Monthly Archives: February 2022

Schumer Gives Update On Federal Marijuana Legalization And Banking In Meeting With Equity Advocates – Marijuana Moment

Posted: February 1, 2022 at 3:09 am

In another setback from Virginia psychedelics activists, a key Senate committee on Monday defeated a bill that would have decriminalized psilocybin and psilocyn in the Commonwealth.

Advocates were hopeful that the measure would pass in the Senate Judiciary Committee, which first held a hearing on the proposal earlier this month where bipartisan lawmakers voiced support and the sponsor agreed to file an amendment that would put a focus on the therapeutic application of the psychedelic.

Sen. Ghazala Hashmi (D), did offer an amendment to her bill saying that psilocybin decriminalization would only apply to people whove consulted with a doctor, nurse, counselor or social workeras opposed to broadly decriminalizing for people 21 and older as originally drafted. But that evidently did not earn enough support, and the members agree to pass it by indefinitely by a 8-6 vote, with one absence.

Numerous studies have shown that psilocybin is an effective treatment for those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and addiction, Hashmi told Marijuana Moment after the vote. I am extremely disappointed that we continue to criminalize plant medicine, and I plan to bring this bill back next year so that we can offer an additional source of treatment for suffering Virginians.

Senate Minority Leader Tommy Norment (R) had previously signaled support for the bill, and so activists were somewhat taken aback when he voted against it at Mondays hearing.

Decriminalize Nature is disappointed in how this played out, Mark Miller, co-founder of Decriminalize Nature Virginia and a licensed professional counselor, told Marijuana Moment. We represent veterans who are diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and to assist them in healing from the experiences that they had overseas or wherever.

We owe it to our veterans and our first responders to support them any way we can, which includes medicines that have been found, beyond a shadow of a doubt, in research to be able to assist, he said.

Miller said that the organization will continue to work to educate legislators and advance local decriminalization measures across the state in the interim before the legislature acts.

Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,000 cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters pledging at least $25/month get access to our interactive maps, charts and hearing calendar so they dont miss any developments.

Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.

There was a similar House bill from Del. Dawn Adams to decriminalize a wider array of psychedelics that was also amended to focus on the medical use of the substances, but members of a subcommittee approved a motion to carry the measure over until 2023 to further tweak it and build support.

Given that the House is newly controlled by Republicans, that measures prospects seemed somewhat slimmer than than more dialed-back Senate proposal.

Misinformation seemed to be a theme in both the House and Senate committees. Members raised concerns about whether the proposal would lead to magic mushrooms dispensaries or increased impaired driving, even though the bill would neither facilitate retail sales nor permit unlawful activity like driving under the influence.

Neither bill as drafted or amended would have legalized psychedelics for medical or recreational use; rather it would have made possession of the entheogens punishable by a $100 fine, instead of a Class 5 felony as its currently designated.

Any dollars collected from psychedelics possession violations would have gone to the states Drug Offender Assessment and Treatment Fund, which supports substance misuse treatment programs and drug courts.

At a recent virtual event organized by the reform group Decriminalize Nature Virginia,the sponsors of both bills participated as hosts, sharing their perspectives about the growing body of research indicating that psychedelics could be powerful tools to combat conditions like treatment-resistant depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Even if the legislature had approved either piece of legislation, it would likely have faced resistance from the states new Republican governor, Glenn Youngkin, who has expressed concerns about implementing a commercial marijuana marketin line with what the Democratic legislature and outgoing governor approved last year.

These psychedelics reform proposals are some of the latest to be introduced in state legislatures this session as the decriminalization movement spreads.

In Oregon, where voters approved a historic 2020 initiative to legalize therapeutic psilocybin program, as well as another to broadly decriminalize currently illicit drugs, lawmakers introduced a bill last weekmeant to promote equity into the program.

Two Republican Oklahoma lawmakers recently filed bills meant to promote research into the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, and one of the measures would furtherdecriminalize low-level possession of the psychedelic.

A GOP Utah lawmaker also introduced a bill this month that would set up a task force to study and make recommendationson the therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugsand possible regulations for their lawful use.

In Kansas, A lawmaker also recently filed a bill tolegalize the low-level possession and cultivationof psilocybin mushrooms.

A Republican Missouri lawmaker introduced a bill this month to give residents with serious illnesses legalaccess to a range of psychedelic drugslike psilocybin, ibogaine and LSD through an expanded version of the states existing right-to-try law.

California Sen. Scott Wiener (D) told Marijuana Moment in a recent interview that his bill tolegalize psychedelics possessionstands a 50/50 chance of reaching the governors desk this year. It already cleared the full Senate and two Assembly committees during the first half of the two-year session.

In Michigan, a pair of state senators introduced a bill in September tolegalize the possession, cultivation and deliveryof various plant- and fungi-derived psychedelics like psilocybin and mescaline.

Washington State lawmakersalso introduced legislation this monththat would legalize what the bill calls supported psilocybin experiences by adults 21 and older.

In Vermont, a broad coalition of lawmakers representing nearly a third of the House introduced a bill todecriminalize drug possession.

New Hampshire lawmakers filed measures todecriminalize psilocybin and all drugs.

Last year, the governor of Connecticut signed legislation that includes language requiring the state tocarry out a study into the therapeutic potentialof psilocybin mushrooms.

At the congressional level, bipartisan lawmakers sent a letter to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) this month, urging that the agencyallow terminally ill patients to use psilocybinas an investigational treatment without the fear of federal prosecution.

Climate Workforce Would Be Protected From Marijuana Employment Testing Under New Congressional Bill

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Schumer Gives Update On Federal Marijuana Legalization And Banking In Meeting With Equity Advocates - Marijuana Moment

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USDA Teams Up With Cornell University For Hemp Education Webinar Series – Marijuana Moment

Posted: at 3:09 am

In another setback from Virginia psychedelics activists, a key Senate committee on Monday defeated a bill that would have decriminalized psilocybin and psilocyn in the Commonwealth.

Advocates were hopeful that the measure would pass in the Senate Judiciary Committee, which first held a hearing on the proposal earlier this month where bipartisan lawmakers voiced support and the sponsor agreed to file an amendment that would put a focus on the therapeutic application of the psychedelic.

Sen. Ghazala Hashmi (D), did offer an amendment to her bill saying that psilocybin decriminalization would only apply to people whove consulted with a doctor, nurse, counselor or social workeras opposed to broadly decriminalizing for people 21 and older as originally drafted. But that evidently did not earn enough support, and the members agree to pass it by indefinitely by a 8-6 vote, with one absence.

Numerous studies have shown that psilocybin is an effective treatment for those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and addiction, Hashmi told Marijuana Moment after the vote. I am extremely disappointed that we continue to criminalize plant medicine, and I plan to bring this bill back next year so that we can offer an additional source of treatment for suffering Virginians.

Senate Minority Leader Tommy Norment (R) had previously signaled support for the bill, and so activists were somewhat taken aback when he voted against it at Mondays hearing.

Decriminalize Nature is disappointed in how this played out, Mark Miller, co-founder of Decriminalize Nature Virginia and a licensed professional counselor, told Marijuana Moment. We represent veterans who are diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and to assist them in healing from the experiences that they had overseas or wherever.

We owe it to our veterans and our first responders to support them any way we can, which includes medicines that have been found, beyond a shadow of a doubt, in research to be able to assist, he said.

Miller said that the organization will continue to work to educate legislators and advance local decriminalization measures across the state in the interim before the legislature acts.

Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,000 cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters pledging at least $25/month get access to our interactive maps, charts and hearing calendar so they dont miss any developments.

Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.

There was a similar House bill from Del. Dawn Adams to decriminalize a wider array of psychedelics that was also amended to focus on the medical use of the substances, but members of a subcommittee approved a motion to carry the measure over until 2023 to further tweak it and build support.

Given that the House is newly controlled by Republicans, that measures prospects seemed somewhat slimmer than than more dialed-back Senate proposal.

Misinformation seemed to be a theme in both the House and Senate committees. Members raised concerns about whether the proposal would lead to magic mushrooms dispensaries or increased impaired driving, even though the bill would neither facilitate retail sales nor permit unlawful activity like driving under the influence.

Neither bill as drafted or amended would have legalized psychedelics for medical or recreational use; rather it would have made possession of the entheogens punishable by a $100 fine, instead of a Class 5 felony as its currently designated.

Any dollars collected from psychedelics possession violations would have gone to the states Drug Offender Assessment and Treatment Fund, which supports substance misuse treatment programs and drug courts.

At a recent virtual event organized by the reform group Decriminalize Nature Virginia,the sponsors of both bills participated as hosts, sharing their perspectives about the growing body of research indicating that psychedelics could be powerful tools to combat conditions like treatment-resistant depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Even if the legislature had approved either piece of legislation, it would likely have faced resistance from the states new Republican governor, Glenn Youngkin, who has expressed concerns about implementing a commercial marijuana marketin line with what the Democratic legislature and outgoing governor approved last year.

These psychedelics reform proposals are some of the latest to be introduced in state legislatures this session as the decriminalization movement spreads.

In Oregon, where voters approved a historic 2020 initiative to legalize therapeutic psilocybin program, as well as another to broadly decriminalize currently illicit drugs, lawmakers introduced a bill last weekmeant to promote equity into the program.

Two Republican Oklahoma lawmakers recently filed bills meant to promote research into the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, and one of the measures would furtherdecriminalize low-level possession of the psychedelic.

A GOP Utah lawmaker also introduced a bill this month that would set up a task force to study and make recommendationson the therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugsand possible regulations for their lawful use.

In Kansas, A lawmaker also recently filed a bill tolegalize the low-level possession and cultivationof psilocybin mushrooms.

A Republican Missouri lawmaker introduced a bill this month to give residents with serious illnesses legalaccess to a range of psychedelic drugslike psilocybin, ibogaine and LSD through an expanded version of the states existing right-to-try law.

California Sen. Scott Wiener (D) told Marijuana Moment in a recent interview that his bill tolegalize psychedelics possessionstands a 50/50 chance of reaching the governors desk this year. It already cleared the full Senate and two Assembly committees during the first half of the two-year session.

In Michigan, a pair of state senators introduced a bill in September tolegalize the possession, cultivation and deliveryof various plant- and fungi-derived psychedelics like psilocybin and mescaline.

Washington State lawmakersalso introduced legislation this monththat would legalize what the bill calls supported psilocybin experiences by adults 21 and older.

In Vermont, a broad coalition of lawmakers representing nearly a third of the House introduced a bill todecriminalize drug possession.

New Hampshire lawmakers filed measures todecriminalize psilocybin and all drugs.

Last year, the governor of Connecticut signed legislation that includes language requiring the state tocarry out a study into the therapeutic potentialof psilocybin mushrooms.

At the congressional level, bipartisan lawmakers sent a letter to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) this month, urging that the agencyallow terminally ill patients to use psilocybinas an investigational treatment without the fear of federal prosecution.

Climate Workforce Would Be Protected From Marijuana Employment Testing Under New Congressional Bill

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USDA Teams Up With Cornell University For Hemp Education Webinar Series - Marijuana Moment

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Ohio Lawmakers Will Be Forced To Consider Marijuana Legalization As State Validates Activist Signatures – Marijuana Moment

Posted: at 3:09 am

In another setback from Virginia psychedelics activists, a key Senate committee on Monday defeated a bill that would have decriminalized psilocybin and psilocyn in the Commonwealth.

Advocates were hopeful that the measure would pass in the Senate Judiciary Committee, which first held a hearing on the proposal earlier this month where bipartisan lawmakers voiced support and the sponsor agreed to file an amendment that would put a focus on the therapeutic application of the psychedelic.

Sen. Ghazala Hashmi (D), did offer an amendment to her bill saying that psilocybin decriminalization would only apply to people whove consulted with a doctor, nurse, counselor or social workeras opposed to broadly decriminalizing for people 21 and older as originally drafted. But that evidently did not earn enough support, and the members agree to pass it by indefinitely by a 8-6 vote, with one absence.

Numerous studies have shown that psilocybin is an effective treatment for those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and addiction, Hashmi told Marijuana Moment after the vote. I am extremely disappointed that we continue to criminalize plant medicine, and I plan to bring this bill back next year so that we can offer an additional source of treatment for suffering Virginians.

Senate Minority Leader Tommy Norment (R) had previously signaled support for the bill, and so activists were somewhat taken aback when he voted against it at Mondays hearing.

Decriminalize Nature is disappointed in how this played out, Mark Miller, co-founder of Decriminalize Nature Virginia and a licensed professional counselor, told Marijuana Moment. We represent veterans who are diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and to assist them in healing from the experiences that they had overseas or wherever.

We owe it to our veterans and our first responders to support them any way we can, which includes medicines that have been found, beyond a shadow of a doubt, in research to be able to assist, he said.

Miller said that the organization will continue to work to educate legislators and advance local decriminalization measures across the state in the interim before the legislature acts.

Marijuana Moment is already tracking more than 1,000 cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters pledging at least $25/month get access to our interactive maps, charts and hearing calendar so they dont miss any developments.

Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.

There was a similar House bill from Del. Dawn Adams to decriminalize a wider array of psychedelics that was also amended to focus on the medical use of the substances, but members of a subcommittee approved a motion to carry the measure over until 2023 to further tweak it and build support.

Given that the House is newly controlled by Republicans, that measures prospects seemed somewhat slimmer than than more dialed-back Senate proposal.

Misinformation seemed to be a theme in both the House and Senate committees. Members raised concerns about whether the proposal would lead to magic mushrooms dispensaries or increased impaired driving, even though the bill would neither facilitate retail sales nor permit unlawful activity like driving under the influence.

Neither bill as drafted or amended would have legalized psychedelics for medical or recreational use; rather it would have made possession of the entheogens punishable by a $100 fine, instead of a Class 5 felony as its currently designated.

Any dollars collected from psychedelics possession violations would have gone to the states Drug Offender Assessment and Treatment Fund, which supports substance misuse treatment programs and drug courts.

At a recent virtual event organized by the reform group Decriminalize Nature Virginia,the sponsors of both bills participated as hosts, sharing their perspectives about the growing body of research indicating that psychedelics could be powerful tools to combat conditions like treatment-resistant depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Even if the legislature had approved either piece of legislation, it would likely have faced resistance from the states new Republican governor, Glenn Youngkin, who has expressed concerns about implementing a commercial marijuana marketin line with what the Democratic legislature and outgoing governor approved last year.

These psychedelics reform proposals are some of the latest to be introduced in state legislatures this session as the decriminalization movement spreads.

In Oregon, where voters approved a historic 2020 initiative to legalize therapeutic psilocybin program, as well as another to broadly decriminalize currently illicit drugs, lawmakers introduced a bill last weekmeant to promote equity into the program.

Two Republican Oklahoma lawmakers recently filed bills meant to promote research into the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, and one of the measures would furtherdecriminalize low-level possession of the psychedelic.

A GOP Utah lawmaker also introduced a bill this month that would set up a task force to study and make recommendationson the therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugsand possible regulations for their lawful use.

In Kansas, A lawmaker also recently filed a bill tolegalize the low-level possession and cultivationof psilocybin mushrooms.

A Republican Missouri lawmaker introduced a bill this month to give residents with serious illnesses legalaccess to a range of psychedelic drugslike psilocybin, ibogaine and LSD through an expanded version of the states existing right-to-try law.

California Sen. Scott Wiener (D) told Marijuana Moment in a recent interview that his bill tolegalize psychedelics possessionstands a 50/50 chance of reaching the governors desk this year. It already cleared the full Senate and two Assembly committees during the first half of the two-year session.

In Michigan, a pair of state senators introduced a bill in September tolegalize the possession, cultivation and deliveryof various plant- and fungi-derived psychedelics like psilocybin and mescaline.

Washington State lawmakersalso introduced legislation this monththat would legalize what the bill calls supported psilocybin experiences by adults 21 and older.

In Vermont, a broad coalition of lawmakers representing nearly a third of the House introduced a bill todecriminalize drug possession.

New Hampshire lawmakers filed measures todecriminalize psilocybin and all drugs.

Last year, the governor of Connecticut signed legislation that includes language requiring the state tocarry out a study into the therapeutic potentialof psilocybin mushrooms.

At the congressional level, bipartisan lawmakers sent a letter to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) this month, urging that the agencyallow terminally ill patients to use psilocybinas an investigational treatment without the fear of federal prosecution.

Climate Workforce Would Be Protected From Marijuana Employment Testing Under New Congressional Bill

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Ohio Lawmakers Will Be Forced To Consider Marijuana Legalization As State Validates Activist Signatures - Marijuana Moment

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Open-source visualization and debugging for robotics – Robot Report

Posted: at 3:08 am

Listen to this article

Welcome to Episode 68 of The Robot Report Podcast, which brings conversations with robotics innovators straight to you. Join us each week for discussions with leading roboticists, innovative robotics companies, and other key members of the robotics community.

In todays episode, Steve and Mike interview Adrian Macneil, co-founder and CEO of Calif.-based startup Foxglove, discusses open source visualization and debugging tool for robotics. He discusses the companys spin-out from autonomous driving company Cruise, how its solutions differ from RViz, challenges of robotics development and the keys to running his startup. Foxglove recently raised $3.7 million in Seed funding.

We also discuss some of the more interesting new stories that happened prior to recording the podcast. That includes how robots helped build the James Webb telescope, an improved Pepper humanoid that never came to light, and the potential fallout of the $40 billion deal between NVIDIA and Arm.

Links from the show this week:

If you would like to be a guest on an upcoming episode of the podcast, or if you have recommendations for future guests or segment ideas, contact Steve Crowe or Mike Oitzman.

For sponsorship opportunities of The Robot Report Podcast, contact Courtney Nagle for more information.

We want your feedback:

Tell us what you think are the most interesting robotics trends that will impact us in 2022? Leave us a voicemail.

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Open-source visualization and debugging for robotics - Robot Report

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Beep Boop! Youth robotics team headed to state competition – WMBB – mypanhandle.com

Posted: at 3:08 am

LYNN HAVEN, Fla. (WMBB) A Bay County youth robotics team is headed to the state title competition.

The Galactic Squirrels Robotics team members were runners-up in the First Tech Challenge (FTC) AeroCoast league championship this past weekend.

The team designed, created, and programmed a robot to pick up an object then place it on a specific target.

This is the second time the team has gone to state, but it will be their first time in person.

COVID forced organizers to stage last years event virtually.

It feels wonderful for us, team member T. Carson Kelly said. We put a lot of hours in. Many weekends competing, practicing, getting everything ready as well as over the past few years honing our skills. Our coders learning how to code, learning new stuff so that way we can bring the next season even better.

The team needs to raise three-thousand dollars in the next month to pay for the trip to state costs.

For a link to their GoFundMe account, click here.

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Beep Boop! Youth robotics team headed to state competition - WMBB - mypanhandle.com

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Catholic Schools Week Starts With Robotics Demonstration For Bishop Brennan – The Tablet Catholic Newspaper

Posted: at 3:08 am

ELMHURST Students at St. Bartholomew Catholic Academy became the teachers on Monday, Jan. 31, when Bishop Robert Brennan toured their classes at the start of Catholic Schools Week 2022.

The SBCA Robotics Team dubbed The Sharp Blades demonstrated their skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) by applying them to a real-world issue: pollution caused by cargo ship traffic in New York Harbor.

The team described how alternative fuels and mechanical applications can be used to help restore the harbors ecosystems. Eighth-grader Jesson Thagoo and seventh-grader Mauricio Sosa operated small, motorized Lego robots to simulate more efficient and environmentally friendly ways to unload cargo. The Sharp Blades will compete with these robots in February in the FIRST Lego League (FLL) Queens Qualifiers Robotics Competition.

There were a couple of small glitches in their demonstration, prompting the students to concede, Its a work in progress. Still, Bishop Brennan was fascinated by the team members ingenuity.

This is amazing, he told them. And Im glad to see its a work in progress. Id rather see that so that later we can see how you will overcome the problem. Im really proud of you.

Bishop Brennan talked about Catholic education and his commitment to it before he was even installed in November to lead the Diocese of Brooklyn. He said he was eager to meet students, faculty, administrators, and parents at diocesan schools throughout the week.

For more than 50 years, the annual Catholic Schools Week has highlighted how Catholic education benefits children nationwide in learning about their faith, academics, and service to humanity.

Ive had the chance to visit a couple of schools along the way, Bishop Brennan said before touring St. Bartholomew. But now Im excited to be able to dedicate this week in a very intense way to visiting schools.

From the moment I arrived at this school, I could see how impressive it is, like so many of our schools, he added. I met a number of parents and I get a sense of their profound appreciation for what the school does for their children, and also for some of the support that is given through the Futures in Education program scholarships. It really, really makes a difference.

Father Rick Beuther, pastor of St. Bartholomews Parish, called SBCA a place of mission, where parents sacrifice to send their children, and where that sacrifice pays off in how the students are guided in their Catholic faith, and in the knowledge of important subjects, such as STEM.

Danielle Tuble and Nicholas Borja, both 8th graders, said their Catholic faith is reinforced by science.

Its really cool because, you think that science and religion arent alike, theyre not together, Tuble said, When, in fact, there are things that do correlate.

What happens, Borja added, is that science actually makes religion look a lot more detailed, and a lot more planned. Like with DNA its really complicated and super precise. And its in every cell. It just makes you think about how God programmed us.

Father Beuther estimated that about 5,000 parishioners attend Mass at St. Bartholomew each Sunday, adding that about 70% are from countries throughout Latin America, and 30% are from Asian nations. The schools kindergarten through 8th-grade enrollment reflects those demographics, he said.

Most of our parents here in the academy were not born here in this country, Father Beuther said. I would say a lot of our families are undocumented, some are Dreamers, on the way there, but theyre all first-generation who believe in the Church. And they believe in the Church community.

SBCA Principal Denise Gonzalez estimated that about 65% of the 162 students come from undocumented families. She said 70 of these families receive scholarships from the diocese.

Our families are very committed to their childrens education a Catholic, faith-based education, she said. And so they sacrifice, especially after the pandemic when they struggle economically. They still want to keep their children here.

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Catholic Schools Week Starts With Robotics Demonstration For Bishop Brennan - The Tablet Catholic Newspaper

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Worthington Schools students building skills for career and life on Worbots robotics team – The Columbus Dispatch

Posted: at 3:08 am

Four days a week after school and on Saturdays, a group of students from Worthington Kilbourne and Thomas Worthington high schools make their way to a workshop at Kilbourne.

There, instead of playing sports or instruments or doing other extracurricular activities,they build robots.

The 43 students comprise Worbots 4145, a Worthington Schools robotics team that builds and programs robots to compete in annual international FIRST Robotics Competition events, which drawthousands ofrobotics teams and high schoolers from around the world.

"It's a lot of fun;it's pretty competitive,"said Tom Karns, a STEM teacher at Worthington Schools who has been running the program since it was founded a decade ago. "It's actually considered to be the sport of the mind."

One of the Worbots 4145 students is Owen Marano, a Kilbourne junior in his third year with the team. Marano is the fabrication lead who heads the development of the team's robots; he also serves asthe driver.

Ive learned so much about the whole building aspect of the robot, he said. Ive learned a lot about the engineering process that we focus heavily on.

We start with an initial designand move onto prototyping and final build. And we just test it further and try to keep improving. Its kind of helped me learn you can always continue to do better, and theres no one great solution.

Worbots 4145 was launched in 2012 with fewer than a dozen members and limited resources, according to its website, worbots4145.org.Since then, the group has increased in size and capabilities and has experienced success, having won the FIRST Buckeye regional event in 2018 and 2019.

This year, the team is lined up to compete at regional competitions at the California University of Pennsylvania from March 16-19, at the Cleveland State University Wolstein Center fromMarch 23-26and at the University of Illinois Chicago from April 6-9.

If the team performs well, it will compete in the world championship at the University of Houston in Texas from April 20-23.

Each competition takes place on a court where robots have to complete such feats as shooting oversized tennis balls into a large hub and traversing a set of metal barsakin to monkey bars on what is termed a hangar, according to a FIRST Robotics Youtube video describing the competition.

At each contest, three Worthington students are matched up with two teams of three students from other schools to create a nine-person team, and they then compete against another nine-person team on the playing field.

Its not easytheres about 60 teams at each event, Karns said. "You roll in there, and every game you play you play (is) with someone different. And whats interesting is the people you just played with, theyre on the other team the next time.

The students build and program Worbots robots, including a large, complicated build named Atlas that is programmed to shoot tennis balls into a bucket.

They includeTyler Zupfer, a senior at Thomas in his fourthyear with Worbots 4145 who serves as the assistant program lead.

Ive learned not only a lot of programming and software skills, but Ive also learned how a lot of the electrical and electrical mechanical aspects interface with a lot of that, he said.

The robots and the program itself arent cheap.

Karns said in the 2019 season, FIRST Robotics teams were permitted to spend up to $4,000 overall on their projects. That figure was increased to $5,000 in the 2020 season.

This year, Karns said, teams are permitted to spend up to $600 per individual part, but theres no limit to how much they can spend.

Theres where business outreach and corporate sponsorships come in.

Braylee Hsu, a junior at Thomas in her second year with Worbots 4145, works on business outreach and securing sponsorships for the team and works on such community outreach efforts as a food drive planned in the coming weeks.

Hsu said she has worked this year to acquire sponsorships fromATS Ohio andLake Shore Cryotronics.

Its taught me how to interact with other businesses, and how to reach out to these people, she said. And get to know my team and understand our strengths and weaknesses so I can communicate with others, This is what were doing, and this is how we can make our community better.'"

The work during their extracurricular time develops STEM and business skills for the students, Marano said.

And if all goes according to plan, theyll win more FIRST Robotics accolades this year to show their efforts, he said.

I think it really helps the students and our team to prepare for whats ahead, Marano said. Around 90-95% of the kids that do our program go into engineering.

For more information on the Worbots team, go toworbots4145.org.

sborgna@thisweeknews.com

@ThisWeekSteve

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Worthington Schools students building skills for career and life on Worbots robotics team - The Columbus Dispatch

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The Next Generation of Robots | RoboticsTomorrow – Robotics Tomorrow

Posted: at 3:08 am

ST Robotics has been making robot arms for 30 years but the fact is robot arms are very limited in what they can do. They are basically machines that, once programmed do exactly the same thing over and over. They are versatile enough that the same robot can do a vast range of different tasks and moreover can be re-programmed to do a different task at any time. But we are moving to a world where robots need to make intelligent decisions about what to do based on what they see. Hence the need for machine learning, vision and AI.

AI and machine learning are often confused. Most AI works by comparing a complex input (like an image or a voice) with a data base of similar matches. These data take ages to build and label usually with 1000s of images used to compare. The input, ie a camera image, is then captured, usually with a box drawn around it. It is then compared to the huge database in layers of a neural network until a desired output is reached and a decision can be made. This is not quite the same as machine learning where the machine acquires its own data or changes what it has. The machine might be teaching itself from its experience of the real world or may be assisted by a human operator.

Steve Wozniak has dismissed AI as not coming near real intelligence. AI doesn't even have the intelligence of an ant; we are simply working at the limits of what computers can do. And while he is right ST Robotics and many other companies are now working at these limits to make robots that can actually make intelligent decisions about what they do and what to do next. Some are fairly simple, like the Roomba but there are autonomous AI powered robots that will mow your lawn. They don't have to be quick leave them to get on with it; come back later and it's done. And overnight too!

Autonomous AI lawnmowers

ST are developing autonomous robots for crop harvesting. We are currently working on a robot to harvest asparagus and are about to start a project for picking grapes. Both these systems need a vision system that can recognize the asparagus spears or bunches of grapes and harvest them the way a human being would do. This is a completely different approach from farm machines with rotating blades and so on pulled by tractors. Such techniques are unsuitable for delicate crops like asparagus that can only be picked by the human or robot hand.

Another example is the Dogtooth robot that picks strawberries. ST Robotics licensed the R12 robot arm to them to get them started. They are now going on to large scale production.

A Dogtooth strawberry picking 'team'.

Like ST's Asparacut the Dogtooth robots rely on sophisticated vision with multiple cameras.

Joseph Engelberger once dismissed vision as unnecessary, writing I don't expect to see a Ford coming down a Chrysler line (or something like that!). But such a repetitive product doesn't appear in the natural world. For example the ST Robotics GUS robot harvests living asparagus. Asparagus spears grow in random places; they can be tall, short, bent and different colors. The robot has got to recognize it for what it is, make decisions about quality and shape and know exactly where it is and where to cut it.Autonomous robots need to be self navigating (by definition). Dogtooth and others may use GPS. ST's approach is more like a space craft (I can't reveal how we do that due to IP confidentiality). It means our robot can navigate down between asparagus beds or rows of vines. Intelligent suspension keeps the robot level.

Concept drawing of ST Robotics robot chassis.

Agricultural robots can't use surroundings as a means of location. Back in 1989 we designed an autonomous robot that could find its way around a factory floor, building a map as it went along using ultrasonics and a flux-gate compass. Of course, factory machines don't change their shapes and are in fixed predictable positions; plants are not. Alas back then it was viewed as a crackpot idea and got no interest. (never invent something too soon!)

The ST platform is designed to harvest the way a human being harvests and can be adapted to any crop from asparagus to cannabis.

About ST Robotics

Manufacturer of low cost bench top robot arms with a unique approach to robotics. We have a range of robot arms for routine testing, manufacturing, sample handling, education and many others. Our robots are not only affordable but are incredibly easy to use - anyone can apply and program an ST robot regardless of experience or lack of it thanks to our acclaimed manuals and tutorials and unlimited free technical support.

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The Next Generation of Robots | RoboticsTomorrow - Robotics Tomorrow

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The robotic arm of the law – TechCrunch

Posted: at 3:08 am

Its hard to know where to start this week. Any temporary slowdown we might have experienced over the holidays has been wiped away. Once again, we find ourselves knee deep in robotics news, like the trash compactor scene in A New Hope only without the closing walls, Death Star and weird little one-eyed monster. Honestly, the whole analogy really falls apart under the slightest scrutiny.

Theres a wild flurry of news this week, and it really runs the gamut, in terms of variety. Were talking space, cops (but not Space Cops), mountain climbing, lawnmowing and a whole lot of factory work. Seeing as how we here in New York City once again find ourselves bearing down something called a bomb cyclone, lets kick things off on the New York Stock Exchange floor.

Knightscope rang the bell this morning, as it became the latest robotics firm to IPO. You might not know the firms name, but youve more than likely seen its robots, either in person or on the news. Founded in 2013, the companys profile grew quickly, courtesy of egg-shaped mobile robots designed to patrol public spaces as well as partnerships with a number of police departments across the U.S.

Image Credits: Knightscope

I recently spoke with the companys CEO, William Santana Li, a former Ford executive who uttered the phrase, Im going to get in trouble for saying this a lot during the interview. We covered a range of topics, from the decision to IPO to automation accidents to questions over profiling. Several highlights:

Ive said to the media, our underwriters, our lawyers, our teams, our clients, our investors more incidents will occur. Its not an unreasonable thing to say accidents happen. In a lot of cases, we have the evidence to prove that humans are not perfect and maybe have issues driving. In many cases, its maybe not the robot, its accidents happen. Will more incidents occur in the future? Absolutely. Guarantee it. The most important thing is: How do we handle it? How do we conduct ourselves? How do we take care of our clients? Do we make sure everyone is safe and, wherever possible, make whatever revisions need to happen?

and:

If youre inferring issues with racial bias and I might get in trouble for saying this but to me, its garbage in, garbage out. You tell a kid, when theyre growing up that pistachio ice cream is really bad, when they grow up, pistachio ice cream is really bad. If you feed an algorithm all the wrong data or an incomplete set of data, thats an engineering bad input problem. Thats not that the technology is biased. Im hoping that over time, that gets corrected over the natural course of engineers always making things better and better.

and:

I worry theres some conflation happening between questions of implicit biases in AI and broader concerns over automation. The former is a very real problem and something that absolutely needs to be addressed. Theres a lot of truth to the fact AI models are only as what humans put into them which is precisely what creates biases. These are things that need to be addressed now, as were in the very early stages of using robots to police society.

Image Credits: Boston Dynamics

Some big news out of Boston Dynamics this week something far more grounded than we saw from the company onstage with Hyundai. In fact, this is the sort of stuff Id like to see highlighted more in the world of robotics: sophisticated systems getting to work doing unglamorous jobs like unloading trucks. Its far more down-to-earth than the videos Hyundai was showing off with Spot hanging out on Mars. Its perfectly possible for things to be pragmatic and impressive at the same time.

And for a product with no existing commercial clients, this was some big news. DHL agreed to a $15 million deal to bring Boston Dynamics Stretch robot to its North America logistics centers. The number of units hasnt been disclosed yet, but they will roll out over three years, serving as a key proving ground for the firms commercial potential beyond Spot. Moving boxes around is a highly repetitive, intensive task that will really push the tech to its limit. Theres also often an expectation here that these systems be able to effectively run 24/7.

This will be the first major test for Boston Dynamics under the Hyundai umbrella, as well as DHLs own automation ambitions as it looks to remain competitive with the likes of Amazon encroaching on its logistics territory.

Sorting Robot in Paack Distribution Centre Madrid. Image Credits: Paack

Speaking of, staying competitive with Amazon (something that sure seems to come up a lot in this newsletter), there were a couple of big raises for robotic logistics firm. Paack announced this week a $225 million Series D led by SoftBank Vision Fund 2, as it looks to expand further into Europe.

Says founder and CEO Fernando Benito, Demand for convenient, timely, and more sustainable methods of delivery is going to explode over the next few years and Paack is providing the solution. We use technology to provide consumers with control and choice over their deliveries, and reduce the carbon footprint of our distribution.

Meanwhile, Massachusetts-based Vecna Robotics announced a $65 million Series C that more than doubles its funding to date. Forklift injuries are a very real issue in the world of warehouses, so the firm is looking to help automate pallet lifting with its robotic systems. The round was led by Tiger Global Management, which also led the $21.5 million Electric Sheep raised for its robotic lawnmowers.

Image Credits: Electric Sheep Robotics

In spite of the indefinite delay of iRobots Terra, there are a number of players in this field (well, lawn), aimed at both commercial and professional applications. Electric Sheeps (yeah, its a Philip K. Dick reference, got it) approach is similar to what the John Deere-owned Bear Flag Robotics is doing in the tractor space, allowing users to effectively retrofit their existing mowers, using the Dexter system.

Former TechCrunch Disrupt Battlefield contestant Wandelbots continues to raise big numbers. This time out its an $84 million Series C. The companys among those looking to tackle a key issue in automation: How can workplaces train robots without programming expertise? The firms solution comes in the form of a Trace Pen, which workers use to create movements the robots can then mimic. The company already has a number of high-profile clients, including BMW and VW, and will be using the funding to further expand into markets like the U.S. and Asia.

Image Credits: Starship Technologies

Is it truly an issue of Actuator without some funding for delivery robots? Starship just collected around $57 million from the EUs European Investment Bank. As Ingrid notes, the San Francisco-based startup has already seen a fair bit of deployment in Europe.

Image Credits: Takahiro Miki/ETH Zurich

And just so its not all funding this week, a fun one out of ETH Zurich, which taught the quadrupedal ANYmal robot how to hike specifically up nearby Mount Etzel. Researchers say that, using visual and tactile feedback, the robot learned to hike some 120 vertical meters in 31 minutes four minutes faster than the standard for human hikers.

A little higher up, the Bezos-owned Blue Origin has agreed to acquire Honeybee Robotics, which creates drills and other tools for Earth and space travel. CEO Kiel Davis confirmed the acquisition on the companys blog:

Weve been building Honeybees capabilities and brand for almost forty years. Joining Blue Origin is a major step forward for us. We thank the entire EBI family for their support over the last four and a half years. With Blue Origin we look forward to further expanding our capacity to meet the most exciting challenges in next-generation space transportation, space mobility, space destinations, and planetary science and exploration.

Terms of the deal, which is set to close next month, have not been disclosed. Honeybee says it expects to operate business as usual under its newer, bluer, parent.

Image Credits: Bryce Durbin/TechCrunch

Actuator: To infinity and subscribe!

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The robotic arm of the law - TechCrunch

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Montana Has An Entire Museum Dedicated To American Computer & Robotics And Its As Awesome As Youd Think – Only In Your State

Posted: at 3:08 am

Posted in Montana Attractions January 31, 2022by Clarisa

If youve ever been interested in computer & robotics systems, youll have a great time exploring this one-of-a-kind museum in Montana. When you find yourself with extra time in Bozeman, stop by for a while and see how the technology we use daily evolved over decades past. Bookmark this museum for a future day trip and plan on learning a ton while youre here!

During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.

If you've ever wondered what you might have missed during technological advances, here's the place to learn.

Those steps are important!

Truly, inspiration for the future can be found here in the old wires and chips on display.

From wires down to tiny spots of solder, art and design are in every piece.

If you find yourself in Bozeman, why not stop by for a while?

For more information, check out the official American Computer & Robotics Museum website, or follow the official Facebook page for events and updates.

Address: American Computer & Robotics Museum, 2023 Stadium Dr #1A, Bozeman, MT 59715, USA

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Montana Has An Entire Museum Dedicated To American Computer & Robotics And Its As Awesome As Youd Think - Only In Your State

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