832459; sovereign.com) which will offer seven nights in the Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia from 1,599pp, B&B, after the hotel reopens on Sept 12. Prices are based on two sharing, including flights from Gatwick (with security fast passes and access to No1 Lounge) and private resort transfers. For July or August breaks with Sovereign, seven nights B&B in a different five-star hotel starts at 899pp, including flights and private transfers.

Airlines have resumed flights to Gran Canaria from UK airports. Given the current uncertainties, check cancellation policies of airlines and operators you book with to make sure you are happy with how flexible they are about last-minute changes.

Gran Canarias airport is 11 miles south of Las Palmas and around 16 miles north of the main resorts of the south. Bus lines 60 and 90 go north from the airport to Las Palmas (20 mins/2); lines 66 and 90 head south to main resorts and Maspalomas (40 mins/3.50).

Local car hire specialists Cicar (cicar.com) and Cabrera Medina (cabreramedina.com) offer seven days hire from around 95.

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The otherworldy Spanish island that's a hit with movie buffs - Telegraph.co.uk

Cops: Woman, 28, killed trying to cross Staten Island Expressway in suspected hit-run – SILive.com

Posted on July 27, 2020 by Danzig

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A 28-year-old woman was struck and killed by a suspected hit-and-run driver while she was trying to cross the Staten Island Expressway early on Friday morning, according to police.

Police responded to a 911 call of a crash involving a pedestrian on the New Jersey-bound expressway in the vicinity of Richmond Road, according to a statement from the NYPD.

The incident was reported at 3:11 a.m., a spokesman for the FDNY/EMS said.

Upon arrival, officers saw a 28-year-old woman who was unconscious and unresponsive lying on the roadway near the HOV lane. She suffered trauma on her body and was pronounced dead at the scene by EMS, the police statement said.

Further investigation by the NYPD Highway Districts Collision Investigation Squad determined that the woman was attempting to walk across the New Jersey-bound expressway in the vicinity of the Clove Road/Richmond Road/Targee Street exits when she was struck by an vehicle that did not remain at the scene, the police statement said.

The investigation continues and a description for the vehicle is not yet available.

A police spokesman said the woman lived in Brooklyn; her identity is pending family notification, the police statement said.

A source with knowledge of the incident said that the initial call was for an emotionally disturbed person at that location on that expressway.

All lanes were reopened to traffic by 6:45 a.m., after two lanes still were blocked around 6 a.m. Lane closures began around 3:30 a.m., according to 511 NY.

More information will be posted when it becomes available.

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Cops: Woman, 28, killed trying to cross Staten Island Expressway in suspected hit-run - SILive.com

LATEST: The Oso Creek flooding warning has been cancelled with a lower forecast crest today. – KIIITV.com

Posted on July 27, 2020 by Danzig

As the outer tropical bands continue to spiral into the area, they have the possibility of spinning up a tornado. This watch expires at 10pm.

The Oso Creek flooding warning has been cancelled with a lower forecast crest today (Last night it was up over flood stage).

Also, the waters near the Texas State Aquarium and Art Museum of South Texas on either side of the port have receded. Interesting to note here...The tide was only 3-4 ft. above normal at this location. Not much of a rise for such a dramatic affect.

Tornado Warning in effect until 11 AM. This includes San Diego, TX extending into Rosita, TX.

Center of Tropical Storm Hanna moving west-southwest near 9 MPH. Motion is expected through Monday. Will move over northeastern Mexico tonight.

Maximum sustained winds down to 45 MPH. It has weakened immensely since landfall. This will soon become a Tropical Depression by the afternoon/evening over Mexico.

Tornado Warning including Charco, TX until 9:30 AM. Also, penny size hail possible within this particular storm. This is northeast of Corpus Christi.

Heres a look at what kind of wind speeds we had yesterday. Baffin Bay reported a wind speed of 81 MPH closer to the center of the hurricane. Incredible!

Source: National Weather Service

In addition, Coastal Flood Warnings in effect. Numerous roads will be closed, beach roads impassable and low lying property will be inundated.

As the outer tropical bands continue to spiral into the area, they have the possiblity of spinning up a tornado. This is just a watch. We're watching out because conditions are favorable for isolated activity. Nothing as of right now.

This has been recently updated. It expires at 10 PM tonight. (7:50 AM Update)

Hanna is now a weakening Tropical Storm crossing the Mexico border after moving into Starr county. This will dive into Mexico falling apart through Monday. This will continue to send in waves of tropical rain through the day today leading to potential flooding.

6 AM UPDATE Hanna is now a weakening Tropical Storm crossing the Mexico border after moving into Starr county. This will dive into Mexico falling apart through Monday. This will continue to send in...

Hanna is now a Tropical Storm. Winds sustained 60 MPH.

Moving West Southwest bear 9 MPH.

Will continue to weaken as it moves into Mexico through tonight.

Hanna is currently a tropical storm pushing over the western Rio Grande Valley.

Photos/video of damage at Marina Del Sol Marina on Ocean Drive in Corpus Christi. Not associated with the Marina Del Sol Condominiums. Emergency crews attempting to rescue a couple from their house boat.

Most of North Beach underwater. Water looks to be flooding the first floor of the Art Museum downtown:

Traffic signal nearly hits pickup truck on South Padre Island Drive:

Hurricane Hanna wind and rain bands:

Facebook Live Q&A with Bill Vessey: 8:45 p.m.

Friday evening tropical update w/Meteorologist Bill Vessey

From the National Weather Service:

Hanna continues to drive west-northwest as a moderate Tropical Storm. However, based on recent satellite imagery, it's in the process of forming an eyewall. This will aid in strengthening through tomorrow morning. The National Hurricane Center is calling for a Category 1 just before landfall Saturday afternoon.

The 3News Weather Team and National Hurricane Center are following the very latest on Tropical Storm Hanna as it moves through the Gulf of Mexico towards the Texas coast.

Below are the latest updates on the storm.

2PM, TROPICAL STORM HANNA Facebook LiveAlan Holt 3 News Meteorologist

UPDATE: 1 p.m.

Winds have increased to 50 mph, with gusts of 60 mph in Tropical Storm Hanna. Strengthening is expected through landfall, Saturday afternoon. Current forecast has Hanna making landfall along the South Texas Gulf Coast early Saturday afternoon. Winds at 65 mph with gusts of 75 mph.

Tropical Storm Hanna has strengthened a little this morning. Sustained winds of 45 mph, up from 40 mph last night/this morning. The forecast track at 10am has not changed a whole lot; just a slight jog to the South, but still in line to move in Saturday afternoon along the South Texas Gulf Coast. Intensity forecast still calls for a 65mph tropical storm with gusts up to 75 mph. Highest winds will be confined to near the center of the storm. If I had to pick a spot for landfall of the center of this storm it would be in the Baffin Bay area. Remember, tropical storm force conditions can and will likely extend 50 miles or so away from the center of the storm.

At this point, I do not think winds are forecast to be high enough to warrant boarding of windows. That being said, they will be strong enough to blow loose items around, so SECURE THOSE TODAY.

Flash Flood Watches will be in effect all weekend as flooding rains are expected throughout all of South Texas. Heaviest rains and highest totals will be focused in deep South Texas in the valley.

UPDATE: 8:55 a.m. --Live Question and Answer Session:

Alan Holt 3 News MeteorologistTROPICAL UPDATE - Tropical Storm Hanna.Recording starting at 9:07am

A pair of upper level lows flanking Hanna to the East and SW are aiding in outflow (exhaust) of the storm, which should warrant a strengthening storm plus hurricane hunters finding stronger winds.

Been getting questions on why this is trending south. In my opinion, the upper level low to the SW of Hanna is tugging the storm to the south but that ULL is moving away and weakening a little.

There's some wind shear in the northern gulf which is affecting some of the northernflank of the storm.

Overall, I'd expect the 10 a.m. update to indicate a stronger tropical storm. We'll see.

Given the current forecast of Tropical Storm Hanna bringing tropical storm force conditions to South Texas (39-73 mph winds), there will probably be some power outages in the region, Saturday. Keep in mind, sometimes power gets knocked out on breezy/sunny days (30-40 mph winds)

Alan Holt 3 News Meteorologist Given the current forecast of Tropica... l Storm Hanna bringing tropical storm force conditions to South Texas (39-73 mph winds), there will probably be some power outages in the region, Saturday. Keep in mind, sometimes power gets knocked out on breezy/sunny days (30-40 mph winds)

Coastal Effects and Key takeaways from Tropical Storm Hanna, Saturday.

UPDATE: July 23 9:58 p.m.

Latest update brings Tropical Depression #8 to Tropical Storm strength (Hanna), Friday. Landfall near San Antonio Bay/Copano Bay Saturday morning or early afternoon with 50 mph winds; gusts up to 60-65 mph, into Mexico as a tropical depression on Sunday. Flooding rains still the primary hazard.

Tropical Storm Watches will go into effect Friday night and into Saturday as this system approaches. While winds are forecast to be strong, it is not to the point of boarding up yet. Loose lawn items need to be secured or brought in prior to Saturday. A trend that I've noted over the last 24 hours is forecast models increasing wind speeds little by little. The latest run of models brings in moderate tropical storm force conditions as this storm makes landfall Saturday.

Tropical downpours, dropping heavy rains, leading to flooding remains the primary threat. Widespread 4-6" expected across the Coastal Bend. Isolated higher totals. This will likely lead to ponding/standing water or impassable roads on Saturday. Travel is discouraged, Saturday.

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LATEST: The Oso Creek flooding warning has been cancelled with a lower forecast crest today. - KIIITV.com

Fraser Island crash victim Deklan Gilmartin remembered as investigation continues into deadly vehicle rollover – ABC News

Posted on July 27, 2020 by Danzig

A man who died in a four-wheel-drive vehicle rollover crash on Fraser Island off south-east Queensland on the weekend has been remembered as a talented soccer player and "much-loved character".

NSW man Deklan Gilmartin, 29, originally from the UK, was driving along 75 Mile Beach on the island with three friends on Sunday morning when their hire car rolled.

Mr Gilmartin died at the scene.

His three friends also understood to be British nationals living in New South Wales survived the crash.

Two of the men were discharged from hospital yesterday and a third remains in the Sunshine Coast University Hospital in a stable condition.

Football New South Wales released a statement yesterday praising the midfielder, who had played semi-professional soccer in Sydney's eastern and southern suburbs.

It said Mr Gilmartin was a much-loved player who "always played with a smile".

"Football NSW was deeply saddened to hear the news of the tragic passing of one of our well-liked characters in our game, Deklan Gilmartin," the statement said.

"His infectious personality is what characterised Gilmartin, who also played for Coogee United in the Eastern Suburbs Football Association, Spirit FC and Futsal side Mascot Vipers.

"May he rest in heavenly peace."

Coogee United FC announced the club was "heartbroken" by the news, describing him as "arguably the most gifted player we've ever had but it was Dek's tremendous love of life off the park that people adored even more".

"Our club will never be the same again and we will miss Dek so much," the post said.

"Our thoughts and love are with the Gilmartin family at this terrible time.

"RIP Dekkers, you really were one of a kind and will always be in our hearts."

Dave Darmody, from the Australian Offroad Academy, trains people to drive on Fraser Island and said the beach was a "dynamic environment" where conditions change quickly.

"The edge of the road is literally moving every five seconds with the waves," he said.

"There is no painted white line down the middle of the road.

"You can drive down a beach at low tide and have a fabulous day out and actually find completely different conditions as you drive back that night."

Mr Darmody said the news of Mr Gilmartin's death was "just shattering" but fatal accidents on the island were "thankfully rare".

"You probably have more bingles at your local shopping centre every afternoon, but sadly, when they happen [on Fraser Island], they're serious," he said.

Maryborough Patrol Group Inspector Tony Clowes said it was still "very early days" in the investigation into what caused the crash.

"My understanding is the conditions weren't too poorly they were driving near the water's edge we haven't been able to determine if speed was a factor," he said.

He urged beach drivers to "drive to the conditions".

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Fraser Island crash victim Deklan Gilmartin remembered as investigation continues into deadly vehicle rollover - ABC News

Shelter Island Reporter Editorial: Paying the price of the pandemic – Shelter Island Reporter

Posted on July 27, 2020 by Danzig

As Long Island continues its recovery from the devastating effects of COVID-19, there are clouds on the near horizon that should alarm everyone. While the pandemic rages on in places like Florida, concerns grow here that a second wave could hit us later in the summer or early in the fall, which would force us to take a big step backward.

Beyond worry about a resurgence, though, are all the signs that highlight the pandemics devastating impact on Long Islands economy repercussions that could last for years and will reach into everyones pocketbooks.

A recent report laid out in stark terms what COVID-19 has done to the economy. In March and April, as the pandemic intensified, 270,000 jobs were lost on Long Island. Those jobs evaporated at a far higher rate than even in New York City and other suburban counties in the state.

The report predicted that job losses in Nassau and Suffolk could top 375,000 by the end of the year. The estimated price tag: $61 billion in local economic activity. This deep hole made worse by huge losses in sales tax and other government revenues will have to be filled somehow, either through steep cuts in government spending or sharp increases in taxes.

In releasing the economic report, county officials documented a Long Island economy that fell off a steep cliff after COVID-19 struck. Some 82,000 hospitality industry jobs vanished; health care lost 60,000 jobs. Retail enterprises the very heart of small town economies totaled about 52,000 jobs lost.

Gov. Andrew Cuomos budget office said in May that statewide financial losses would require either $10 billion in spending cuts or higher taxes. State officials also said then that sales tax revenue on Long Island had fallen by more than 33% over May 2019.

Theres no doubt that state aid to Long Islands school districts will fall some estimate by as much as $8 billion. In one of the most heavily taxed regions in America, this will be a heavy hit for residents who will be asked to pick up the tab.

The consultants who did the economic study estimated that revenues for Suffolk County for this year will fall by at least $325 million. County officials have said the budget gap in the county, which has 1.4 million residents, could top $800 million.

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said that shortfall could soar to $1.5 billion over the next 15 months.

Right now, our regional economic future looks grim. Census records in recent months also show that New York has one of the highest rates of residents relocating to states with lower taxes.

The current economic crisis will only make that worse.

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Shelter Island Reporter Editorial: Paying the price of the pandemic - Shelter Island Reporter

South Padre Island bar owner encourages people to visit SPI – KGBT-TV

Posted on July 27, 2020 by Danzig

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas (KVEO) While thousands in the Rio Grande Valley are being told to shelter-in-place, one local business is encouraging people to come out and enjoy the sunshine.

South Padre Island is open, so are national parks, state parks, we are no different if people want to come, said Clayton Brashear, the owner of Claytons Beach Bar and Grill, Claytons is the biggest beach bar in Texas and the safest beach bar in Texas.

But recently, Brashear has been facing heat on social media after posting to Facebook encouraging elderly people to head to the beach.

He says the posts have been taken out of context and have since been deleted.

Social media, we can get it wrong sometimes, I get social media wrong, my idea is to put a post or information that South Padre Island is welcoming, but at the same time bring your mask and social distance, said Brashear.

He says he is taking the pandemic serious and is practicing safe measures at the beach bar.

Everybody that comes into the bar has to wear a mask to order drinks to go, employees have hand sanitizer on the bar next to them, we have sanitizing stations inside close to the restrooms, we have them in different areas, we are a big place, Claytons is 30,000 square feet so people go out and buy food, were outdoors, were all learning how to social distance, said Brashear.

South Padre Island City beaches are open, however there is an emergency order in place. The details are below:

* All types of canopies and pop-up tents will be prohibited. Single-pole shade structures larger than 8 feet (96-inches) in diameterwill be prohibited.

You can read the entire order here.

If youre headed to the beach, follow the order below:

BEACH VENDORS:* Beach vendors can only preset the front-row following thespacing guidelines below.* All non-single pole shade structures will be prohibited.* All single-pole shade structures will be separated by a minimumof 15 feet from the outside edge/tip of the structure.* All secondary beach chairs and umbrellas must be stored at thedune line and setup on demand only.* Chairs and umbrellas must be rented and occupied at the time of * setup, for the secondary rows.* Only two chairs per single pole shade structure will be permitted.

BEACH GOERS:* All types of canopies and pop-up tents will be prohibited. Single-pole shade structures larger than 8 feet (96-inches) in diameterwill be prohibited.* All single-pole shade structures will be separated by a minimumof 15 feet from the outside edge/tip of the structure.* Only two chairs per single pole shade structure will be permitted.* Other setups are prohibited within the 15 feet between theequipment.

This emergency management order will remain in effect until August 5, 2020, at 11:59 p.m.

Peace Officers, City of South Padre Island Health Inspectors, Code Enforcement/Ordinance Officers/Inspectors are hereby authorized to enforce this order. A violation of this order is a Class C Misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.00 in accordance with the City of South Padre Island Code of Ordinances.

The Mayor and the Emergency Management Coordinator can close the beach at any time if social distancing is not followed.

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South Padre Island bar owner encourages people to visit SPI - KGBT-TV

The Book of Vision Trailer: Terrence Malick-Produced Drama Is a Time-Jumping Spiritual Journey – IndieWire

Posted on July 27, 2020 by Danzig

Having the imprimatur of one Terrence Malick on your film, especially as executive producer, is never a bad thing. Director Carlo S. Hintermann, who makes his narrative feature debut with The Book of Vision after several documentaries, worked with Malick as second unit director on the Italian shoot of 2011s The Tree of Life. Now, Malick has helped the Italian-Swiss filmmaker shepherd this latest project. The Book of Vision is set to open the Venice Film Festival Critics Week, and it has a first trailer. See below.

Heres the synopsis: Eva, a promising young doctor, leaves her brilliant career to study History of Medicine in a remote university. Now is the time for her to call everything into question: her nature, her body, her illness, and her sealed fate. Johan Anmuth is an 18th Century Prussian physician in perpetual conflict between the rise of rationalism and ancient forms of animism. The Book of Vision is a manuscript that sweeps these two existences up, blending them into a never-ending vortex. Far from a proper scientific text, the book contains the hopes, fears, and dreams of more than 1800 patients. Dr. Anmuth truly knew how to listen to his patients, whose spirits still wander through the pages, life and death, merging in a continuous flow. The story of Anmuth and his patients inspire Eva to live her life to the fullest. Nothing expires in its time. Only what you desire is real, not merely what happens.

Hintermann directs an international cast including Charles Dance (Game of Thrones), Lotte Verbeek (Outlander, The Borgias), Sverrir Gudnason (Borg vs McEnroe), Isolda Dychauk (The Borgias, Faust) and Italian actor Filippo Nigro. The art was created by Lorenzo Ceccotti, aka LRNZ, who also served as the concept visual designer of the film. With this film I tried to capture and isolate the transcendent and immanent vision of nature, which swarms outside and inside the body, always changing like the soul, LRNZ said.

Speaking to Variety, Hintermann described The Book of Vision as a game of mirrors between two dimensions with time jumps inspired by the type of storytelling in video games. The director also described the movie as a cross between Barry Lyndon and Labyrinth.

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The Book of Vision Trailer: Terrence Malick-Produced Drama Is a Time-Jumping Spiritual Journey - IndieWire

Hyundai Robotics and Hyundai E&C partner to develop construction robots – Geospatial World

Posted on July 27, 2020 by Danzig

Hyundai Robotics signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Hyundai E&C for Joint R&D of Construction Robotics Technology at the Hyundai Building in Gye-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea.

This MoU will allow both the companies to jointly carry out the following roles:

A research and development co-operation system will also be established by both the companies together. The system will allow demonstration and commercialization of developed technology at all times.

Hyundai Robotics and Hyundai E&C will jointly build Autonomous Driving Integrated Software by combining indoor and outdoor autonomous driving technologies, with their own strengths.

Dae-kyu Yoon, director of Hyundai Robotics,stated that through this cooperation, theyre going to expand the appliance of robot solutions to manufacturing and logistics, then to construction. He also added that they will continue to upgrade robots in the construction sector based on specialized technologies from each company in line with the era of the fourth industrial revolution.

Gu-yong Park, director of Hyundai E&C, commented that theyre going to introduce the concept of automatic production, like that of producing , to the development site and lead innovation in the construction industry by cooperating with Hyundai Robotics within the post-corona era.

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Hyundai Robotics and Hyundai E&C partner to develop construction robots - Geospatial World

New trend to watch in post-pandemic Romania: Robotics – Business Review

Posted on July 27, 2020 by Danzig

The COVID-19 pandemic will accelerate new trends in Romanian business environment, including robotics. Whether we are talking about robotic process automation (RPA) or the automation of certain production processes, the post-COVID-19 reality in Romania will be based on new business models.

By Claudiu Vrinceanu

As an example, the pandemic has generated a lot of demand for UiPaths software robots to assist hospitals with processing medical tests. Health care is predicted to have a 36 percent automation potential. This means more than a third of health care tasksespecially managerial and back-office functionscould be automated, allowing providers to offer more direct, value-based patient care at lower costs and higher efficiency rates.

Also in the area of robotics, but this time the physical kind, we have the example of autonomous disinfection robots using ultraviolet light to disinfect large and crowded spaces. Normally, hospitals are very difficult to disinfect with traditional methods, so Romanian entrepreneurs have offered robots to hospitals in Bucharest. The technology used by the robot is effective in fighting bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. The autonomous UVD disinfection robot, created by Bucharest Promo Robots, the first startup in Romania addressed to the humanoid service robots market, destroys up to 99.99 percent of resistant bacteria.

We are having discussions with the Romanian authorities. Together with the Support Association, we contacted representatives in the Internal Affairs Ministrys Emergency Situations Department and offered to make the robot available in some of the Bucharest hospitals that were treating coronavirus cases, said Ana-Maria Stancu, the CEO of Bucharest Promo Robots.

The COVID-19 crisis has also created the context for an increase in automation across Romania. The main arguments for automation start from the need for companies to protect their employees, so that they are less vulnerable, and are based on Europes intent to consolidate sustainably through local production facilities. What are the areas expected to see growth in the coming years? First of all, robotics, especially in industries still lagging behind in terms of the adoption of robots, like the food, pharmaceutical, lighting industries, said Costin Borc, Director for Central Europe at SNEF. For example, according to IMSAT Groupe SNEF, the development potential of projects with industrial robots is very high in Romania, which currently has 15 industrial robots per 10,000 workers, below the levels seen in Poland or Hungary. The global average is 74 industrial robots per 10,000 employees, according to the International Federation for Robotics. Therefore, in order to become more competitive at the European level, Romanian industrial producers need new investments and projects in automation and robotics.

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New trend to watch in post-pandemic Romania: Robotics - Business Review

International training on automation, robotics in agriculture held – The Tribune India

Posted on July 27, 2020 by Danzig

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, July 26

A web-based online international training on Automation and robotics in agriculture has been organised by the Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU). The 10-day international training is being conducted under the aegis of the School of Natural Resource Management (SNRM), a project sponsored by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) under the umbrella of the National Higher Education Project-Centre of Advanced Agricultural Science and Technology (NAHEP-CAAST), which is operational at the PAU.

Selected young faculty, representatives of the industry, research scholars and students from state agricultural universities, ICAR institutes and countries such as Canada, South Korea, USA and Kenya are attending the course.

Dr AK Garg, Director, International Cooperation and Bilateral Trade, Innovation and IPR Division (R&D) in Electronics Group, Ministry of Electronics and IT, New Delhi, was the chief guest during the inaugural function. Dr GK Sangha, Dean, Postgraduate Studies, was the guest of honour. Dr OP Choudahry, head, Department of Soil Science, and project investigator of the NAHEP-CAAST project, shed light on different activities conducted under the SNRM.

Earlier, Dr Manjeet Singh, head, Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, and Director, International Training, welcomed guests and participants. He said speakers and experts, who are delivering their presentation, are from various parts of the world as well as different disciplines such as computer science, electronics, agricultural engineering and agriculture.

Coordinators of international training Dr Vishal Bector, associate director, International Linkages, and Dr Aseem Verma, scientist from the Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, were among those others present online during the inaugural function.

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International training on automation, robotics in agriculture held - The Tribune India

Healthcare Robotics-Surgical Robots Market Healthcare Analysis and Research Report 2020-2026 – Market Research Posts

Posted on July 27, 2020 by Danzig

The Healthcare Robotics-Surgical Robots Market report is the most important research for who looks for complete information on the Healthcare Robotics-Surgical Robots market. The report covers all information on the global and regional markets including historic and future trends for market demand, size, trading, supply, competitors, and prices as well as global predominant vendors information. The forecast market information, SWOT analysis, Healthcare Robotics-Surgical Robots market scenario, and feasibility study are the vital aspects analyzed in this report.

SPECIAL OFFER (Avail a flat 30% discount on this report, please fill the form and mention the code: MIR30 in the comments section)Get a sample copy Of the Reporthttps://www.marketinsightsreports.com/reports/07272183460/global-healthcare-robotics-surgical-robots-market-insights-and-forecast-to-2026/inquiry?mode=31

Top Companies in the Global Healthcare Robotics-Surgical Robots Market: Intuitive Surgical, Medtronic, Johnson and Johnson, Google Life Sciences, Stryker, TransEnterix, Mazor Robotics, Hansen Medical,

The leading players of Healthcare Robotics-Surgical Robots industry, their market share, product portfolio, company profiles are covered in this report. The leading market players are analyzed on the basis of production volume, gross margin, market value, and price structure. The competitive market scenario among Healthcare Robotics-Surgical Robots players will help the industry aspirants in planning their strategies. The statistics offered in this report will be a precise and useful guide to shape the business growth.

This report segments the market on the basis ofTypesare:Supervisor-Controlled Robotic Surgical System

Shared Control Robotic Surgical Systems

Telesurgery Systems

Robotic Radiosurgery Systems

On The basis Of Application, the market is segmented into areHospitals

Clinics

Regions covered By Healthcare Robotics-Surgical Robots Market Report 2019 To 2025 are:North America (The United States, Canada, and Mexico), Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Others), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Italy, Russia, and Rest of Europe), Central & South America (Brazil, and Rest of South America), and Middle East & Africa (GCC Countries, Turkey, Egypt, South Africa, and Other).

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Table of Contents

1 Report Overview1.1 Study Scope1.2 Key Market Segments1.3 Players Covered1.4 Market Analysis by Type1.4.1 Global Healthcare Robotics-Surgical Robots Market Size Growth Rate by Type (2014-2025)1.5 Market by Application1.5.1 Global Healthcare Robotics-Surgical Robots Market Share by Application (2014-2025)1.6 Study Objectives1.7 Years Considered

2 Global Growth Trends2.1 Healthcare Robotics-Surgical Robots Market Size2.2 Healthcare Robotics-Surgical Robots Growth Trends by Regions2.2.1 Healthcare Robotics-Surgical Robots Market Size by Regions (2014-2025)2.2.2 Healthcare Robotics-Surgical Robots Market Share by Regions (2014-2019)2.3 Industry Trends2.3.1 Market Top Trends2.3.2 Market Drivers2.3.3 Market Opportunities

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3 Market Share by Key Players3.1 Healthcare Robotics-Surgical Robots Market Size by Manufacturers3.1.1 Global Healthcare Robotics-Surgical Robots Revenue by Manufacturers (2014-2019)3.1.2 Revenue Market Share by Manufacturers (2014-2019)3.1.3 Global Market Concentration Ratio (CR5 and HHI)3.2 Key Players Head office and Area Served3.3 Key Players Healthcare Robotics-Surgical Robots Product/Solution/Service3.4 Date of Enter into the Market3.5 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion Plans

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About Us:MarketInsightsReports provides syndicated market research on industry verticals including Healthcare, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Technology and Media, Chemicals, Materials, Energy, Heavy Industry, etc. MarketInsightsReports provides global and regional market intelligence coverage, a 360-degree market view which includes statistical forecasts, competitive landscape, detailed segmentation, key trends, and strategic recommendations.

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Healthcare Robotics-Surgical Robots Market Healthcare Analysis and Research Report 2020-2026 - Market Research Posts

COVID-19 Impact & Recovery Analysis | Global Mobile Robots Market in Healthcare and Hospitality Sectors 2020-2024 | Increasing Number of Patients…

Posted on July 27, 2020 by Danzig

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Technavio has been monitoring the global mobile robots market in healthcare and hospitality sectors and it is poised to grow by USD 941.58 million during 2020-2024, progressing at a CAGR of almost 19% during the forecast period. The report offers an up-to-date analysis regarding the current market scenario, latest trends and drivers, and the overall market environment.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic continues to transform the growth of various industries, the immediate impact of the outbreak is varied. While a few industries will register a drop in demand, numerous others will continue to remain unscathed and show promising growth opportunities. Technavios in-depth research has all your needs covered as our research reports include all foreseeable market scenarios, including pre- & post-COVID-19 analysis. Download a Free Sample Report on COVID-19 Impacts

Frequently Asked Questions:

The market is fragmented, and the degree of fragmentation will accelerate during the forecast period. ABB Ltd., Amazon.com Inc., Awabot, Clearpath Robotics Inc., Myomo Inc., OMRON Corp., Panasonic Corp., Savioke Inc., Starship Technologies Inc., and Teradyne Inc. are some of the major market participants. The increasing number of patients with chronic diseases will offer immense growth opportunities. To make the most of the opportunities, market vendors should focus more on the growth prospects in the fast-growing segments, while maintaining their positions in the slow-growing segments.

Buy 1 Technavio report and get the second for 50% off. Buy 2 Technavio reports and get the third for free.

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The increasing number of patients with chronic diseases has been instrumental in driving the growth of the market.

Technavio's custom research reports offer detailed insights on the impact of COVID-19 at an industry level, a regional level, and subsequent supply chain operations. This customized report will also help clients keep up with new product launches in direct & indirect COVID-19 related markets, upcoming vaccines and pipeline analysis, and significant developments in vendor operations and government regulations.

Mobile Robots Market in Healthcare and Hospitality Sectors 2020-2024: Segmentation

Mobile Robots Market in Healthcare and Hospitality Sectors is segmented as below:

To learn more about the global trends impacting the future of market research, download a free sample: https://www.technavio.com/talk-to-us?report=IRTNTR43514

Mobile Robots Market in Healthcare and Hospitality Sectors 2020-2024: Scope

Technavio presents a detailed picture of the market by the way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources. The mobile robots market in healthcare and hospitality sectors report covers the following areas:

This study identifies the increasing focus on technology-based solutions for enhanced customer experience as one of the prime reasons driving the mobile robots market growth in healthcare and hospitality sectors during the next few years.

Technavio suggests three forecast scenarios (optimistic, probable, and pessimistic) considering the impact of COVID-19. Technavios in-depth research has direct and indirect COVID-19 impacted market research reports.

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Mobile Robots Market in Healthcare and Hospitality Sectors 2020-2024: Key Highlights

Table of Contents:

Executive Summary

Market Landscape

Market Sizing

Five Forces Analysis

Market Segmentation by Product

Market Segmentation by End-user

Customer Landscape

Geographic Landscape

Market Drivers

Market Challenges

Market Trends

Vendor Landscape

Vendor Analysis

Appendix

About Us

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavios report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavios comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

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COVID-19 Impact & Recovery Analysis | Global Mobile Robots Market in Healthcare and Hospitality Sectors 2020-2024 | Increasing Number of Patients...

Tiny Robotic Cameras Give First-Person View of Insects – Unite.AI

Posted on July 27, 2020 by Danzig

Engineers at MIT are working toward giving robots the ability to follow high-level commands, such as going to another room to retrieve an item for an individual. In order for this to be possible, robots will need to have the ability to perceive their physical environments similar to the way we humans do.

Luca Carlone is an assistant professor of aeronautics and astronautics at MIT.

In order to make any decision in the world, you need to have a mental model of the environment around you, Carlone says. This is something so effortless for humans. But for robots its a painfully hard problem, where its about transforming pixel values that they see through a camera, into an understanding of the world.

To take on this challenge, the researchers modeled a representation of spatial perception for robots based on how humans perceive and navigate their physical environments.

The new model is called 3D Dynamic Scene Graphs, and it enables a robot to generate a 3D map of its physical surroundings, including objects and their semantic labels. The robot can also map out people, rooms, walls, and other structures in the environment.

The model then allows the robot to extract information from the 3D map, information that can be used to locate objects, rooms, and the movement of people.

This compressed representation of the environment is useful because it allows our robot to quickly make decisions and plan its path, Carlone says. This is not too far from what we do as humans. If you need to plan a path from your home to MIT, you dont plan every single position you need to take. You just think at the level of streets and landmarks, which helps you plan your route faster.

According to Carlone, robots that rely on this model would be able to do much more than just domestic tasks. They could also be used for high-level skills and work alongside people in factories, or help locate survivors of a disaster site.

The current methods for robotic vision and navigation mainly focus on 3D mapping that allows robots to reconstruct their environment in three dimensions in real-time, or semantic segmentation, which happens when robots classify features in the environment as semantic objects, like a car versus a bicycle. Semantic segmentation is often done on 2D images.

The newly developed model of spatial perception is the first of its kind to generate a 3D map of the environment in real-time and label objects, people, and structures within the 3D map at the same time.

In order to achieve this new model, the researchers relied on Kimera, an open-source library. Kimera was previously developed by the same team to construct a 3D geometric model of an environment, while at the same time encoding what the object likely is, such as a chair versus a desk.

Like the mythical creature that is a mix of different animals, we wanted Kimera to be a mix of mapping and semantic understanding in 3D, Carlone says.

Kimera used images from a robots camera and inertial measurements from onboard sensors to reconstruct the scene as a 3D mesh in real-time. In order to do this, Kimera utilized a neural network that has been trained on millions of real-world images. It could then predict the label of each pixel and use ray-casting to project them in 3D.

Through the use of this technique, the robots environment can be mapped out in a three-dimensional mesh where each face is color-coded, identifying it as a part of objects, structures, or people in the environment.

Because the 3D semantic mesh model requires a lot of computational power and is time-consuming, the researchers used Kimera to develop algorithms that resulted in 3D dynamic scene graphs.

The 3D semantic mesh gets broken down into distinct semantic layers, and the robot is then able to view a scene through a layer. The layers go from objects and people, to open spaces and structures, to rooms, corridors, halls, and whole buildings.

This layering method allows the robot to narrow its focus rather than having to analyze billions of points and faces. This layering method also allows the algorithms to track humans and their movement within the environment in real-time.

The new model was tested in a photo-realistic simulator that simulates a robot navigating an office environment with moving people.

We are essentially enabling robots to have mental models similar to the ones humans use, Carlone says. This can impact many applications, including self-driving cars, search and rescue, collaborative manufacturing, and domestic robotics.

Carlone was joined by lead author and MIT graduate student Antoni Rosinol.

Our approach has just been made possible thanks to recent advances in deep learning and decades of research on simultaneous localization and mapping, Rosinol says. With this work, we are making the leap toward a new era of robotic perception called spatial-AI, which is just in its infancy but has great potential in robotics and large-scale virtual and augmented reality.

The research was presented at the Robotics: Science and Systems virtual conference.

Tiny Robotic Cameras Give First-Person View of Insects - Unite.AI

Dexterity, Inc. Introduces Intelligent Robots for Warehouse Automation that Pick, Move, Pack and Collaborate – Business Wire

Posted on July 27, 2020 by Danzig

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dexterity, creators of intelligent robots with human-like dexterity for logistics, warehousing, and supply chain, today announced the availability of its full-stack, hardware-agnostic robotic systems. Dexterity robots allow customers to unlock the maximum value of their workforce. Its robots automate repetitive pick-pack tasks and can handle complex manipulations in unpredictable environments, allowing warehouse employees to focus on higher-level cognitive work. The robots utilize artificial intelligence, advanced control theory, computer vision, and the sense of touch to adapt quickly, making them safe to work alongside humans. Initial customers include Kawasaki Heavy Industries, a global food manufacturer and distributor, and a worldwide package delivery provider.

Dexterity simplifies automation deployments by managing the entire process for customers, from end-to-end system design and engineering to deployments with operational guarantees. Unlike existing robotics providers, Dexterity robots are adaptable, mobile and collaborative. They are presently picking more than 200 unique items in production with 99.5% accuracy, and reliably pick a wide variety of novel objects including plastic bags, glass, perishables, and low-profile items.

Transcending other systems in the market, Dexterity robots can move, pack items using the sense of touch, and work collaboratively with one another. For instance, two robots can collaborate to pick trays or crates, and even collaboratively move them across the work-area if required. Finally, the robots operate safely in concert with humans and maximize human productivity.

While robots are the backbone of manufacturing, they have historically lacked the ability to adapt and operate in dynamic environments like warehouses, said Dexterity founder and CEO Samir Menon. Dexteritys intelligent robots constantly adapt to warehouse operations and do the tedious and strenuous tasks, which maximizes productivity by enabling humans to focus on meaningful work.

Founded in 2017, Dexteritys technical approach has Menons Ph.D. thesis in Robotics from Stanford University at heart. Menon worked on a control theory framework to describe how the human brain controls and coordinates the body, which serves as a model to distill human skill into mathematical programs that control robots in a graceful human-like manner.

Dexterity is exiting stealth with deep customer relationships, and a fleet of intelligent and collaborative robots in production. In todays world, with a pandemic raging, Dexterity is grateful to have an opportunity to serve the community as an essential business that, among other things, has shipped more than half a million units of packaged food.

To date, Dexterity has raised $56.2 million, including venture investments and debt from Kleiner Perkins, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Obvious Ventures, Pacific West Bank, B37 Ventures, Presidio (Sumitomo) Ventures, Blackhorn Ventures, Liquid 2 Ventures, and Stanford StartX.

Technically, Dexteritys robotic solution can do what their predecessors could not. Their robots ability to learn as it picks, packs, and places novel objects is unsurpassed, said Wen Hsieh, partner at Kleiner Perkins. Dexterity also stands out because of their high-touch approach with customers, which includes gaining a deep understanding of customers needs, and then offering a Robots-as-a-Service offering. This unique pricing model allows Dexterity to deploy quickly and effectively, which results in an immediate performance and financial impact on customers warehouse operations.

Dexterity is one of the very few companies in the world which has almost an unlimited market opportunity," said Raviraj Jain, partner at Lightspeed Venture Partners. "When I first met Samir, I immediately knew he had the technical chops, the drive, and the vision to do something exceptional. In the short 2.5 years, Samir has assembled an exceptional team of some of the best and the brightest in robotics, built a strong tech stack that is generalizable, and delivered significant customer value. We're excited to have partnered with Dexterity from day one and look forward to an exciting journey ahead.

Dexterity Full Stack Approach

Dexterity develops its robots with a full-stack approach, combining both software and hardware. To support high performance and adaptability with safe human-robot interaction, its robots have capabilities like touch perception, computer vision, force control, and contextual awareness.

Dexterity partners closely with customers to design systems and controls that match their individual needs and products, performing tasks such as fulfillment, kitting, sortation, singulation, palletization, and depalletization. Its platform is highly modular - rather than being coded to perform one specific task, robots can be deployed anywhere on any warehouse use case, with grippers or suction cups to suit objects being handled, 3D camera systems to track items, and general machine learning models trained to identify arbitrary unknown objects. By working with Dexterity robots, operators have become 47% more productive, and that improvement is growing over time as the robots learn and are more tightly integrate into local operations. Dexterity robots can also work safely alongside or independently of humans and have the ability to comply and respond to human movement and interference.

Dexteritys artificial intelligence, computer vision, and stacking design technology was what really stood out to us. Samir provides a clear vision for the future of our robotic applications and gives us confidence that with this partnership, we can easily deploy our robots in a variety of ways, said Toshihiko M., Manager, Robotics Business Center, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd.

Solving for Warehousing Challenges

The warehousing industry urgently needs automation to do the tedious, laborious, and unsafe tasks that make it difficult to recruit and retain staff. While supply chains continue to expand at a rapid pace driven by growth in e-commerce, interest in jobs that are repetitive and even dangerous continues to decline. This trend has been further complicated by COVID-19 -- increased volume, an exacerbated labor shortage due to health concerns, and the inability to guarantee safety for workers without heavily disrupting operations has amplified the need for automation.

Robots have been widely used in manufacturing, but they traditionally lack intelligence so they could only be deployed for precise pre-programmed tasks think welding in auto manufacturing where the welds are in the same place for every car. Dexterity enables human-like intelligence and dexterity to unlock a larger set of tasks in supply chain environments that have been previously unsolved by traditional robotics solutions.

About Dexterity:

Dexterity, Inc. creates intelligent robots with human-like dexterity that enable customers to unlock the maximum value of their workforce. Dexterity solves labor shortages by delegating repetitive tasks so employees can focus on higher-level, cognitive work. Its full stack robotics solutions automate routine tasks for logistics, warehousing, and supply chain operations and can be deployed to perform a wide variety of complex manipulations in unpredictable environments. Learn more at http://www.dexterity.ai.

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Dexterity, Inc. Introduces Intelligent Robots for Warehouse Automation that Pick, Move, Pack and Collaborate - Business Wire

CCRCs to participate in $3 million test of robots to curb resident loneliness, apathy – News – McKnight’s Senior Living

Posted on July 27, 2020 by Danzig

Two Ohio continuing care retirement communities will participate in a $3.13 million study testing whether socially assistive robots, some of which are shaped like animals, can encourage social interaction among older adults, especially those living with dementia.

Researchers from Vanderbilt University and Ohio State Universitys College of Nursing have received a five-year grant from the National Institute on Aging at the National Institutes of Health to test the robots ability to help residents engage with one another in independent living communities, assisted living communities and nursing homes.

Ohio Living WestminsterThurber in Columbus, OH, and Chapel Hill Community, a United Church Homes life plan community in Canal Fulton, OH, will participate in an eight-week trial aimed at curbing loneliness and apathy.

The study will explore whether the robots, which researchers said are designed specifically for social interactions and capable of autonomously detecting and meaningfully responding to older adults attention and behavior, can effectively engage older adults with cognitive impairments in long-term care environments, according to Vanderbilt.

Ohio Living WestminsterThurber Executive Director Leslie Belfance told McKnights Senior Living that Lorraine Mion, professor of nursing at the Ohio State University, approached the community about participating in the study.

Were always looking for peace and joy outcomes, Belfance said, adding that OSU is 12 blocks from the WestminsterThurber community. When she proposed it to me, to have a little animal that is realistic for our residents, it would be fun and joyful for them. For some, its very calming and peaceful to sit and pet an animal. Im very excited to work alongside these wonderful two universities.

United Church Homes has conducted trials of new and emerging technologies over the past decade to try to expand its services based on its residents needs and wants. Last year, the organization conducted its own trial of virtual reality devices, buying such devices for several of its communities. United Church Homes also hired virtual visitor guides during the COVID-19 pandemic to schedule remote visits between residents and loved ones and to assist residents new to using FaceTime, Skype or Google Duo.

Socially assistive robots, virtual reality and social engagement technology all provide innovative ways for residents to do what they love at any age, Rev. Kenneth V. Daniel, president and CEO, told McKnights Senior Living. United Church Homes staff members get to know each resident, learning what brings purpose and meaning to their life. For residents living with cognitive impairment and other medical conditions, animal [socially assistive robots] can provide feelings of calm and comfort.

Without social interaction, older adults are more prone to apathy and loneliness, social isolation and cognitive decline, as well as stress and frustration from caregivers, according to Vanderbilt University researchers. Seventy-two percent of all long-term care residents experience apathy, they said, and the effects can lead to declines in physical health. By 2034, older adults aged 65 and older will outnumber children under 18 for the first time.

We aim to create a better quality of life for the aging population of our society, said Nilanjan Sarkar, chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Vanderbilt University and director of the Robotics and Autonomous Systems Lab. While there is no cure for dementia at this point, research shows that if we can keep people mentally engaged and active, we can possibly slow the progression of the disease and the deterioration of their overall health. Our research will help us understand how to create robots to act as a coach, as well as a peer, to facilitate interpersonal connections in a sustainable, meaningful way.

The robots can work with two people at a time, giving instructions for different tasks and activities, to encourage them to engage with each other.

Three different types of robots will be used in the study. NAO from SoftBank Robotics and Misty II from Misty Robotics are humanoid robots. Miro-B from Consequential Robotics is an animal-like social robot. The humanoid and animal-type robots will be used for four weeks each in community.

Researchers will observe how residents react to the different types of robots to see whether they stay engaged or become bored.

We know from research that apathy is the most common neuropsychiatric symptom in older adults with dementia and can have dire effects on both the quality of life for the patient and the emotional stability of the caregiver, said Mion, who is a former professor of nursing at the Vanderbilt School of Nursing. What we are seeking to understand is how we can improve engagement strategies using advanced-but-user-friendly robotic systems to stave off apathy and improve lives for these older adults in long-term care facilities.

The study will enable researchers to improve adaptive robot-mediated intervention architecture through additional software development, measure a reduction in apathy among older adults with cognitive impairments and mild or moderate dementia, and identify future scalability and sustainability of socially assistive robot implementation in long-term care settings.

Service Robotics System Industry 2020 Includes The Major Application Segments And Size In The Global Market To 2026 – Market Research Posts

Posted on July 27, 2020 by Danzig

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Service Robotics System Industry 2020 Includes The Major Application Segments And Size In The Global Market To 2026 - Market Research Posts

Comprehensive Report on Collaborative Robots Market 2020 | Size, Growth, Demand, Opportunities & Forecast To 2026 | Universal Robots, Rethink…

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Comprehensive Report on Collaborative Robots Market 2020 | Size, Growth, Demand, Opportunities & Forecast To 2026 | Universal Robots, Rethink...

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