Monthly Archives: March 2022

We know more about the moon and Mars than we do our own planet, says Richard Jenkins, founder and CEO of Saildrone, a data and robotics company located in a former Naval airstation hangar in Alameda, California.

Saildrone was founded in 2013, after Jenkins spent a decade of his life perfecting a high-performance, hard-wing sail, capable of breaking the motorless land speed record at 126.1 mph. The trick was to create a sail that was able to automatically trim itself to the correct position for maximum wind power, a feat traditionally achieved by using ropes and human force. Jenkins wing more resembles an airplane wing than a traditional sail, but instead of providing lift, the saildrone wing provides thrust.

Saildrone doesnt actually sell saildrones. They sell data, and a whole lot of it, for a fraction of the price of a traditional ocean research vessel. A day of saildrone data costs a client about $2,500 compared to the $30,000 daily cost of running a large research vessel. And saildrones are also carbon neutral, with the 23-foot Explorer model using just the power of the sun and the wind to complete full year long missions around the world.

These unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) are covered top to bottom with solar-powered sensors that provide real-time tracking data to their mission control center in Alameda. They measure weather patterns and CO2 levels, with the capability of providing live storm analysis from the middle of a category 4 hurricane. The live data collected from these hurricanes is being used by NOAA to more accurately predict the hurricanes path.

They also count fish to give precise population numbers to agencies responsible for setting catch limits for sustainable fisheries, capture real-time video of drug smugglers and illegal fishing operations that aids the U.S. Coast Guard in ocean security, and collect wind density data to help energy companies find prime spots to build offshore wind farms.

But one of the biggest projects these saildrones are undertaking is creating a complete topographical map of the entire ocean floor. The Surveyor, Saildrones largest model, measuring 72 feet from bow to stern, is equipped with state-of-the-art sonar sensors that provide 3D models of the ocean floor.

Ocean mapping is fundamentally important to understanding and predicting our future. Life started probably at the bottom of the ocean, and it really dictates the ocean currents and ocean circulation which transfers heat and carbon throughout our oceans, says Jenkins, so understanding the deep sea is critical for geophysics, safety and navigation, and also ocean circulation. Less than 20% of our ocean is mapped, and with 20 of our Surveyors, we could map the entire planet in 9.6 years.

Clients are able to access all this information at the touch of a button, using the Saildrone mission portal mobile application, with a user-friendly interface that makes traditionally clunky ocean data easily digestible and readily available.

In a data-driven, digital world, Saildrone is quickly becoming the premiere platform for those seeking precise information about our changing oceans. The company currently has around 100 manufactured saildrones. But Jenkins hopes to soon have a global fleet of 1,000 drones sailing around the world helping us understand and better protect our planet.

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Meet the sailing robots trying to solve climate change | TheHill - The Hill

Often when we think of robotics, plastic surgery is not the first thing that comes to mind. In fact, if surgery even enters the picture, plastic surgery isnt likely to be at the top of the list. However, robotics has changed how plastic surgery is performed.

We needed to understand better about how robotics is used in plastic surgery, so we consulted with a few plastic surgeons, such as plastic surgeon Dr. Asif Pirani. This is what we found out.

What are Robotics?

It is important to look at what robotic surgery is to begin with. To put it simply, robotic surgery uses surgical robots to make tiny incisions, insert miniaturized instruments, and a high-definition, three-dimensional camera.

This allows the surgeon to see what is going on inside without having to make a larger incision to do so. Traditional surgery, also known as open surgery, requires a larger incision to complete the same operation.

Once the instruments have been safely placed in an incision, the surgeon will manipulate the instruments using a nearby console, performing the operation in a very fine, delicate manner. It is very non-invasive when compared to traditional, open surgery, and will result in a cleaner, smaller scar, making it a great choice for plastic surgeons.

The Accuracy

Of course, the best thing about using robotics in plastic surgery is the accuracy of the surgery itself. With a robotic cut rather than one made by a hand, the work can be done on such a fine level that the precision and results are something that couldnt have been possible in the past.

Plastic surgery is a delicate type of surgery and requires the doctors to use the most precise movements possible. With the implementation of robotics, incisions can be smaller and more accurate than ever before.

It is also essential to remember that plastic surgery is not limited to aesthetic transformation. It can help to correct many other issues and the use of robotic equipment will make the process easier to have done and much easier to recover from.

Part of that improved accuracy comes from the improved resolution that you get looking through the three-dimensional vision lens, but the other part has to do with tremor reduction. You cannot get a steadier hand than a robotic hand.

The Cons

As is the case with all things, there are some cons to using robotics in plastic surgery. The first is that when you use a machine for these kinds of things, you will need to wait for the machine to be set up. There is also the time taken to make sure it is running well and the need to replace any microneedles that may break along the way.

Additionally, surgeons will likely need additional training to operate the equipment effectively. As new technology comes out, there are not trained doctors with years of experience who know how to use it, resulting in a learning curve. Yet, once a doctor has been trained with the equipment, the pros begin to pile in.

The Benefits

The pros for using robotics in plastic surgery far outweigh the cons. Ultimately, the role of robotics in plastic surgery benefits cosmetic procedures the greatest. When someone needs to have a surgical correction, it is often done on a fine degree, with the intent of the evidence of the procedure to be as non-existent as possible.

Since the incisions are so much smaller with robotic surgery, the risk of infection is substantially lower. There is a much less skin involved, being operated on, which means there is less exposure to the world. The process is also cleaner by nature, so the chances of infection are very low.

The functional outcomes of robotics surgery are also better and there is a lot more surgeon comfort, eliminating stressors and outside factors that could affect the results of the surgery. And, as we mentioned above, a robotic surgical device will not have a hand tremor as a human might. Surgeons naturally have steady hands, but a robot would be even steadier.

As a result, plastic surgeons are able to overcome previous limitations and apply this innovated technology to a lot broader uses. As it becomes used more and more, the sky seems to be the limit with robotic plastic surgery.

Bottom Line

If you are in the market for plastic surgery, it would be a good idea to consult with a surgeon that has the ability to use robotics during surgery, the results will be better, you will have an easier recovery, and it is far more accurate than traditional surgery is.

The benefits of robotic plastic surgery really make it the best choice for any procedure that you might be considering. You really cant go wrong using a plastic surgeon that specializes in robotics.

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Using Robotics in Plastic Surgery - Robotics and Automation News

Pubinno, a San Francisco-based technology firm that creates the "Internet of Beer" with artificial intelligence, robotics and cloud computing platforms, has now integrated a Bitcoin (BTC) payment infrastructure into its system.

Pubinno accepted BTC payments using the Lightning Network at the #LightningHackdaysIST held from Feb. 25 to 27. By using their Lightning Network-supporting wallets, participants could receive their own beer, poured just seconds after scanning a QR code to complete the transaction.

According to Pubinno CEO Can Algul, the Smart Tap system was created in 2016 and employs blockchain technology to link the future of draft beer with the future of transactions. Cointelegraph had a chance to chat with Algul about the Smart Tap system.

Algul explained how blockchain technology influenced his decision to utilize the Lightning Network for payments, stating that:

The Lightning Network was created in 2015 as a proposed solution to the Bitcoin scalability problem. It allows for off-chain transactions between nodes that are then settled on the blockchain. This allows for an increased number of transactions to be processed without increasing the load on the blockchain, allowing for microtransactions and instant payments.

Related: Bitcoin Lightning Network growth capacity plateaus at 3,400 BTC

According to Algul, the "advantages of the Lightning Network" allow bar owners to get paid in seconds with little or no commissions, and with the self-serve capability of the smart tap system, they may save a lot of money on labor costs.

When asked whether they intend to include other cryptocurrencies on the Smart Tap system as payment, Algul replied that it will be based on a number of variables such as scalability, frequency of use, transaction cost and speed. He added that:

He said, "the world is in a deep-rooted digitization phase and the fastest development is shaped around blockchain." Algul referred to BTC as the first cryptocurrency that comes to mind, but he also stated that stablecoins would be integrated into the payment system in the future.

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The Internet of Beer: Robotics startup taps Bitcoin to deliver automated beverage - Cointelegraph

To make their Mini Cheetah better equipped to skillfully scramble across varying terrains, robotics researchers at MITs CSAIL used AI-powered simulations to quickly teach the bot to adapt its walking style as needed. That included learning how to run, which resulted in a new gait that allows the robot to move faster than it ever has before.

As much as robot designers strive to engineer and program a robot to handle any situation it might experience in the real world, its an impossible task. The world is endlessly chaotic. And when simply walking down a sidewalk, a robot could face a myriad of obstacles from smooth pavement to slippery patches of iceto areas covered in loose gravel to all of the above one after the other. Its why bi-pedal robots and even quadrupeds usually have a very slow and careful gait. Theyre designed and programmed to expect the worst-case scenario when it comes to the terrain theyre navigating and proceed very carefully, even when walking across smooth surfaces free of any debris or obstacles.

Adaptability is the key to making robots move faster and more confidently across varying terrains; changing their gait and speed when theyve identified a transition from safer surfaces like pavement to materials like loose gravel that require a more careful and slower approach. A robots programming can be manually modified and upgraded every time it encounters a new terrain it cant successfully navigate, but thats a time-consuming process that inevitably sets the robot up for failure every time it encounters something new.

Photo: Thomas Buehler (MIT)

A better approach is to create a robot that can learn by trial and error, and automatically modify and alter its behavior and movements all by itself when it encounters a new terrain. The problem with that approach is that, as with a toddler, its not safe to let a robot simply run wild to have all these learning experiences on its own. One of the most promising use cases for robots is being able to send a machine with the same capabilities as a human into areas not safe for humans to go, and requiring a constant babysitter means a robot cant fulfill that role.

To skip past the childhood full of random learning experiences that most humans go through and accelerate the Mini Cheetahs development, the researchers at MIT CSAIL turned to artificial intelligence and simulations. In just three hours time, the robot experienced 100 days worth of virtual adventures over a diverse variety of terrains and learned countless new techniques for modifying its gait so that it can still effectively loco-mote from point A to point B no matter what might be underfoot.

The Mini Cheetah might not necessarily be able to recognize that its loose gravel thats constantly causing it to lose its footing or ice thats making its feet slip, but by constantly monitoring its movements it can tell when its not walking as effectively as it could, and based on what its legs are doing, it can now adapt their movements to ensure it keeps moving forward. Those adaptations can even compensate for how the robots components are performing or underperforming as a result of damage or being over-stressed.

Theres another reason robots dont run, and it has nothing to do with researchers worried about damaging a custom machine that potentially costs hundreds of thousands of dollars to build. Running requires a robot to push its various componentslike electric motors and servosto the limits of its operating range, at which point they can start to behave and perform different behaviors that are as hard to predict as what might happen to a robot traversing slippery ice. But the same way that the Mini Cheetah can now adapt to different terrains, it can also adapt to how its own components are functioning, which allows it to run more effectively.

It might not be the most graceful thing to watch when moving at high speeds, but the Mini Cheetah hit a new top speed of 3.9 m/s, or a little over 8.7 MPH, which is faster than the average human can run. The new approach isnt just about teaching robots to run, however. Robot hands could be quickly taught to safely handle thousands of different objects theyve never physically touched before, and autonomous drones could be taught how to fly in inclement weather through safe simulations instead of sending them out into the real thing to learn by trial and error.

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MIT's Robotic Cheetah Taught Itself How to Run and Set a New Speed Record in the Process - Gizmodo

From tiny spy robots to pure death machines, lets have a look at some of these most terrifying military robots.

The introduction ofrobotics technologyhas transformed the military and defence sector globally. In todays globalized world,robots in the military can perform various combat roles, including rescue tasks, explosive disarmament, fire support, reconnaissance, logistics support, lethal combat duties, and much more. The global military and defence robotics market show a lot of potential for new applications to have a competitive edge over conventional warfare capabilities. The Governments have started investing millions of dollars into robotics for accelerating military applications. Military robotscan provide a backup during heavy artillery fire and lower the number of casualties. But are things always as easy as that sounds? This article features terrifying tales of the top 10 scarymilitary robotsthat are in use.

The Modular Advanced Armed Robotic System, or MAARS for short, is an unmanned robot developed specifically for use in the military, and it has already begun sparking debates on the ethicality of using robots as machines for killing and war. The MAARS robot can be outfitted with satellite tracking systems, day and night cameras, a hostile fire detection system, and a smorgasbord of weapons (both lethal and non-lethal) that can be operated remotely.

SAFFiR is a two-legged, or bipedal, humanoid robot designed to help researchers evaluate the applications of unmanned systems in damage control and inspections aboard naval vessels, supporting the autonomy and unmanned systems focus area in the Navys Science and Technology Strategy.

It provides the armed forces with remote reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition, nuclear, biological, and chemical reconnaissance, obstacle breaching, and direct fire capability to neutralize threats and reduce risk to the warfighter. It is one of the scariest military robots out there.

Roughly the size of a small mule, BigDog is a military-funded robot produced by the Google-owned company Boston Dynamics. It can carry up to 100 pounds and cross rough terrains that would be impossible for a robot on wheels, making it a useful pack mule for soldiers.

The robot is equipped with eight micro-video cameras that offer a 360-degree view of the objective, as well as two boresight cameras for firing the pistol. DOGO is controlled via a so-called Ranger remote control unit that allows the user to remain at a safe distance from the target.

Protection Ensemble Test Mannequin or PETMAN is a humanoid military robot designed to mimic the movement and behavior of a human soldier to test the next generation of military apparel and safety equipment. It can walk, run, crawl, and even sweat like a human. In the future, it could be deployed autonomously for search and rescue operations within dangerous areas.

ATLAS is intended to aid emergency services in search and rescue operations, perform tasks such as shutting off valves, opening doors, and operating powered equipment in environments where humans could not survive. The military is interested in ATLAS because this humanoid robot can go to places where humans cant and it can be used for rescue missions. But surely, you dont want him to do backflips during those missions.

As one of the worlds only truly amphibious military robots, GuardBot is capable of supporting a wide range of applications in security, broadcasting for live video action streaming, and missions. GuardBot accelerates and decelerates quickly and smoothly on land, while amphibious movement is consistent.

The PD-100 Black Hornet is a tiny unmanned air vehicle (UAV) developed by Flir Systems. The Black Hornet UAV allows armed troops to spy on potential threats. The small, remotely-controlled rotorcraft helps to save the lives of front-line soldiers.

The Legged Squad Support System (LS3) is an automated quadrupedal robot funded by the U.S. military that can be used as a robotic mule of sorts. Capable of autonomously following its leader, understanding simple voice commands, and carrying over 400 lbs of payload. It is one of the scariest military robots out there.

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Top 10 Scary Military Robots in Use! The Terrifying Tales - Analytics Insight

PENDLETON, Ore., - Verizon Robotics has announced that it aims to advance its testing and proof-of-concept capabilities at Pendleton Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Range. Pendleton is a FAA-designated test range that offers a variety of testing environments for drones and ground robotics. The company notes that it plans to expand operations, and base its advanced air R&D, drone partner, and long range robotics at the Pendleton Range. This includes training Pendleton Range staff to control a rapid-response command mobile unit vehicle, capable of deploying mission-critical communications, applications and advanced computing solutions that can address robotics use-cases in the air and on the ground.

The Pendleton Range is excited to be working with Verizon Robotics to provide state-of-the-art situational awareness technology to one of the busiest UAV test ranges in the U.S., said Darryl Abling, manager, Pendleton UAS Range. This investment will help to develop technologies and processes that will help accelerate overall aviation innovation as robotics become more integrated into the National Airspace System.

The Pendleton Range, located in Pendleton, Oregon, has more than 14,000 square miles of FAA-approved airspace for advanced drone flight operations and testing and hosts between 400 and 1,000 operations a month.

The operations we are deploying at Pendleton Range will help advance R&D initiatives for customers, said Mariah Scott, president, Verizon Robotics. The ranges location helps create a local innovation testbed that can emulate real-life conditions, helping to bring products and services to market faster.

Verizon Robotics continues to expand enterprise solutions for drones and ground robotics through its software, connectivity and industry leadership. One such effort is its development of software that helps to safely integrate drones into the National Airspace System so that piloted aircraft and drones can operate safely together. Coupled with The Low Altitude Authorization & Notification Capability (LAANC), customers can gain access to U.S. controlled airspace to create unique and differentiated airspace intelligence for their operations.

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Verizon Robotics selects Pendleton Range to test uncrewed tech solutions - Military & Aerospace Electronics

HOLBROOK, N.Y. & ODENSE, Denmark--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR) has been named to Fast Companys prestigious list of the Worlds Most Innovative Companies for 2022, placing third out of 10 in the robotics category. Each year, the publication honors businesses that are thriving in todays ever-changing world and making the biggest impact on their industries and culture. MiR, the global market leader in autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), was recognized for introducing more powerful and robust robots able to safely transport heavier materials in challenging manufacturing and warehouse environments.

As multiple industries face ongoing labor shortages, productivity declines and disrupted supply chains, automating more mundane and potentially dangerous material transport tasks has become a key solution for staying competitive, said Sren E. Nielsen, president of MiR. These new, more powerful autonomous mobile robots provide what more companies have been asking for as they build out their AMR fleets: the ability to autonomously and safely transport heavier materials in more environments. We are excited to see how these robots are already increasing efficiencies for our customers.

The MiR600 and MiR1350the newest robots in MiRs family of safe, reliable and easy-to-use AMRscan autonomously haul and lift loads up to 600 kg (1322 pounds) and 1350 kg (2976 pounds), respectively. The first Ingress Protection52-rated AMRs have components able to handle dust and water drops typical in manufacturing facilities and warehouses, and are equipped with multiple sensors, 3D cameras, and lidar to avoid collision with human coworkers.

These robots were a large part of MiRs success in 2021, where the company experienced a 42% increase in robot sales over 2020. Last year, the company also launched the MiR250 Hook, designed to streamline the towing of multiple types of transport carts. The MiR250 Hook, as well as the MiR600 and MIR1350, can be integrated into a fleet of AMRs from MIR through the MiRFleet, MiRs fleet management software.

These technologies continue to play a pivotal role in advancing this young industry as we all learn new ways to deploy AMRs within different facilities, from warehousing and manufacturing plants to hospitals, Nielsen added. As we continue to innovate to meet the needs and challenges of our customers, we expect to see even more deploy full fleets of mobile robots across their organizations as they become more confident in the benefits they bring and see the fast return on investment.

For this annual award recognizing companies like MiR, Fast Companys editors and writers sought out the most groundbreaking businesses across the globe and industries while also judging nominations received through their application process. The worlds most innovative companies play an essential role in addressing the most pressing issues facing society, whether theyre fighting climate change by spurring decarbonization efforts, ameliorating the strain on supply chains, or helping us reconnect with one another over shared passions, said Fast Company Deputy Editor David Lidsky.

About Fast Company

Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with our sister publication Inc., and can be found online at http://www.fastcompany.com.

About Mobile Industrial Robots

MiR develops and manufactures the industrys most advanced range of collaborative and secure autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), which can quickly, easily and cost-effectively manage internal logistics, so that employees are free to carry out activities that create more value. Hundreds of medium-sized companies, major international enterprises, logistics centers and hospitals all over the world have installed MiRs innovative robots. As a global market leader, MiR has a global distribution network with distributors in over 60 countries and regional offices in New York, San Diego, Singapore, Frankfurt, Barcelona, Tokyo, Seoul, and Shanghai. MiR has grown quickly since it was established in 2013, and its turnover has increased significantly every year. MiR was established by experienced experts from the Danish robotics industry and its main office is in Odense, Denmark. MiR was acquired by Teradyne in 2018. For more information, visit http://www.mobile-industrial-robots.com

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Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR) Named 3rd Most Innovative Robotics Company in the World by Fast Company - Business Wire