Monthly Archives: June 2017

MOBILE, AL (WKRG) It may be summertime, but the Davidson High School Robotics Team is busy preparing for next years state competition. The team won state last year, and they have had many victories in regional competition in the past. The students know summer isnt a time of rest if they want to take the top spot again. The Robotics moderator, Mike Fletcher, equates summer time to spring practice for a sports team. His team has lay some groundwork now, to be successful in the fall. Fletcher says the Robotics program at Davidson has been helpful to many students for choosing a career. The reason we have that type of competition that recognizes math, science and engineering, is to get kids excited about that sort of thing in the same way they they might get excited about a soccer team, or football team or something else.

Senior, Justin Parker, says they have had a lot of interest in the robotics program from underclassmen who heard about the programs state win. The goal is to bring home a second year-in-a-row win. It really boosts morale for students who were somewhat interested, but didnt want to pay attention. Now they are saying, I want to be a part of something that won statewide.' They have had ten new students apply to be a part of the team for next year.

More here:

What's Working: Davidson Robotics Team Using Summer to Prepare for State Competition - WKRG

JUNO BEACH

The 3-foot-tall robots with multicolored wires raced around the tile floor. They picked up neon yellow Wiffle Balls and shot them into a 10-foot-tall basket. They hung suspended from a rope while music pumped through the Florida Power & Light Co. cafeteria.

All while being controlled by the teenagers who built them.

Nearly three weeks after the last day of school, students from six high schools in Palm Beach, Martin and Broward counties put the specialized skills they learned during the school year on display for a crowd of FPL employees, and their children as part of FPLs effort to support creative educational programs.

Lillian Harrington, now a junior at William T. Dwyer High School in Palm Beach Gardens, said her one year on the schools Mega Awesome Robotic System team MARS, for short has given her a wealth of experience and the chance to meet all kinds of people.

Harrington does programming for the robotics team and said most people expect programmers to largely work alone. Its actually had the opposite effect on her time in high school.

Its a learning process, and when you actually go to competitions, you get to interact with a lot of different people, which is actually the most exciting part for me, she said. The process is really interesting, talking to other teams and seeing what they can do on the field, its really great for honing your analytical and people skills.

Maureen Wilt, senior education program manager for FPL, said the company has sponsored the robotics program for five years because its a way to blend students into STEM fields science, technology, engineering and math in an appealing way.

Young people like to do things that are engaging and fun, and this is an example of that, Wilt said. They could be doing a lot of things with their time, but instead of just being in a lab or doing experiments, being able to build a robot and meet kids from all over the world that participate in this is fun for the kids.

Wilt said FPL hires 240 paid college interns every summer, a large majority of which come through programs like the high school robotics showcase. She said she hopes the interns speak to the high school students and encourage them to follow in their footsteps.

I really want my employees to engage with these students, she said. Weve started to hire a number of young people who have come through the high school program and gone to college, and theyre now working here.

In addition to the tangible skills acquired in working on robots, Harrington said the teamwork aspect of robotics competition and how it teaches students to work with each other is just as valuable.

Going into college, it obviously gives you the skills you need to start off in robotics or if you want to go into an engineering field, she said. Im not looking at an engineering-type career, but even if youre not looking for engineering, the skills you learn here will help you in any job you take.

Read the original:

High school students showcase robotics skills at FPL - Palm Beach Post

Jordan Beck | Daily Press Local student Allie Livingston, who will be entering sixth grade at the Gladstone Junior High School this fall, steers a robot built out of Lego bricks around an obstacle course Thursday. Bay College and Michigan Works Lego Robotics Camp, which Livingston participated in, will give local students an opportunity to boost their technical knowledge and social skills this summer.

ESCANABA Local students aged 7-12 will have an opportunity to boost their technical knowledge and social skills this summer by taking part in Bay College and Michigan Works Lego Robotics Camp. The first sessions of this camp for the summer of 2017 were held at Bay Colleges M-TEC building June 19 through 22, and additional sessions will be held throughout the summer.

Bay College Grant Project Manager Beth Ann Belcher said this program has been offered for quite a while.

This will be our eighth year offering the camp, she said.

Over the course of each four-day-long session of the camp, participating students work with Lego Mindstorms EV3 kits to build functioning robots.

These are very complex kits that actually have a computer component to them, Belcher said. At the end of each session, students will be able to put their robots to the test by steering them around an obstacle course.

Michigan Works Jobs for Michigans Graduates Specialist Elizabeth Mineau said that the use of Lego bricks makes the program accessible to students.

Its a relatable medium for them to use and to start learning that robotic technology, she said.

Two sessions of the camp are offered each week: one for students aged 7-9, and one for students aged 10-12. According to Belcher, students in both sessions will build replicas of a character from a popular Pixar movie.

They are actually going to recreate the Wall-E robot, she said. Students aged 10-12 will also build a robotic tank.

Mineau noted that the camp has given participating students an opportunity to learn more about science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics or, as they are collectively referred to, the STEAM fields.

Its really improving their (STEAM) knowledge, she said.

In addition to building robots, students participating in the Lego Robotics Camp are able to learn about programming.

Even though its very complicated, once you get the hang of it, it is very easy, Alex Anderson said. Anderson will be entering fourth grade at Mid Peninsula School this fall.

Additionally, Belcher said the camp has helped students hone their ability to collaborate with others.

It helps them develop their social skills because they work in small groups together, she said.

Allie Livingston, who will be entering sixth grade at the Gladstone Junior High School this fall, agreed with Belcher.

You learn how to work together better, she said.

Belcher thanked Michigan Works for their involvement with the camp.

Without their partnership, this wouldnt be possible, she said.

Livingston said she would recommend the camp to other students.

If you havent gone to (Lego) Robotics, youve missed a lot of fun, she said.

Sessions of the Lego Robotics Camp will be held at Bay Colleges Escanaba campus on the weeks of June 26, July 10, and July 17; sessions will also be held at Bays Iron Mountain campus on the weeks of July 31 and August 7. Registration in the camp costs $60 per student. For more information, or to register for upcoming sessions of the camp, visit http://www.baycollege.edu/invent.

ESCANABA Escanaba residents are being assured there are no health concerns regarding the temporary discharge of ...

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. (AP) Officials say the bridge linking Michigan's Upper Peninsula with Canada will be ...

ESCANABA Now that summer has officially begun, many residents of and visitors to Delta County are planning to ...

Continued here:

Kids learn robotics through Lego camp - Escanaba Daily Press

Beth Marcus of Amazon Robotics. (Photo courtesy of Beth Marcus)

After founding and leading several successful startups, Beth Marcus took a job with Amazon because it afforded a greater chance to have a huge impact fast. As a senior principal technologist at Amazon Robotics, Marcus is seeing her intentions realized in the form of innovation at the tech giants fulfillment centers.

Marcus holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from MIT, where she also served as a faculty member in the Mechanical Engineering department, helping teach the senior mechanical engineering capstone project class. She received a Ph.D. in Biomechanics from the Imperial College in London, where she was a Marshall Scholar and is currently serving as a mentor to the Enterprise Laboratory.

Shes also GeekWires latest Geek of the Week.

Her startup backgroundincluded a mobile device peripherals company, a childrens app technology company and, most notably, EXOS, Inc., creator of the SideWinder force-feedback joystick, which was venture backed and sold to a multinational technology company in 1996. Marcus said she has helped guide more than 30 startups in a variety of fields as a founder, investor, or advisor and shes an acknowledged expert in the hand-device interface space and a leader in the field of virtual reality.

Its clear what Marcus brought to Amazon Robotics, but what made her want to join the company?

What attracted me was the great group of people with diverse technical backgrounds, the difficulty of the problems they were solving, the willingness to try things and fail fast like a startup, and the impact of the solutions once developed on the Amazon Fulfillment facilities worldwide., Marcus said. Saying it differently, being creative and entrepreneurial at Amazon allows for the ability to have a huge impact fast without the constraints normally experienced in a startup.

Despite the fact that Marcus work focuses on robotic automation, she appreciates the fact that her work allows her to continue to understand that humans are uniquely capable and adaptive.

As an industry, our job is to identify tasks that can be automated and look for ways humans and robots can work together to gain a better result, Marcus said. At Amazon, its exciting to see robots helping our full-time employees at our fulfillment centers and fueling superfast delivery on behalf of customers.

Learn more about this weeks Geek of the Week, Beth Marcus:

What do you do, and why do you do it?I am a senior principal at Amazon Robotics where Im working with some of the smartest people in the industry to solve the hardest problems in robotics. I love working on challenges that will have a significant impact and seeing my solutions in action in the real world almost immediately at Amazon fulfillment centers. I especially love mentoring young engineers and women to innovate and create the future.

Whats the single most important thing people should know about your field?We are on the precipice of huge advances in the field of robotics with the potential for new technology to become more deeply integrated into our every day lives. Contrary to what some may say, robotics simply make tasks more efficient and allow people to shift their focus to more sophisticated activities. Its exciting to see the pace of innovation and the potential that exists in robotics.

Where do you find your inspiration?I find personal inspiration from nature, poetry and people I admire like Maya Angelou and my coworkers.

Whats the one piece of technology you couldnt live without, and why?My cell phone! Text messaging is the primary method of communication and connection I have with my teenage daughter.

Whats your workspace like, and why does it work for you?I have several workspaces, both at the office and in my home. My favorite workspace is my home office where I frequently work remotely. It has two large windows overlooking the nearby conservation area and Im able to watch animals like geese, deer, coyotes, foxes and woodchucks passby. Those scenes bring me clarity. It also has a wall of books and no door so I am always connected to my family. At Amazon Robotics I am across from one of our many coffee stations, which I love because it makes it easy to socialize with my coworkers throughout the day. We love laughing, telling stories and sharing ideas.

Your best tip or trick for managing everyday work and life. (Help us out, we need it.)Family and health first and then try to do fun things like cooking classes, Djembe drumming circles and painting whenever possible to offer balance. Regularly take a day to do nothing or next to nothing: read, talk to friends or invite your neighbor for tea (my neighbors are lovely people!). When you feel stuck and unproductive, be social! It may rejuvenate you, but if it doesnt, go home and hug your family, dog or a friend, and start again when you feel refreshed. When youve achieved something, stop to pat yourself and those around you on the back. Dont take any of lifes ups and downs personally.

Mac, Windows or Linux?Mac.

Kirk, Picard, or Janeway?In general I prefer the strong woman leader, however my favorite Star Trek character is Geordi La Forge I love the concept of the visor.

Transporter, Time Machine or Cloak of Invisibility?Its a tie between all three: Transporter because Id be able to visit friends around the world more easily or see the top of Kilamanjaro, polar ice caps and many other things without the difficulty of getting there. Time machine because Id like to redo some of my less-than-shining moments and appreciate my mother more while she was alive. Cloak of Invisibility because I could play pranks without getting caught.

If someone gave me $1 million to launch a startup, I would Not start another company myself! Ive launched five startups and I know how hard they are, so Id probably put half in medium aggressive traditional investments and take the other half and invest in five startups and help them succeed without being in the hot seat myself.

I once waited in line for Many years ago I was in Japan on the Emperors birthday, the only day of the year that the general public is allowed into the palace. I stood with a friend in a huge line as people were slowly let in. When it was almost time to close the gates to the palace everyone stayed in line and jogged into the Palace grounds. I was amazed that the scenario resulted in anything other than chaos!

Your role models:When I was younger I wanted to be many things successful, generous, impactful, cool and funny. Now Id settle for having as much energy as some of my mentors in the industry!

Greatest game in history:Historical events like the first Tour de France are my favorite games when it comes to athletic competition. Today, Pokemon Go has my devotion.

Best gadget ever:iPhone.

First computer:Compaq luggable. It was so heavy!

Current phone:iPhone 7 Plus.

Favorite app:For fun its Prism, favorite game is Pokeman Go, and Audible for listening to books on tape every night.

Favorite cause:Broadly I support anything that helps animals and education. On a personal level, Im passionate about supporting the Alzheimers Association as my mother passed away from this disease.

Most important technology of 2016:Amazon Echo Show!

Most important technology of 2018:Stay tuned, Im still working on it! (Just kidding)

Final words of advice for your fellow geeks:Dont take yourself too seriously. Always be open to collaboration as the result will likely be better, youll find and work through failures faster, and youll have an opportunity to mentor or be mentored. And, allow yourself to think big, experiment, simplify and fail quickly to iterate upon a successful solution.

Website: Amazon Robotics

Twitter: @startupdoc

LinkedIn: Beth Marcus

Originally posted here:

Geek of the Week: Amazon Robotics' Beth Marcus helps machines and humans work better together - GeekWire

We believe that robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) is a transformational technological development with the potential to disrupt a range of industries over the coming decades. To further explore this theme, we took a deeper dive into examples of companies leading in four categories targeted by the Global X Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (NASDAQ:BOTZ):

Industrial Robotics and Automation: FANUC Corp.

While many believe robotics has only recently become a viable technology, some firms have been involved in the space for decades. FANUC, for example, has been a prominent player in the robotics and automation industry since the early 1970s. The firm focuses on industrial automation and is one of the chief suppliers of robotic machinery to the Japanese and US automobile industries.1 The company largely focuses on developing computerized numerical control (CNC) systems, which are robotic machines that can be fed specific instructions and then execute on those instructions with a high degree of accuracy and efficiency. An example of these instructions could be to lift up a piece of sheet metal from a stack, press it into a specific shape, and weld it to a car frame.

FANUCs commitment to enhancing the industrial manufacturing process through robotics technology is deep within the firms own DNA; FANUC not only sells robotic tools to customers, but also employs those same robots in its own manufacturing process. FANUC is a forerunner in the lights out manufacturing process wherein its own robots build the products the company sells. The companys factory operates without humans; there isnt even a need for lights or an HVAC system.

Non-Industrial Robotics: Intuitive Surgical

We view robotics & AI as a transformational theme because its disruptive force is not limited to industrial manufacturing. Health care is one non-industrial segment that is rapidly adopting robotics technology. Companies such as Intuitive Surgical are pioneering robotic-assisted surgery in an effort to improve patient outcomes. The firm builds robotic devices used in minimally invasive surgeries including wristed instruments that can bend and rotate further than a human hand. These robotic devices enable surgeons to operate with enhanced vision, precision, and control, which can lead to less damage to patients nerves, quicker healing, and smaller scars versus the more traditional human-only way of performing selected surgeries.2

A study published in European Urology revealed that prostate cancer patients who underwent robotic-assisted surgeries had fewer cancer cells, lost less blood, and spent less time recovering in the hospital. Since 2000, the da Vinci robotic surgical system has now been used in more 3 million surgeries.3

Unmanned Vehicles and Drones: Parrot SA

Although militaries remain the predominant users of drone technology, commercial usage is accelerating as firms incorporate drones into parcel delivery, agriculture, inspections, and emergency response. According to the FAA, commercial drone usage is expected to grow 10-fold from 2016 to 2021.4

One prominent player in the space is Parrot, which develops drones, software, and accessories for both amateurs and professionals. While early adopters of unmanned aerial vehicles ((UAVs)) included business-to-consumer ((B2C)) flight enthusiasts and photographers, Parrot has become increasingly focused on the business-to-business ((B2B)) market. The company has found that UAVs mounted with HD cameras can effectively monitor production and yield on farms, inspect buildings, pipelines, and power lines, and generate 3D models of buildings and interiors.5

Artificial Intelligence: Faro Technologies Inc.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is an essential component to the advancement of robotics technology. AI allows robots to not just execute on human or pre-planned inputs, but also to operate in an unstructured environment and make decisions. In order to carry out these tasks, an essential component of AI is robotic vision or the ability for machines to image and process their surroundings. One firm dedicated to advancing this space is Faro Technologies, which develops high precision imaging devices and software. The application for this technology is virtually boundless; it can create 3D models and measurements of large environments or small goods, compare parts and structures for quality assurance, or rapidly prototype items.6

This software has become particularly popular among factories using the imaging software for automated inspections and calibrations. The software has also found applications in construction for surveying purposes as well as public safety for investigating fires, crime scenes, and accidents.7

As of 6/8/2017, Fanuc Corp was 6.93% of BOTZ, Intuitive Surgical Inc. 7.91%, Parrot SA 0.38%, and Faro Technologies Inc. 0.68%. Click here for current holdings of BOTZ. Holdings are subject to change. There is no guarantee companies mentioned remain in or out of the Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF.

1. RobotWorx, Fanuc Robotics The Industry Leader, https://www.robots.com/articles/viewing/fanuc-robotics-the-industry-leader

2. All About Robotic Surgery, FAQs, http://allaboutroboticsurgery.com/roboticsurgeryfaqs.html

3. Intuitive Surgical FAQs, https://www.intuitivesurgical.com/company/faqs.html, published 11/2016

4. Reuters, U.S. Commercial Drone Use to Expand Tenfold by 2021: Government Agency, March 22, 2017.

5. Parrot, Parrot Further Expands in B2B Markets with 2 New Drone Solutions, May 9, 2017.

6. Faro Company Profile, http://www.faro.com/en-us/about-faro/facts/company-profile

7. Faro Annual Report, 2016

This material represents an assessment of the market environment at a specific point in time and is not intended to be a forecast of future events, or a guarantee of future results. This information should not be relied upon by the reader as research or investment advice and is intended for educational purposes only.

Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. The investable universe of companies in which BOTZ may invest may be limited. The Fund invests in securities of companies engaged in Information Technology which can be affected by rapid product obsolescence, and intense industry competition. In addition to normal risks associated with investing, international investments may involve risk of capital loss from unfavorable fluctuation in currency values, from differences in generally accepted accounting principles or from social, economic or political instability in other nations. The fund is non-diversified.

Shares are bought and sold at market price (not NAV) and are not individually redeemed from the Fund. Brokerage commissions will reduce returns.

Carefully consider the Funds investment objectives, risk factors, charges and expenses before investing. This and additional information can be found in the Funds full or summary prospectus, which may be obtained by calling 1-888-GX-FUND-1 (1.888.493.8631), or by visiting globalxfunds.com. Read the prospectus carefully before investing.

Global X Management Company LLC serves as an advisor to Global X Funds. The Funds are distributed by SEI Investments Distribution Co. (SIDCO), which is not affiliated with Global X Management Company LLC.

Read the original here:

Leading Companies In The Development Of Robotics And AI - Seeking Alpha

An all-girls robotics team from the International School of the Peninsula in Palo Alto will journey to Sydney, Australia in July to compete in the Asia Pacific Youth Robotics Competition.

Its path to success this year also brought the girls to a plastics manufacturer, the Marine Science Institute in Redwood City and the Environmental Protection Agency office in San Francisco.

When the AllGirlRhythm Robotics Team learned that many turtle species are endangered not only because of fishing and poaching, but mainly because of the millions of tons of plastic that end up in the ocean each year, they decided to do something about it.

The team of rising sixth- and seventh-grade students Sofia Cadoret, Alessandra Dodson, Anya Greene, Olivia Hau, Cybille Irissou and Mandi Lee created a turtle toolkit to help schools calculate how much plastic their campuses use each year and devise an action plan.

Turtles die from many things, but plastic is the main thing, Olivia said.

The studentsTurtles Against Nurdles project helped them win the NorCal First Lego League Robotics tournament in January.

Each competition has the students using a robot they built to complete a set of missions in a way that earns them the most points. But tournament judges also evaluate the students on core values as well as a field research project, which is where the turtle project applies.

This years tournament theme, Animal Allies, challenges each team to choose and solve a real-world problem affecting animals.

Alessandra, who goes by Ale, said she learned that plastic doesnt ever really go away.

It just becomes really small and hard to see, Ale said. It just stays in the water and turtles accidentally eat them because they mistake them for jellyfish. It harms their digestive system and takes up space so theyre not hungry anymore and then they starve to death.

Much of the plastic we use are made from nurdles, small plastic pellets that are less than 5 millimeters in size, about the size of a lentil.

Anya said the team brainstormed ways to help turtles and other marine life. She said their ideas included beach cleanups, recycling campaigns and encouraging biodegradable plastics efforts.

After visiting the plastics company and marine center, and doing more research, the students learned that those ideas would likely only have minimal impact: Because of the number and size of nurdles, cleanups are hard to do; only 10 percent of plastics get recycled each year; and biodegradable plastics often harm animals anyway because they still take awhile to break down.

Thats why we focused on preventing plastic use, Ale said. If we remove the trash but trash keeps going into the ocean, it doesnt solve the problem.

So the focus became changing human behavior. The team simplified the EPAs Marine Debris Toolkit, meant for college students, so it can be used in elementary and middle school classrooms.

We decided to focus on changing behavior where its easiest: with kids, Mandi said. Our plastics reduction program can be used by any kids, anywhere.

Starting with their own school, Sofia said the students determined that about 200 single-use water bottles were distributed daily as part of the hot lunch program. They made a pitch to the principal that resulted in the school installing water bottle filling stations and asking students to bring reusable bottles.

Parent Spencer Greene, who serves as one of the coaches, said the girls got good feedback when they met with the EPA earlier this month.

What EPA confirmed for them is that the prevention approach is definitely the area of greatest impact, Greene said. Just reducing the amount of usage compared to recycling, compared to biodegradable bottles, which the girls are working on, provides the greatest opportunity for change.

Parent Tammi Ng, who serves as the teams project and core values coach, said the students accomplishments are amazing.

At the end of the day, while the girls were surprised and happy they won at the regional competition, they were more excited they made such a huge impact putting the toolkit to the test, Ng said. They made a huge impact at the International School and theyre going to get the opportunity to work with the EPA and get it implemented across the nation. This has been an incredible journey for the girls.

These days, the team and their coaches, Ng, Greene and parents Bertrand Irissou and Laura Langone, are busy preparing to compete in Australia starting July 6.

Cybille said the students decided early on to keep things simple and not add too many attachments to their robot, which is named CASOMA, taking an initial from each girls name.

She said the team worked hard, through strategy and trial and error, to pick obstacles they can do within two minutes that maximize the number of points they earn.

Obstacles include using the robot to transport animals built from Lego such as a pig, bee or gecko from one part of the arena to another.

Anya said some of the obstacles the team overcame included figuring out a very bizarre problem where the robot kept tripping over a piece of Velcro and the most efficient way to have the robot move a platform in 180 degrees.

When team members have different ideas about what direction to take, they vote or combine all the ideas, she said.

The competition is a fun and challenging way to teach students to solve problems, manage time efficiently and work together, Coach Irissou said. The team earned 173 points in the first tournament and aim to exceed 300 in their upcoming bout.

There are no two robots that are alike, Irissou said. You can see all the different ways kids come up with to solve the same problems.

Go here to read the rest:

Student robotics team sets sights on saving turtles - The Mercury News

The UK government's long-promised Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund is open for business.

Jumping swiftly on the AI bandwagon, the first lump of cash to be awarded through the multimillion-pound fund will be for robotics and artificial intelligence.

The fund, announced back in November 2016, was conceived as part of wider plans to demonstrate the government was taking industrial strategy seriously after former business secretary Sajid Javid who favoured an industrial "approach" was booted out in Prime Minister Theresa May's cabinet reshuffle.

The idea is to make researchers and businesses work together to tackle major industrial challenges, and the areas of focus were fleshed out in the 2017 Spring Budget.

These six areas of investment include electric vehicles, aerospace materials, and satellites.

Robotics and AI are the focus of two areas, with 93m on offer for systems that can be used in extreme environments for offshore energy, space, and deep mining, and 38m for AI and control systems for driverless cars.

The first three funding rounds to open are in the robotics and AI area, with the biggest chunk 42m being for work that will speed up the pace of fundamental research.

There is 10m available for R&D carried out with industry, which the government said must promise a "step-change in capabilities" for the use of robotics and AI in extreme environments.

A further 6m is for applicants who want to test the technical feasibility of specific technologies, systems or subsystems.

A second phase for experimental developments of fully integrated systems will run next year, but you have to apply to this round to be considered to lead a project in the second.

The basic research fund is being managed by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, while the more industry-focused ones are being run by innovation agency Innovate UK.

Read the original here:

Gov.UK pops open tin of AI and robotics research cash - The Register