Category Archives: Robotics

Dublin, Feb. 09, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Cloud Robotics Market to 2030: Trend Forecast and Growth Opportunity" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global cloud robotics market will reach $40.29 billion by 2030, growing by 26.5% annually over 2020-2030 considering the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. The market is driven by proliferation of the cloud technology, broad spectrum use of wireless technologies, the cost-effectiveness and enhanced process efficiency of cloud robotics, and the increase in the adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

This report is based on a comprehensive research of the entire global cloud robotics market and all its sub-segments through extensively detailed classifications. Profound analysis and assessment are generated from premium primary and secondary information sources with inputs derived from industry professionals across the value chain. The report is based on studies on 2017-2019 and provides estimate for 2020 and forecast from 2021 till 2030 with 2019 as the base year (Year 2020 is not appropriate for research base due to the outbreak of COVID-19).

In-depth qualitative analyses include identification and investigation of the following aspects:

The trend and outlook of global market is forecast in optimistic, balanced, and conservative view by taking into account of COVID-19. The balanced (most likely) projection is used to quantify global cloud robotics market in every aspect of the classification from perspectives of Component, Robot Type, Implementation Module, Connectivity Technology, Deployment Mode, Business Model, Application, and Region.

Based on Component, the global market is segmented into the following sub-markets with annual revenue ($ mn) for 2019-2030 included in each section.

Based on Robot Type, the global market is segmented into the following sub-markets with annual revenue ($ mn) for 2019-2030 included in each section.

Based on Implementation Module, the global market is segmented into the following sub-markets with annual revenue ($ mn) for 2019-2030 included in each section.

Based on Connectivity Technology, the global market is segmented into the following sub-markets with annual revenue ($ mn) for 2019-2030 included in each section.

Based on Deployment Mode, the global market is segmented into the following sub-markets with annual revenue ($ mn) for 2019-2030 included in each section.

Based on Business Model, the global market is segmented into the following sub-markets with annual revenue ($ mn) for 2019-2030 included in each section.

Based on Application, the global market is segmented into the following sub-markets with annual revenue ($ mn) for 2019-2030 included in each section.

Geographically, the following regions together with the listed national/local markets are fully investigated:

For each aforementioned region and country, detailed analysis and data for annual revenue ($ mn) are available for 2019-2030. The breakdown of all regional markets by country and split of key national markets by Component, Business Model, and Application over the forecast years are also included.

The report also covers current competitive scenario and the predicted trend; and profiles key vendors including market leaders and important emerging players.

Key Topics Covered:

1 Introduction

2 Market Overview and Dynamics2.1 Market Size and Forecast2.1.1 Impact of COVID-19 on World Economy2.1.2 Impact of COVID-19 on the Market2.2 Major Growth Drivers2.3 Market Restraints and Challenges2.4 Emerging Opportunities and Market Trends2.5 Porter's Five Forces Analysis

3 Segmentation of Global Market by Component3.1 Market Overview by Component3.2 Hardware3.2.1 Robot Devices3.2.2 Robot Components3.3 Software3.3.1 Robotics Application Software3.3.2 Software for Integrated Virtual Robots3.3.3 Software for Cloud Data Storage and Analytics3.4 Services3.4.1 Deployment and Integration3.4.2 Connectivity Management3.4.3 Strategic Consulting3.4.4 Training and Support

4 Segmentation of Global Market by Robot Type4.1 Market Overview by Robot Type4.2 Stationary Robots4.2.1 Cartesian/Gantry Robots4.2.2 Cylindrical Robots4.2.3 Spherical Robots4.2.4 SCARA Robots4.2.5 Articulated Robots4.2.6 Parallel Robots4.2.7 Other Stationary Robots4.3 Wheeled Robots4.3.1 Single Wheel Robots4.3.2 Two Wheeled Robots4.3.3 Three Wheeled Robots4.3.4 Four Wheeled Robots4.3.5 Six Wheeled Robots4.3.6 Tracked Robots4.4 Legged Robots4.4.1 One Leg Robots4.4.2 Bipedal/Humanoid Robots4.4.3 Tripedal Robots4.4.4 Quadrupedal Robots4.4.5 Hexapod Robots4.4.6 Many Legs Robots4.5 Flying Robots4.6 Swimming Robots4.7 Robotic Balls4.8 Swarm Robots4.9 Modular Robots4.10 Micro Robots4.11 Nano Robots4.12 Soft/Elastic Robots4.13 Snake Robots4.14 Crawler Robots4.15 Hybrid Robots4.16 Other Robot Types

5 Segmentation of Global Market by Implementation Module5.1 Market Overview by Implementation Module5.2 Peer-based Cloud Robotics5.3 Proxy-based Cloud Robotics5.4 Clone-based Cloud Robotics

6 Segmentation of Global Market by Connectivity Technology6.1 Market Overview by Connectivity Technology6.2 Cellular6.2.1 3G6.2.2 4G6.2.3 5G6.3 Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)6.4 WiFi/WiMAX6.5 Radio Frequency (RF)6.6 Infrared

7 Segmentation of Global Market by Deployment Mode7.1 Market Overview by Deployment Mode7.2 Public Cloud7.3 Private Cloud7.4 Hybrid Cloud

8 Segmentation of Global Market by Business Model8.1 Market Overview by Business Model8.2 Platform as a Service (PaaS)8.3 Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)8.4 Software as a Service (SaaS)

9 Segmentation of Global Market by Application9.1 Market Overview by Application9.2 Industrial Use9.2.1 Manufacturing9.2.2 Automotive9.2.3 Transportation & Logistics9.2.4 Other Industrial Sectors9.3 Commercial & Professional Use9.3.1 Healthcare and Medical9.3.2 Agriculture9.3.3 Retail and Consumer Service9.3.4 Travel and Tourism9.3.5 Home and Construction9.3.6 Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance9.3.7 Other Commercial Sectors9.4 Personal & Consumer Use9.4.1 Entertainment9.4.2 Education9.4.3 Personal Healthcare9.4.4 Home Appliances9.4.5 Cleaning9.4.6 Other Personal Sectors9.5 Government and Military Use9.5.1 National Defense9.5.2 Homeland Security9.5.3 Space Management

10 Segmentation of Global Market by Region10.1 Geographic Market Overview 2019-203010.2 North America Market 2019-2030 by Country10.2.1 Overview of North America Market10.2.2 U.S.10.2.3 Canada10.2.4 Mexico10.3 European Market 2019-2030 by Country10.3.1 Overview of European Market10.3.2 Germany10.3.3 U.K.10.3.4 France10.3.5 Spain10.3.6 Italy10.3.7 Russia10.3.8 Rest of European Market10.4 Asia-Pacific Market 2019-2030 by Country10.4.1 Overview of Asia-Pacific Market10.4.2 Japan10.4.3 China10.4.4 Australia10.4.5 India10.4.6 South Korea10.4.7 Rest of APAC Region10.5 South America Market 2019-2030 by Country10.5.1 Argentina10.5.2 Brazil10.5.3 Chile10.5.4 Rest of South America Market10.6 MEA Market 2019-2030 by Country10.6.1 UAE10.6.2 Saudi Arabia10.6.3 South Africa10.6.4 Other National Markets

11 Competitive Landscape11.1 Overview of Key Vendors11.2 New Product Launch, Partnership, Investment, and M&A11.3 Company Profiles

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/omxa8c

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The Worldwide Cloud Robotics Industry is Expected to Reach $40+ Billion by 2030 - GlobeNewswire

ODENSE, Denmark--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The hit rate is high when capital-hungry start-ups and risk-taking investors meet up at Odense Investor Summit in Europes fastest growing robotics environment. Based on the success of previous summits, more than half of attending start-ups will succeed in finding investor capital at the matchmaking event. This year 15 technology companies will present their automation inventions in front of 300 investors.

Investors are increasingly interested in finding golden eggs in the robotics start-up scene, as automation and robotics technology are making headway in more and more industries. A record number of robotics investors are waiting to participate at the Odense Investor Summit on 24 March 2022, which will be held in Denmark at the same time as the robotics trade fare R-22.

Shared robotic event generates a lot of synergy

Odense Municipality is the organiser of Odense Investor Summit and has worked for years to make Odense the worlds best robotics city. Children as young as three years old are experimenting with robot technology in the city with the international robotics environment, which attracts start-ups, investors, and robotics talent from all over the world.

Odense Mayor Peter Rahbk Juel:

In Odense, the key elements to a thriving robotics industry are united: economy, expertise, capacity. Investors in the fields of automation and robotics come here to access the most promising investment opportunities and to learn about the latest trends in the market, incited not least by the event of Odense Investor Summit. Visitors are impressed by the way in which members of our local ecosystem seek out coopetition and knowhow from one another.

The summit will also have panel discussions, and keynote speakers, including Greg Smith, President for Industrial Automation Group and President of Teradyne:

With the acquisition of Universal Robots in 2015, we saw the potential of Odense in the field of robotics. In 2018, we acquired Mobile Industrial Robots and reaffirmed our commitment to Odense as an important center for research into robotics. Since 2015, we have been a constant in Odenses ecosystem and we have been excited to witness the growth of the robotics community, which is constantly proving its capability to commercialize technology.

This is the 8th Odense Investor Summit. Investors have pledged more than EUR 860 million to robotics start-ups in Odense.

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Start-Ups From All Over the World Will Raise EUR30 Million in Odense, Europe's Robotics Capital - Business Wire

What do you want to be when you grow up? Id like to be as smart as the Philly-area teens named finalists in the nations oldest math and science competition, the Regeneron Science Talent Search.

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and the Society of Science host the annual search, selecting high school seniors based on their projects scientific rigor, as well as their potential to become world-changing scientists and leaders. Previous finalists have gone on to win Nobel Prizes, National Medals of Science and Fields Medals, per the org.

Of 1,800 applicants in 2022, three local high school seniors are among the searchs top 40: Claire Andreasen, Leo Wylonis and Victor Cai. Each finalist is awarded up to $25,000 and participates in a weeklong competition in March. Top prizes range from $40,000 to $250,000.

Heres how the students told us they hope to use science to change the world:

Victor Cai with his narrowband radar project. (Courtesy photo)

Cai was selected as a finalist for developing a short-range distance sensing radar to help visually impaired people navigate their homes. He told Technical.ly he was inspired to develop his project after his karate teacher of 11 years slowly lost his sight due to a rare eye disease.

I was eager to do something for him, he said.

Traditionally, radar algorithms can interfere with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, making such technology difficult to use in the home. Cai used a little-known radar concept, officially called the Multiple Frequency Continuous Wave. His technology uses only four kilohertz of bandwidth, as opposed to one gigahertz required by a traditional algorithm, Cai said.

Cais project, Designing a Narrowband Radar Using GNU Radio and Software Defined Radio for Tomography and Indoor Sensing. (Courtesy photo)

The device is currently about one foot by one foot in height and width. Cai is developing a smaller prototype that the user can wear around the house.

He said he was elated when the Regeneron Science Talent Search announced he was among the top 40.

Science allows us to innovate these new technologies and in general, with engineering, to use these technologies around us to develop ways in which we can make peoples lives better, he said. For me, its really special to create something that hasnt been possible before.

Andreasen proved graphene, a sustainable carbon-based material, can develop magnetic properties under certain conditions making it applicable for use in electronics such as hard drives, transistors and MRIs.

The magnetic materials in electronics and electronic components(such as hard drives, transistors, MRIs, generators, and more)are typically made out of expensive materials that require unethical and unsustainable mining practices, Andreasen wrote in an email to Technical.ly. One way we can improve the efficiency, cost, sustainability, and ethicality of electronics is by discovering alternative magnetic materials.

Her proof of graphenes magnetic capabilities allows scientists to question if other non-magnetic materials can develop similar controllable characteristics, she said.

Claire Andreasen. (Courtesy photo)

For her research, Andreasen used modeling and computational software, such as MATLAB and Ovito, to analyze individual atoms in graphene. She spent a year working on the project, but was still surprised by her induction into Regenerons top 40.

I was very, very shocked and excited. I am still very, very shocked and excited. A lot of the activities I do outside of research are not STEM-focused and this was my first big research project, so I didnt expect to be named a finalist, Andreasen wrote. When shes not developing her research, Andreasen co-leads an environmentalism club at her school, plays the French horn and participates in Delawares Youth in Government, similar to mock trial.

Andreasen focused on graphene because of its sustainability. After graduating, she hopes to fuse environmental and science studies, researching clean energy solutions.

For now, shes looking forward to connecting with the other finalists during the weeklong competition.

I have been watching the intro videos of the other finalists, she wrote, and its shocking to see how much we have in common beyond science.

Leo Wylonis MRI motor robot. (Courtesy photo)

Wylonis always liked working with his hands. When he was little, he built Lego robots. Inspired by loved ones experiences with surgery, he developed a motor for use in MRI robotics that got him a spot in Regenerons top 40.

During surgery using MRI robotics, procedures are completed while a patient is in the MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, machine. Because the MRI is broadcasting a live image of the patients body, it leaves less room for error than typical surgery. However, there can be no metal tools inside the MRI because it will degrade the machines images.

Wylonis developed a non-metal DiSERVO motor from mostly custom-printed 3D plastic parts for use in MRI robotics. His prototype was tested to have higher torque, be faster and more accurate than the leading motor used in the field, which was developed by Johns Hopkins University researchers, per his project abstract.

Wylonis plans to study engineering after high school. He attributes his lifelong interest in science to the excitement of creating new things.

There are so many different innovations going on in the world that are completely new, he said. The prospect of making something completely new that helps the world is really cool, and I really like getting in the flow of a project and completing it to its finish.

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All of three local students are excited about meeting their fellow finalists during the competition from March 9 to 16.

Its kind of nice to have a wide range of topics being researched by all of the finalists and to just get to know different areas of science and how they are improving our lives, Cai said. And we all have that shared passion for using science to improve the world.

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These 3 Philly-area high schoolers are working on the future of radar, electronics and surgical robotics - Technical.ly

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) Rockford Christian High School hosted the Regional Robotics Competition on Saturday, and the winners are heading to state.

Competitors said that they were excited, as they had been working continuously throughout the season to improve their robots.

We are feeling good, said Sara Koshi, Team 7715 Robotic Lions. Its been a long season, we made a lot of changes to our robot throughout. We actually, we started, we have now four-wheel drive, we started with two wheel drive. Our mechanism to pick up the blocks has changed a lot too.

Koshi is a sophomore at Rockford Christian High School, and she said that her teams first competition on Saturday went well.

It applies a lot of problem solving skills, an application of what we learned in class and then apply it to something thats going to be crucial when you move on, Koshi said.

Keith Jeske, the robotics coach for the high school, said that he is excited to see all these hard-working kids and their robots.

So each team has competed in three meets leading up to this day, and each meet, they have improved their robot, Jeske said. They improved their programing, they are working harder to meet the goals of the competition.

Each team did interviews with the judges to present and explain the engineering process of their robot. They had three minutes to collect blocks and stack them onto a three-tier target, and also used a camera to detect a rubber duck.

This is a program preparing future engineers and workers in the STEM field, Jeske said. So its programing, its designing, its engineering, its building but its also the process of going through.

Win or lose, Koshi is happy to be a part of like-minded people.

Its just nice to be here and having fun with fellow teams and fellow robotic lovers, she said.

There were 23 teams competing against each other on Saturday, but only five teams will be moving on to state. The Robotic Lions is one of those five teams.

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Battle of the robots in Rockford - MyStateline.com

Robotics is an increasingly important field across many industries, from education to aerospace engineering. The field is increasingly becoming a lucrative career for young learners, evolving basic skills in math, engineering, and the sciences.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics currently refers to roles in robotics as electrical and electronics engineers, specifically focusing on creating electrical equipment. Many people focus on small circuit boards for this job, but the role also includes positions that focus on electrical robots with advanced systems and controls.

The BLS reports that engineers in this field have a median pay of over $100,000, with an average hourly rate of slightly under $50 an hour. Entry to this field is possible with a Bachelors degree, although many engineers own a Masters degree.

Work experience is important to employers in this area. Engineers who can successfully create robots from the ground up are generally more valued, so people studying for this field often take internships or participate in engineering programs.

The overall job market for electronics engineers should grow about 7% over the next ten years, which is roughly average across all fields.

Electrical engineers are a focus for this industry, but similar roles such as software or hardware engineer, user experience designer, or data scientist can also work in robotics.

One important thing to keep in mind is the difference between robots and other machines.

Machines are devices that help humans perform tasks, usually including labor-heavy jobs.

Robots are a type of machine or, more often, a collection of multiple independent machines but they carry out predetermined tasks and can govern their own behavior. Robots are also more capable of changing and adjusting to different environments.

In other words, robots only need instructions to accomplish their task, and they can work from there. Standard machines usually need direct control and cannot adapt to different situations.

Most robotics and electronics engineers spend their time in office environments. On a typical day, robotics engineers may create technical drawings, meet with engineers, help direct manufacturing, or create documentation for the production and use of robotics systems.

Robotics roles are more hands-on than some other engineering positions. An engineer in this field may visit labs regularly to test the newest iterations of equipment, collect information, and figure out the best ways to improve robotic systems.

For example, when developing a humanoid robot, a team may decide to change some components. This can affect things like the necessary power for moving that part, which in turn requires adjusting the software and control systems.

Robotics is a heavily iterative field, albeit one that also emphasizes rapid prototyping. Depending on the needs of the job, a robotics engineer could be asked to modify software within a few minutes to help testing continue.

Most careers in robotics are also highly collaborative. Developing and manufacturing robots typically requires teams, especially in the testing phase where people will often have specialized roles.

While a Bachelors degree is sufficient for basic entry into robotics, going to at least a Masters degree can open up many more career opportunities. This is a moderately competitive field, so more companies are looking for applicants with extra education.

The most straightforward educational path for starting a career in robotics is getting a Master of Science in Robotics degree from your university of choice. Depending on your classes, you may be able to change to a focus on Robotics after getting a Bachelors degree, especially if the BS focuses on mechanical engineering, computer science, and/or electrical engineering.

As discussed earlier, practical experience is also valuable in this field. Many companies want to develop and release robotics products as quickly as possible, so familiarity with the process can give you a boost over other applicants.

Continuing education in related fields is also valuable. Robotics engineers may study additional programming, process control, material sciences, statistics, automation, and engineering principles.

The important thing to remember here is that robotics is essentially a cross-discipline field. The most capable engineers can adapt to the needs of a project, rather than focusing exclusively on a subset like creating circuit boards to control specific sections of the robot.

Its difficult to define what makes a robotics company and what doesnt. Few businesses focus entirely on robotics, though you may be able to find a career like that if you join a research institute or university.

Otherwise, a robotics company is likely to be a different business seeking to expand into automation and improve its processes and controls. For example, vehicle manufacturing companies have a heavy interest in robotics because they can drastically reduce the time and cost of creating their products.

Careers in robotics are here to stay. While the number of jobs is only growing at an average rate, companies both want and need people with experience in this field.

Featured image: Hung Nguyen Phi, Unsplash.

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Why the Future of Young Learners is in Robotics - eLearningInside News - eLearningInside News

At the beginning of this school year, educational investor Rural Technology Fund contributed toward a project supporting the Wolf-Bytes Robotics team at Loranger Middle School.

Science teacher Eric Ballard sought to add a LEGO SPIKE set and expansion kit to the team in anticipation of the teams second season in the FIRST Lego League.

Ballard said his team operates with various student leadership positions, offering many opportunities for individuals to take charge and tackle projects. With the addition of the LEGO SPIKE set, students would be able to use Scratch programming as well as learn Python.

The Wolf-Bytes have now successfully completed their second FIRST Lego League season, according to RTF.

The team is about more than just competing they embody a strong sense of community.

It was a particularly challenging year for the Wolf-Bytes. The team endured hardships including a hurricane, a local tragedy and the ongoing pandemic, but the team persisted and found more ways to spread good within their district, according to RTF.

Ballard said about his team, During the first semester, they were able to log just over 250 combined STEM Outreach hours. Some of these hours came from attending STEM festivals and providing science activities for younger students, and other hours were spent designing, painting, organizing, and servicing equipment for our new school-wide STEM Lab that will serve the entire student body.

Students dedicated their time to help create the lab, volunteering over the holiday break. They gathered materials from around the building and repaired many items, and it now serves the whole middle school as an evolving, hands-on learning space.

The Wolf-Bytes are currently focusing on training new teammates as they prepare for the WWII Museum Challenge, planning to log similar training hours while practicing with the SPIKE Robot.

It is our goal to make everyone on our team proud coders/programmers, Ballard said.

This story is an edited version of a story posted by Rural Technology Fund to their blog at ruraltechfund.org.

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Loranger Wolf-Bytes Robotics leading the pack | News | hammondstar.com - Hammond Daily Star online

3D Printing Industry is currently seeking feedback on material usage across the sector. Have your say in the Spotlight on Resin 3D Printing Survey now.

Marine technology specialist ecoSUB Robotics has revealed how adopting 3D printing in the production of its ecoSUB has helped make the autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) as accessible as possible.

While the ecoSUB is designed to offer users a uniquely affordable means of conducting deep sea monitoring missions, it still needs to be capable of operating at a depth of 2,500m, to meet the needs of its commercial and military clientele.

In order to strike this balance between efficiency and resilience, the AUVs creators have therefore begun 3D printing its prototypes and a selection of its end-use components, in a way that has allowed them to make significant cost-per-part gains, without having to sacrifice on product quality.

3D printing is preferred over injection molding as we find the technology more versatile, and the design freedom allows us to innovate great parts, said Jeremy Sitbon, Chief Robotics Engineer, Marine Robotics Systems at ecoSUB Robotics. Also, our volumes are low, so injection molding would not be economical. Add in the fact that with 3D printing we can customize designs for individual clients, and the choice is clear.

The parts that we use in our underwater vehicles have to be strong, robust and absolutely conform to design intent.

Delving into the deep on a budget

Prior to being spun-out by Planet Ocean Limited in 2017, ecoSUB Robotics was effectively founded in 2015, as part of an Innovate UK and DSTL-backed project that included the R&D of the ecoSUBu vehicle. Following the AUVs successful launch and recovery, its creators later came up with a larger iteration known as the ecoSUBm, which could carry heavier payloads, and attracted strong initial interest.

Since then, ecoSUB Robotics has set out on its own, while continuing to take advantage of wider advances in navigation and engineering technologies, to upgrade the capabilities of its submarine vehicle. Using modern micro-DVL technology, for instance, the firm says that its AUV is now able to better geo-reference data collected, enabling it to navigate with improved accuracy, and operate using side scan sonar.

Yet, despite the ecoSUBs growing capabilities, its creators still see cost-efficacy as its chief USP. According to ecoSUB Robotics, traditional AUVs can cost north of 500,000, while its ecoSUBu5 system is cheap by comparison, at around 10,000. As a result, when it comes to applications in hostile environments, where the chances of vehicle loss is high, the firm says its device offers a far less risky option.

Even though the company has been accepting commercial AUV orders for two years now, it continues to invest in re-spinning many parts of its systems, to keep them as accessible and reliable as possible. This ongoing self-improvement approach has led it to partner with service bureau 3DPRINTUK, with which it has gone on to optimize the ecoSUBs prototyping process, as well as its part cost.

The reason that cost is so important to the company, is that they see enormous potential for their underwater vehicles not just to be used by professionals within the military and oil and gas sectors, but also research scientists gathering important information about climate change, said Nick Allen, MD of 3DPRINTUK. Price is key to making this advanced technology available to a wide user group.

An AUV-optimizing partnership

In the process of adopting 3D printing, ecoSUB Robotics says that 3DPRINTUK has been an ideal partner, in that it has not only delivered parts to spec, but used its Design for AM (DfAM) expertise to help drive maximal efficiency from them.

Within its revised R&D workflow, this means that the company now orders small prototype batches from 3DPRINTUK, before integrating them into its marine vehicle. If they work as expected, the firm then goes on to request larger quantities of these parts via its partners SLS and MJF manufacturing services, using both powder bed fusion technologies to take advantage of the unique benefits of each.

There are two different kinds of parts and components in the vehicles, external parts that can be seen, and internal parts that cannot, explains Sitbon. The external parts need to be yellow for the sake of visibility, and we use SLS for these as the technology produces whiter parts than MJF, and in our opinion this makes the addition of a color that much more definite and striking.

By contrast, given that the AUVs internal parts dont need to be as visually appealing, ecoSUB Robotics says that it orders these via 3DPRINTUKs MJF service, as it yields greyer components, but they tend to be less expensive.

Moving forwards, the firm anticipates that it will eventually address all its 3D printing needs with MJF, due to pricing considerations as well as the more exacting tolerances that can be made on jetted parts which lead to improved detailing, but in the short-term it remains more than happy to follow 3DPRINTUKs advice on which technology is best to use.

We will continue to use 3DPRINTUK as we have not found an online ordering system that comes close to theirs in terms of ease-of-use, and the team has an enormous depth of knowledge in material selection, DfAM and print optimization that benefits us on every level, concluded Sitbon. The assessment of SLS and MJF will [also] continue, and we are happy to be guided as to which process to use for internal and external applications by the 3DPRINTUK team.

AMs marine monitoring applications

Using 3D printing, its now possible to produce parts with the necessary resistance properties to enable their deployment within deep sea applications, and a number of firms have chosen to do so in recent years. Back in April 2020, QYSEA revealed that it was working with Farsoon to 3D print protective covers for its FIFiSH V6 ROV.

Likewise, Dive Technologies is also known to 3D print elements of its customizable DIVE-LD deep-sea surveillance system. Having recently been bought over by Anduril Industries, its thought that the AUV could now have the backing required to address the marine monitoring needs of a wider array of clientele.

Norwegian robotics specialist Kongsberg Ferrotech, meanwhile, has unveiled plans not just to manufacture vehicles for subsea missions, but to 3D print on the ocean floor itself. Currently under development, the firms underwater manufacturing technology is set to be used for both repairing seabed-level pipelines, and rebuilding them where needed.

To stay up to date with the latest 3D printing news, dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter or follow us on Twitter or liking our page on Facebook.

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Featured image shows ecoSUB Robotics AUV in-action. Photo via ecoSUB Robotics.

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ecoSUB Robotics reveals all on the 3D printing technology behind its deep sea monitoring AUV - 3D Printing Industry

The researchers said devices that use the biogel could be recycled and reused to build other robots.

Researchers at the Johannes Kepler University in Austria claim they have created a new biodegradable gel that can 3D print recyclable robots.

The study, published in the journal Science Robotics, noted that materials involved in soft robotics are often non-biodegradable or stem from non-renewable resources, contributing to an ever-growing environmental footprint.

The team said the new gel largely composed of gelatin and sugar offers a potential eco-friendly alternative to these resources.

New and rapidly changing technologies also contribute to increasing amounts of tech waste, accumulating to as much as over 100,000 tons per day in 2019, the researchers said in the study.

Soft robotics in particular needs to improve in terms of sustainability due to the limited lifetime of soft materials or for applications where, for example, deployed robots cannot be retrieved.

In order to test a more sustainable material with more stable mechanical properties, the team used their biogel material as an ink to print a soft, finger-shaped robotic device that uses compressed air to control omnidirectional motion.

According to the researchers, the biogel was not only reusable, its biodegradable materials enabled it to be disposed of with zero waste once it lost its mechanical integrity. They also said the printed biogels can be directly reused by reprinting them up to five times.

This means devices that use this sustainable biogel could be recycled and reused to build other robots that eventually degrade with minimal environmental impact.

The thermoreversibility of the biogel allows direct reuse in subsequent printing processes. Damaged or obsolete biogel devices are therefore easily recycled by reheating the material and printing new ones, the study said.

The team noted that increasing the level of complexity in the machines made using this gel will require more advanced actuator shapes and multimaterial combinations.

Developing suitable biodegradable support materials will solve these issues in combination with multimaterial printing, the team said.

Funding for the research was provided by the European Research Council, as part of Horizon 2020.

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Researchers develop new biogel that could lead to recyclable soft robots - Siliconrepublic.com

ATHENS Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Tuesday received and congratulated the high school robotics team Minders, which won 5th place in the 2021 World Robotics Olympiad.

The prime minister noted that Greek schools had made changes that allow children to become familiar with computing and IT applications at a very early age, while he also praised the growing Greek IT sector, which was able to compete worldwide and attract foreign capital and direct investment from abroad.

I am very happy that robotics is starting to make a dynamic entry at all levels of education. The fact that we have distinctions both within and outside Greece is especially important and I think shows how much you love what you do, the prime minister told the school team, which competed with Project Airfield, a flying wind turbine that uses a helium device to rise to a higher altitude than the pillars used by wind farms, where wind speeds are generally higher. This then supplies a robotic greenhouse with electricity, enabling a green transition in agriculture.

The team talked about the programming aspects of the project and its business applications, as an innovative but also practical proposal.

The prime minister highlighted the importance of innovative research that also has practical applications and improves peoples lives, and spoke about a new start-up ecosystem that has emerged in Greece and provides more opportunities for creativity and employment, as well as a participatory culture that spreads the benefits to all employees.

We have Greek companies, Greek knowhow, Greek capital, Greek minds that are developing applications and products that are globally competitive, he said, citing the example of the online bank Viva, which attracted an investment by JPMorgan & Chase.

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Mitsotakis Congratulates School Robotics Team Minders on Olympiad Distinction - The National Herald

With companies facing labor challenges and rising inflation across all industries, automation and robotics offer measurable relief, enabling increased productivity and a more efficient use of human capital. Two to three years ago, only about 5% of warehouses in the U.S. relied heavily on automation, a percentage that has not increased much to date. But with fewer available workers and increased costs, the business case for implementing these technologies to aid the available workforce has become all the more compelling.

Optimizing the Human Workforce

In non-automated facilities as large as one million square feet, 30% of a workers time can be spent traveling from one area of the warehouse to another to perform assigned tasks. Cutting down on employee transit time can not only increase productivity and service levels, but also save money. Eliminating or minimizing travel time lets employees focus on more complex tasks, and represents a better utilization of human capital.

Thats especially true for industries that rely on a high level of logistics velocity, such as retail, healthcare and high tech, where the value proposition of applying robotics and automation to logistics is often the most pronounced. In each of these industries, warehouse picking often involves collecting several items for packing and delivery to storefronts, hospitals and end users. Robots are capable of picking those individual pieces and bringing them to packing locations whats known as a goods-to-person application. Team members complete the fulfillment from there. By combining robot and human labor, companies streamline their overall logistics strategy.

In the same vein, robots sometimes follow human pickers to deliver picked items down the line, in both cases reducing employee travel time within the four walls of a warehouse. Studies have shown that either of these applications can provide an 80% to 100% improvement in employee productivity.

Automation Across Industries

For retailers, robots aided by information systems and other forms of automation can alleviate the challenges of moving goods through labor-short supply chains. Robots can offload containers at distribution centers, build and wrap pallets, place inventory on conveyors, and in the most advanced logistics centers, even place the pallets where they ultimately belong. On the outbound side, robotics and automation aid in the replenishment of inventories by building new multi-SKU pallets to accommodate individual store needs.

The healthcare and high-tech industries face similar challenges. Hospital systems typically order supplies by the tens of thousands. But to save storage space, many healthcare facilities want that product sent in small, frequent shipments, often to individual wards or doctors, for use over a period of a few days. Highly automated warehouses using robots, pick towers and pick-to-light technology can keep those small quantities of necessary supplies flowing, while maximizing efficiencies and minimizing costs.

Fulfilling high-tech orders often involves assembling cartons based on each-level picks, meaning that different types of items are included in one parcel for shipment. For example, when a customer orders a printer, ink and paper, each of those must be picked and packed in a carton. Robots are often used to pick the items, while human employees scan, pack and ship them to the end user.

AI Transforms Scanning, Wearables and Warehouse Safety

The scanning piece is an important part of how automation promotes efficiencies in logistics operations. By scanning barcodes affixed to individual items, information systems keep track of whats coming in and going out of logistics centers. That data helps companies understand when they need to replenish inventory levels, providing them with unprecedented levels of visibility. By feeding the same data into artificial intelligence and business intelligence systems, companies can also track and predict demand and better understand customer purchasing intentions and trends. Acting on this intelligence, businesses are able to increase logistics velocity and streamline operations, while improving labor productivity, lowering costs and increasing profits.

Wearable technologies are also making their way into logistics operations. Smart glasses can automatically scan items when a worker looks at a barcode, assisting in inventory tracking and visibility. Other wearable applications improve communications among warehouse workers, management teams and technology platforms. By communicating the next task to be performed in real time, workers dont need to trek back to a command center to pick up new instructions.

Automation also adds safety benefits to warehousing operations. Drones can be used to perform inventory cycle counts in multi-level rack facilities, a task that would otherwise be performed manually by employees climbing the racks and visually counting product. Automation and robotics can also help ergonomically by minimizing activities that would require employees to lift and bend, reducing work-related injuries, both chronic and acute.

Some of the latest technologies target the transportation leg to and from logistics centers. By providing visibility to the location and progress of trucks in and out of warehouses, these systems are starting to sync up supply chains from end to end.

Automation and robotics require large investments of capital, so its necessary to analyze each case for its value proposition, and to understand that it might take five or six years to achieve investment payback. If done right, companies will see improved on-time performance, more efficient labor planning, speedier order-to-cash cycles and hefty productivity improvements.

All of these considerations make a compelling business case for the benefits that automation and robotics can bring to logistics operations. While some workers experienced an initial hesitation, many now appreciate the reliability that robots provide: they never call in sick, and they always show up when and where theyre needed.

Steve Sensing is president of global supply chain solutions at Ryder.

Originally posted here:

Driving Value in Your Supply Chain With Robotics and Automation | 2022-02-07 | SupplyChainBrain - SupplyChainBrain