Category Archives: Robotics

The new ANSI/RIA R15.08-1-2020 (R15.08) standard for mobile robots provides updated, and formalized, definitions for AGVs, AMRs and other mobile robotics types. The revised definitions are critical for the proper application of R15.08, and as such it is critical that both users and developers of industrial mobile robots take note.

By Mike Bearman and Matthew Cherewk | April 8, 2021

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Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) are a rapidly growing segment of industrial automation that have lacked universally accepted definitions and their own safety standards. Consensus safety standards must be in place so that industry can be assured that industrial mobile robots are safe. In turn, these same standards assist technology vendors to ensure that the solutions they develop follow universally accepted best practices for safety.

Recently, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Robotic Industries Association (RIA) have released a new safety standard For Industrial Mobile Robots Safety Requirements ANSI/RIA R15.08-1-2020 (R15.08) that delineates safety standards for different types of mobile robotic systems, including AMRs. R15.08 also provides clarity on the definition of an AMR, and differentiation between other mobile robot types, which is critical to the proper application of R15.08.

A Little HistoryTo understand the definitional importance of R15.08, it would be beneficial to review a brief history of the safety standards for AMRs and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs). Before R15.08, mobile robots applied ANSIB56.5-2019 (B56.5) as their safety standard across the board.

B56.5 was originally released in 1978 to address safety for AGVs. With its AGV roots, B56.5 initially focused on making sure the AGV stopped if it deviated from the intended path, or encountered an obstacle.

B56.5 is a useful standard that still applies to a broad range of automated vehicles. However, with the advent of AMRs, a grey area emerged. AMRs do not follow a strictly-defined path. They can also navigate around obstacles or reroute to alternative paths instead of stopping for blockages.

Recent updates to ANSI B56.5 have recognized that current robotic systems can dynamically plan their path and do so safely. However, its history as an AGV standard created ambiguity on its applicability to AMRs.Indeed, many AMR vendors chose to forego ANSI B56.5 compliance altogether. This is why we have become familiar with collaborative AMRs or smaller robots that can operate within inches of humans.

AGVs are mobile robots that follow exact guide paths whether a physical or virtual line. AMRs are mobile robots that dynamically generate paths based on the current environment and the most efficient route between the AMRs current location and future destinations.

Classifying Industrial Mobile RobotsIn addition to ambiguity around relevant safety standards, the industry did not fully agree upon the definition of AMR technology. Some AGV suppliers argue what constitutes an AMR is their use of LiDAR, vision, and/or fiducial-based navigation systems, combined with lower infrastructure requirements compared to the older magnet and wire-guided AGVs. On the other hand, many customers refer to smaller, lightweight, deck-load mobile robots (used for order fulfillment applications primarily) as AMRs, while referring to any high-capacity vehicle such as tuggers and forklifts as AGVs regardless of the navigation technology.

Formal AMR DefinitionR15.08 defines an AMR as a platform that dynamically plans and adjusts its path within a structured or semi-structured environment (Figure 1). The standard subsequently offers updated safety standards around these adaptive navigation functions.

Additionally, the standard provides a helpful framework for understanding which safety standard to use for which robot platform. It also clarifies vehicle type based on intelligence and path planning capabilities rather than size, payload capacity, or localization method.

Editors Note: For a downloadable chart on the technical differences between AMRs and AGVs, click here.

Revised DefinitionsR15.08 defines AGS, AMRs and Industrial Robots as follows:

The committee that produced R15.08 included expertise in industrial robotics, AGVs, AMRs, and industrial safety from US-based organizations, including the ANSI and the RIA. US-based users of this technology should ensure that their automation vendors comply with the relevant standards.

Editors Note: Robotics Business Review would like to thank Vecna Robotics for permission to reprint this article (with modifications). The original piece can be found HERE.

About the Authors

Mike Bearman serves as the Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel at Vecna Robotics. In this role, he is responsible for leading the companys efforts to commercialize logistics and material handling robotic technologies, establish strategic partnerships and work closely with the marketing and sales team to negotiate terms with partners and customers. Bearman is actively involved in a number of organizations working to establish standards and best practices for the robotics industry, including MassRobotics, MHIs Mobile Automation Group, and the Robotic Industries Association. Prior to Vecna Robotics, he held various roles at Vecna Technologies and practiced law as an attorney for four years. Bearman holds a bachelors in International Studies from the University of Washington and a Juris Doctor from the Georgetown University Law Center.

Matthew Cherewka serves as Director of Business Development and Strategy at Vecna Robotics. He collaborates closely with Vecna Robotics strategic customers and partners and uses his expertise in the practical application of cutting-edge automation to help the worlds leading logistics companies understand, develop, integrate and implement intelligent automation into their operations and business strategies, preparing them for success in the next industrial revolution. Prior to Vecna Robotics, Cherewka worked with a wide range of startups, investors, consulting firms, and even Sci-Fi filmmakers to commercialize new robotic technologies and grow the market, including developing biomimetic robots for Disney; worked closely with Six Sigma black belts to implement automation solutions in struggling manufacturing companies. He is an alumnus of Bucknell University with dual degrees in mechanical engineering & business management and is also an electric fiddle player in several bands around New England.

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ANSI/RIA R15.08 Standard Redefines Industrial Mobile Robots What's New and Why It Matters - Robotics Business Review

Parts of the last 12 months have felt like a science fiction film. On one hand, a global pandemic is causing record-setting despair: travel is restricted, the economy is in shock, and people everywhere are either at home or managing a cautious return to activity.

On the other hand, a kind of technological revolution is afoot. The pandemic served as a catalyst for rapid technological uptake, pushing our world further into the digital sphere than ever before. Artificial intelligence is influencing all industries; drones can deliver our groceries, and its only a matter of time before aerial robots will transport our friends or family to our doors.

In such an interesting market moment, the average observer is juggling a complex mix of emotions. One might feel equal parts encouraged and apprehensive. Robotics and A.I. are leading our recovery, enabling corporations to work safer and more effectively. But with record job losses across the last four quarters, and the realities of a recession weighing heavily on our shoulders, the question of robotics replacing human labor is one we cant ignore.

Its an especially relevant question in the logistics sector. The pandemic surfaced huge inefficiencies in our previous supply-chain infrastructure. Business owners with single-source suppliers quickly realized their oversights, as restrictions on travel kept them away from their supply. Through an ever-changing landscape of consumer demand, all owners came to understand the problem with inflexible supply-chain practices, and the liabilities that come with having a lack of visibility from one end to the other.

For these reasons and others, robotics are top of mind, as owners and suppliers negotiate the new landscape of post-COVID-19 logistics. Less expensive and more competent than theyve ever been, robots can improve the speed and accuracy of routine operations, while adding efficiency, safety, and visibility across supply-chain practices. Autonomous robots can reduce error rates, check inventory more frequently, optimize sorting times, streamline fulfillment practices, and decrease long-term costs.

Business owners and supply-chain professionals are understanding more and more the power of automation. A report by MHI showed that between 2019 and 2020, the adoption rate for robotics and automation increased more than any other supply-chain technology. But owners and professionals are equally aware of the realities in the job economy. An important question remains: What does automation mean for supply-chain workers?

Path Toward Safer Work

A number of factors need to be considered when it comes to the relation between human workers and autonomous robots. As robotic technology becomes less expensive, and design continues to evolve, its becoming easier to integrate robotics into a supply-chain workflow. Without cost, knowledge, or set-up times being a barrier to entry, robots can work side by side with their human counterparts with little to no supervision.

Rather than replacing human workers, automated robots have so far played an invaluable role in keeping them safe throughout the pandemic. When in-person work came at too high a risk of viral-transmission, the supply-chain sector was no exception. Workers were kept away from shop floors and production plants, and many teams relied on autonomous robots to perform the kinds of tasks that would be hazardous to human safety. Able to work independently and manage repetitive tasks, more supply-chain teams could work remotely, managing larger-scale operations from the safety of at-home workspaces.

This is an important trend that can outlast the pandemic. Aspects of supply, fulfillment and delivery can be high-risk. Robots can perform lower-value, more dangerous tasks so human workers are able to enjoy improved workplace safety. In this sense, robots can improve job satisfaction, reducing risk rates and hazardous tasks in a human workers day. Moreover, the use of robotics frees up human workers to focus on creative thinking, problem solving, and larger-picture management.

Macro-Efficiency: Not a Zero-Sum Game

Finally, integrating autonomous robots into supply-chain practices can enhance overall revenue. By improving order-fulfillment rates and delivery speed and customer satisfaction as a result supply-chain professionals can be better positioned to receive an influx of post-COVID-19 business. Owners everywhere are looking for solutions, and logistics professionals that reply on robotics for better overall margins can offer better answers at lower costs, boosting their business and allowing them to expand their teams.

In fact, as productivity increases, labor almost always receives a significant share of the benefits. Zooming out to consider the larger picture, robotics can drive economic growth, often offering higher-quality production at better margins. Those cut costs are passed on to consumers in the form of lower prices, boosting the purchasing power. More economic activity leads to the creation of new jobs. And while its never quite that linear in real-world applications, this is a pattern thats demonstrated time and time again, complicating the over-simplified narrative that automation is synonymous with job loss.

The logistics sector is undergoing a re-invention, preparing for the future of after-COVID-19 demand. More supply-chain professionals are investing in robotics as a way to keep their employees safe and engaged. Far from the apocalyptic force theyre often made out to be, autonomous robots could be a driver of job recovery and post-pandemic growth.

Progress never goes as planned, and more tests and trials lie ahead. Still, when it comes to establishing a new and improved normal, robotics will no doubt play an important role.

Zain Jaffer is founder and chief executive officer of Zain Ventures.

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The Impact of Robotics on Supply Chain 2.0 - SupplyChainBrain

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Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island has partnered with Diagnostic Robotics to use artificial intelligence to identify and monitor members with certain chronic conditions.

Health risks targeted include congestive heart failure, obesity and behavioral health conditions.

Diagnostic Robotics'predictive analytics model will give the BCBSRI care coordination team risk-identification and population health-management capabilities for proactive and personalized care.

Interventions include a mobile app to keep members engaged and connect them with the right network care provider in the most appropriate, cost-effective setting.

WHY THIS MATTERS

The partnership intends to effectively manage clinical care for Rhode Islanders and avoid unnecessary costs by focusing on targeted interventions, medical adherence and hospitalization prevention.

Diagnostic Robotics' systems integrate seamlessly into major touchpoints along the patient journey, providing high-value decision support while slashing administrative burdens, massively reducing the cost of care and improving patient experiences, BCBSRI said.

THE LARGER TREND

Diagnostic Robotics already has ties with academic institutions and the Rhode Island state government, including a research initiative with the Brown-Lifespan Center for Digital Innovation and a partnership to provide COVID-19 response technologies to the Rhode Island Department of Health.

The company's team includes leading artificial intelligence researchers from Israel and the United States.Diagnostic Robotics works extensively with healthcare systems in the United States and around the world, including the Mayo Clinic and numerous health systems in Israel.

ON THE RECORD

"This is just the beginning of a very exciting partnership with BCBSRI," said Yonatan Amir, CEO of Diagnostic Robotics. "BCBSRI recognizes the need for a new generation of capabilities to enable proactive and personalized care.

"We are proud to be part of their mission to equip Rhode Islanders with cutting-edge artificial intelligence and predictive analytics to keep members healthier while staying smart about spending."

"Behavioral health issues and chronic diseases can take an enormous toll on our members and their families, but timely interventions and evidence-based clinical guidance can help them connect with the right resources at the right time," said Dr. Matt Collins, executive vice president and chief medical officer.

"By applying the latest in machine learning, BCBSRI can better support population health."

Twitter: @SusanJMorseEmail the writer: susan.morse@himssmedia.com

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Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island partners with Diagnostic Robotics to identify and monitor members with chronic conditions - Healthcare...

The Sarcos Robotics Guardian XO exoskeleton demonstrated at CES 2020 in Las Vegas.

Photographer: Bridget Bennett/Bloomberg

Photographer: Bridget Bennett/Bloomberg

Sarcos Robotics is planning to go public through a reverse merger with blank-check company Rotor Acquisition Corp.

The Salt Lake City-based robot maker and the special purpose acquisition company, or SPAC, will have a combined valuation of $1.3 billion including debt, the company said in a statement on Tuesday, confirming an earlier Bloomberg News report. The deal includes a potential earnout of an additional $281 million based on the performance of the stock after the merger.

To help fund the transaction, the companies have raised about $220 million in a private investment in public equity, or PIPE, from investors including BlackRock Inc., Millennium Management, Palantir Technologies Inc., Caterpillar Venture Capital Inc. and Schlumberger, as well as from their own executives.

Sarcos develops robotic systems for non-repetitive tasks that are designed to increase productivity among industrial and military workers. Its wearable devices help people move heavy objects with mechanical limbs and support, reducing workplace injuries and allowing employees less capable of strenuous labor to carry out tasks such as lifting airport baggage and manufacturing components without assistance.

Led by Chief Executive Officer Ben Wolff, Sarcos will receive as much as $496 million in proceeds from the SPAC transaction, the company said in the statement. Wolff was a co-founder of Clearwire Corp., which was acquired by Sprint Corp. in 2013.

The company will lease its exoskeleton, wearable device starting at $100,000 a year, similar to the total cost of hiring a worker for $25 an hour in the U.S., Wolff said in an interview.

Our value proposition is, he said, to deliver the productivity of three, four or five workers, depending on the use cases, industry and the job etc.

Initial versions of the devices cost Hundreds of thousands of dollars to make, Wolff said. He projects that cost will shrink to $65,000 once Sarcos achieves full-scale production in five years. Currently, the companys only product in the market is an inspection and surveillance robot, which Wolff said will account for a small portion of its revenue once bigger and more expensive, products are commercialized.

Rotor raised $276 million in its initial public offering in January. Its CEO is former Credit Suisse First Boston President Brian Finn, while its chairman is Stefan Selig, a former Bank of America Corp. executive and a U.S. Commerce Department official during the Obama administration.

When the combined companys stock price reaches $15 and $20, there are 1 million shares, representing $280 million, that are structured in an earnout, Selig said.

We did that so everybody is incentivized and aligned to do what we are hoping and expecting to happen here, which is to create significant long-term value, he said.

(Update with interviews with Sarcos and Rotor executives.)

Before it's here, it's on the Bloomberg Terminal.

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Sarcos Robotics to List in SPAC Deal at $1.3 Billion Value - Bloomberg

04/07/2021 By Edwin L. Aguirre

The CAREER grant is the NSFs most prestigious award in support of early-career faculty who demonstrate strong potential to lead research breakthroughs in their organizations.

They are among the 36 scientists and engineers from 27 research institutions across the country selected by the Air Force for the recognition. Aside from UMass Lowell, the other awardees include researchers from Johns Hopkins University, Carnegie Mellon University, Stanford University, Virginia Tech, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the University of California San Diego.

Legged Robot Locomotion

Using her CAREER grant, Gu will draw upon dynamic modeling, state estimation, feedback control and theory of hybrid systems to advance the control theory of legged robots in order to realize and prove stable, legged locomotion on dynamic rigid surfaces that is, surfaces that move but do not deform.

Yan Gus NSF-funded research will help keep legged robots stable and upright while walking on nonstationary surfaces. Shown here is NASAs R5 Valkyrie humanoid robot.

Empowering legged robots with such new functionality will allow them to negotiate complex, dynamic human environments, which are very challenging for robots equipped with wheels or tracks, Gu explains.

This will enable them to assist in critical, high-risk situations such as fighting fire aboard ships as well as cleaning and disinfecting public transportation vehicles to contain the spread of infectious diseases such as COVID-19, she says.

Faster than the Speed of Sound

Maiarus YIP project focuses on ceramic matrix composite (CMC) materials, which consist of reinforcing ceramic fibers embedded in a ceramic matrix. They are used for high-temperature, high-strength applications, such as components for gas turbines and heat shields for hypersonic aircraft, missiles, rockets and spacecraft.

Maiaru will use experimentally validated process modeling to understand the mechanisms for the formation of residual stress induced by pyrolysis-infiltration-pyrolysis processes. Pyrolysis is the degradation of the ceramic at high temperatures in the absence of oxygen.

My goal is to establish a correlation between processing conditions, microstructure and mechanical performance of the composite, which currently is not clearly shown, she says. This work strongly supports ongoing research efforts at the Air Force Research Laboratory and NASAs Langley Research Center.

According to Maiaru, process modeling for CMCs manufactured through the pyrolysis-infiltration-pyrolysis cycle is a relatively undeveloped field.

This project will help enhance the performance of high-temperature composites, optimize their manufacturing process and lead to the discovery of new materials that would establish U.S. leadership in hypersonic applications, she says.

It has great potential for advancing materials research for extreme environments and for overcoming the costly and time-consuming trial-and-error design that is being used today.

Maiaru is currently working on process modeling of advanced composites for structural applications under the sponsorship of the NSF, NASA and the Air Force Research Laboratory.

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Engineering Profs' Robotics and Composite Materials Research Win $1M in Funding - UMass Lowell

For the first time in program history, the Mashpee Middle-High School robotics team has won the Southern New England VEX Robotics Championship.

With the victory on March 27, four members of the program earned a chance to compete in the Live Remote VEX Robotics World Championship beginning on May 14.

I was so proud of the kids, teacher and robotics coach Amanda Hough said. For six years of competing in VEX Robotics this was the goal. It was always to be able to control their own destiny, play well as a team and work together to achieve their goal.

Representing Mashpee at the world championship will be the sophomore duo of Sean Ware and Camden Perry, who call themselves team Out of Stock, and team Free Shipping, which is composed of their older brothersseniors Nathan Ware and Nathan Perry. All four qualified for virtual worlds last year as well. However, this is the first time since 2019 that Mashpee competed in the Southern New England Championship, as last years event was canceled due to COVID-19.

It was even more exciting than any other competition could have been. It was a return, a comeback, Nathan Perry said. The competitions last year were so different. To come back to our first big tournament, and to win it feels really good. Not only that its the first one back, but it could be the last one back.

The championship was vastly different than the type of matches Mashpee played in this season. In the fall, the team went to socially distant in-person events that were limited in capacity. As winter came, Mashpee participated in virtual competitions.

This event took place at Hopkinton High School and consisted of 40 teams, including 26 from Massachusetts. Only teams from Massachusetts could attend in-person due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.

The in-person teams competed in a game called Change Up. In this game, the teams of two are paired up with another team so that four total robots are in the ring, two per side. The games objective is to take different-colored balls and to place them in a tube. The scoring is fluid and can change until the round is over, as teams can un-score the other side.

In a game like this with many moving parts, having a good strategy and a solid alliance is key.

Working as sister teams, even beyond the strategical component of it, we sort of built the robotics together. We know how each others robot works. Knowing those strengths and weaknesses is really helpful, Nathan Perry said about pairing up with his brothers team.

At the championship, five qualifying matches were played among 18 different teams. In these qualifying matches, the team one is paired with is totally random and teams have to play the hand they are dealt. After the qualifying matches, teams are seeded based on results. Out of Stock finished second overall with a 5-0 record, and Free Shipping finished fifth with a 4-1 record. The Aviators, another team from Mashpee, led by Katrina Mayen and Jamie Hughes, also finished 4-1 before getting knocked out in the quarterfinals.

After the qualifiers, the team that came in first can choose the team it wishes to partner up with for the elimination matches.

Thanks to Out of Stocks high seed, they were able to scoop up their brothers for the playoff matches.

The advantage of having your sister team in your alliance is that we had a lot of time to prepare and practice, Sean said.

Going into those elimination matches to try and take home the title, the strategy really gets intense. Fortunately, by aligning with a team from your own organization, you have time to practice. We have set strategies for how we are going to take down teams, Nathan Ware said.

But what if they were not able to team up?

We were pretty confident to get into the top rank, Nathan Ware said.

The plan was sort of to come up with a plan, Nathan Perry added, referring to if things did not work out.

In the quarterfinals and semifinals, the Mashpee brothers cruised to victories, outscoring their opponents by a combined 66-12.

However, in the finals they knew they had a tougher matchup.

Nathan Ware said that in the final matchup they faced off against a team from Hopkinton and a team from Milton. He said they were actually friends with those two teams, as the robotics community is small.

Another interesting wrinkle to this tournament compared to prior years was the need to accommodate social distancing. Only the driver of the robot is allowed to stand next to the ring. This means the other teammate needs to stand at least six feet away. Sean and Nathan Ware are the drivers for their teams, meaning the Perrys could not be on top of the action.

It was really fun, but we were kind of separated from the Wares because we werent the ones driving and had to stand six feet back, Camden said. It was like, Ooh, I know that they know what to do, but I hope they do it.

Theres only so much we can do to coach them. Standing back is sort of just an excitement, waiting and hoping they can do what they need to do, Nathan Perry said.

To win the championship, the finals were best two out of three. Mashpee did what it needed to do, winning 20-12 and 19-14.

It was probably the most fun we had. Playing against your friends for the win was really exciting and a fun way to end the year in southern New England, Nathan Ware said.

Although it was unspoken, the boys all agreed that competing in such a big event had pressure to it. On top of the pressure to compete and perform, Sean and Camden had an additional pressure: to make sure they did their part in what could potentially be their older brothers last tournament.

We didnt talk about it that much, but we all agreed this is the last big one we have so we have to make it worth it. It was a lot of pressure, but we felt really good after all our practice, Sean said.

Despite the added pressure, the Wares and the Perrys agreed that getting to compete alongside their siblings made the event even more special.

I think its awesome, Nathan Ware said. Those teams they have their friends to compete with and its a fun thing, but these are things that we are going to remember as a family and go back and talk about for years to come.

Its really cool to stand alongside not only your teammates and your friends, but your family and its cool to win as an intertwined family, Nathan Perry said. It feels closer. It feels like it has more weight to it because it means so much to us.

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Mashpee Robotics Team Wins Southern New England Championship - CapeNews.net

According to Rick Faulk, CEO of warehouse robotics firm Locus Robotics, there is about 20 billion square feet of warehouse space around the world. An additional 3 billion square feet will be built in the next few years. And yet, 95% of that space is completely unautomated.

Warehouse automation has rapidly accelerated in recent years, and the COVID-19 pandemic has quickened that pace, but there is a lot of room to grow, and plenty of automation solutions still to be developed.

It all has to be automated. Its a massive market and COVID has put a huge spike in demand and the [associated] challenges, Faulk told Modern Shipper. COVID has accelerated a lot of the trends that have been [growing] in the market in the last few years.

Statista reported the global warehouse automation market is expected to reach $15.59 billion this year, growing steadily to $30.15 billion by 2026. As recently as 2016, it was $9.95 billion. With so much space to grow, it can be surprising to learn that 10% of U.S. warehouses were using some form of automated technology by 2016.

Warehouse costs, especially labor, continue to rise. The average nonsupervisory warehouse worker made $18.52 per hour in February, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data. Add in supervisory positions, and the average wage jumped to $22.41 per hour, up from $18.60 in 2016. Preliminary BLS data for March reported 14.1 million people working in warehouse and storage operations. In March 2016, there were 9 million.

According to BLS data, cumulative wages for warehouse operations have grown 88.7% in five years, so its no wonder more warehouse operators and shippers are looking for automation tools. Besides costs, there is another impact driving automation.

Theres this thing that everyone is dealing with, which is the Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) effect, and theyve raised expectations so high, the only way to compete is through automation, , Faulk said

COVID drove Locus Robotics business in the past year, with Faulk saying some accounts have grown more than 100%. Volume peaks are also changing from previous years, Faulk said.

The peaks are becoming steeper. We just went through a holiday peak a few months ago, and those peaks that we saw became even steeper because no one wanted to travel and ordered everything online, he said. What were finding is along with the inbound orders exploding, returns are exploding as well, which is happening on the back end.

Theres this thing that everyone is dealing with, which is the Amazon effect, and theyve raised expectations so high, the only way to compete is through automation.

The growth in the on-demand economy has also hurt warehouse staffing, Faulk said, noting that many typical warehouse workers have turned to gig economy jobs working for Uber, Instacart and Lyft. In addition, more warehouses are being built in clusters near existing facilities, but the local labor pools in those areas are not expanding.

Locus Robotics offers warehouse picking robots called LocusBots that work alongside workers to ensure accuracy and speed in picking operations. The bots transport bins, which lowers worker fatigue and increases productivity. Faulk said the companys solutions will double the efficiency of a human, so that cost to pick will be cut by 50%.

If you double the efficiency of a human, you can ship twice the product out of that building, he said, noting ancillary benefits such as lower training costs, lower building costs as space is optimized, and improved on-time performance, which can reduce late delivery fees and improve freight spend.

We have designed our solution so its easy to deploy, easy to manage, increases productivity and reduces error rates, Faulk said. The robots can communicate in more than a dozen languages, he added, reducing language barriers common in warehouses.

Locus said its robots pick with 95% accuracy. Each item is scanned and an image of the correct item is also displayed on an iPad for a visual check.

Currently, most Locus Robotics deployments are in large warehouses, but Faulk said more conversations are taking place with potential customers looking to deploy the technology in microfulfillment centers that are growing in popularity for e-commerce brands.

As for the future of warehouse automation, Faulk said to keep an eye on visualization of data and predictive analytics.

When we deploy a solution in a warehouse, we will go into the warehouse and well mount 25 monitors in that building and display all the data [for workers and managers to see in real time], he said.

Analytics are also helping managers identify where labor needs to be assigned, and to do it in real time by displaying the information on monitors. More managers are using wearables as well to give them access to the data wherever they are in the building, which speeds decision-making.

Locus Robotics solutions are also open API tools, which allows them to integrate with other systems in facilities seamlessly.

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Humans, robots and warehouses: Maximizing productivity, lowering costs - FreightWaves

April 9, 2021

Engineers and scientists can envision a future of increasingly productive interactions between humans and robots. At present, however, they also see obstacles to achieving dependably harmonious working relationships with robotic technologies.

Yu Tony Zhang, an assistant professor of computer science and engineering in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University, wants to remove those roadblocks. With support from a National Science Foundation CAREER Award, Yu Tony" Zhang, an assistant professor in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University, will work to boost our capabilities to collaborate with robotic technologies. Zhang foresees a world of productive possibilities springing from closer human-robot partnerships. Graphic courtesy of Shutterstock Download Full Image

Zhangs progress in research on reflective robotics has recently earned a2021 National Science FoundationFaculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) Awardto support his efforts to provide what he describes as an important stepping stone to successful human-robot teaming.

Reflective robotics is about formulating ways for humans and robots to better understand each other, focusing especially on humans understanding of robots. But to enable significantly more effective two-way communication and facilitate humans comprehension of robots will require a new way of thinking about how to develop robotic systems, Zhang said.

Not only do we need robots capable of performing more kinds of tasks, we want robots to have an awareness of humans expectations of robots and be able to accommodate humans in learning and decision-making, he said. So, this is a new paradigm for robotics research.

Yu Tony Zhangs expertise ranges from cognitive robotics, human-robot teaming, distributed robot systems and human-robot interaction to multi-agent systems, human-aware planning, multi-agent planning and automated planning.

Globally, the shift to embracing more robotic technologies necessitates educating people who will be the users and, in some cases, partners of advanced robotic systems.

But as robots become smarter and more skilled especially those equipped with ever more powerful artificial intelligence, or AI, technology some people are certain to be uncomfortable, if not actually fearful of them, Zhang said.

This is why a strong emphasis of the research will be on how to foster a kind of mutual understanding and a sense of being teammates that would build trust between humans and robots, he said.

Should that aspiration be realized, Zhang anticipates a world with many more roles for robots.

When AI is mature enough, I can foresee robotic technologies involved in more and more areas, he said. In manufacturing, in health care, in logistics of all kinds, in education and certainly in autonomous vehicles and other things that are part of our everyday lives.

CAREER awards support faculty members early in their careers whose works shows their potential to become research and education leaders in their fields who will contribute to fulfilling the NSFs mission to the nations interests.

Zhangs award will provide almost $570,000 over five years to fund research aimed at propelling the evolution of human-robot compatibility, an objective that will mean engaging in community outreach to boost public confidence in robotic technologies.

Increasing use of autonomous vehicles is one way robotics and artificial intelligence technologies will become more prevalent in our daily lives. One aspect of Yu Zhangs research is illustrated by this graphic depicting a driving scenario involving a barricade set up on a snow-covered road. It shows dramatic differences in the perception and reaction of the human driver and the way the vehicles advanced AI would assess the environment and choose an alternative course of action to the drivers instinctual response. Graphic courtesy of Yu Zhangs lab team.

A related educational aspect of the endeavor calls for him to make efforts to spark the interest of K12 students in the hope that some may join the next generations of researchers in robotics-related science and engineering fields.

We are still only in the first wave of robotics and AI that helps us in big, impactful ways, said Zhang, who teaches in the School of Computing, Informatics, and Decisions Systems Engineering, one of the six Fulton Schools.

The next waves will emerge if and when newer and more versatile kinds of robotics are able to connect with humans on more intuitive levels, he said.

Zhang sees potential for that progress being made not only in large robotic machinery and industrial systems, but in microrobots, nanorobots, biomechanical robots and robots with cutting-edge computing capabilities all of them highly teachable and, in turn, able to teach us.

In short, we would lay the foundation for a robot-integrated reality a reality, Zhang said, in which we will be all the better for having created.

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Better cognitive connection to robots promises path to progress - ASU Now

Global Homecare Robotics Market Growth 2020-2025 comes as a handy source for readers, providing insight into sales, volumes, revenues in the Industry. The report estimates the current size of the market and predicts the same with respect to the information on key merchant revenues, development of the industry by upstream and downstream, industry progress, key companies, along with market segments and application. The report is spread across pages and provides exclusive vital statistics, data, information, trends, and competitive landscape details. The market size region gives the global Homecare Robotics market incomes, covering both the historic growth of the market forecast during 2026. The report showcases an absolute study of prime players by evaluating their product description, business outline, and business tactic. The report has been categorized in terms of region, type, key industries, and application.

NOTE: Our analysts monitoring the situation across the globe explains that the market will generate remunerative prospects for producers post COVID-19 crisis. The report aims to provide an additional illustration of the latest scenario, economic slowdown, and COVID-19 impact on the overall industry.

Executive Summary:

Proceeding further, the study scrutinizes the footprint on the global Homecare Robotics industry, highlighting the challenges faced by companies, such as disruptions in supply-demand and complications in cost-management. The report includes the supply and demand scenario, the competitive market scene, and challenges for market growth, market opportunities, and the restraints faced by key players. Data is depicted with the help of tables and figures that consist of a graphical representation of the numbers in the form of histograms, bar graphs, pie charts, etc. The report focuses on key manufacturers, competitive landscape, and SWOT analysis. Segmenting the market into smaller components helps in understanding the dynamics of the market with more clarity.

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The research report study mostly helps to understand the complete division, subdivision of the global Homecare Robotics market, and its regional analysis. The research report also focuses on the forecast analysis of the market. The report concentrated on key trends and segments that are either driving or preventing the growth of the industry. The market is fragmented on the basis of product type, application, regions to offer a complete market overview. Global value and growth trend is presented further in the report. The global and regional level analysis of this market will help the industry players in deciding the investment feasibility and development status.

Major players in the report included are: Blue Frog Robotics, Jibo, PARO Robots US, Robert Bosch, LG Electronics, SoftBank Group, ,

Based on the type, the market is segmented into: Smart Robots, Half Smart Robots,

Based on the application, the market is segregated into: Old Man, Child, Other

Based on the geographical location, the market is segregated into: Americas (United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil), APAC (China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, India, Australia), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Italy, Russia), Middle East & Africa (Egypt, South Africa, Israel, Turkey, GCC Countries)

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Why One Should Buy This Report?

The market research report comprises all valuable constituents of the market such as revenue growth, product pricing & analysis, growth potential, and guidelines to tackle the challenges in the market. The report covers all the crucial mergers & acquisitions, partnerships, and collaborations. The report states the objectives of the global Homecare Robotics market, overview, introduction, product definition, development aspects, and industry presence. The market is elaborated further based on key players, their market share, sales volume, company profiles, competitive market scenario, and pricing structure.

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This report can be customized to meet the clients requirements. Please connect with our sales team ([emailprotected]), who will ensure that you get a report that suits your needs. You can also get in touch with our executives on +1-201-465-4211 to share your research requirements.

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Global Homecare Robotics Market Tendencies, Revenue Forecast and Interesting Opportunities from 2020 to 2025 KSU | The Sentinel Newspaper - KSU | The...

The latest Market Research Inc study titled Global Robotics in Travel and Tourism Market highlights important aspects of the Robotics in Travel and Tourism Market. The report is intended to help readers accurately estimate the growth rate of the world market during the forecast period (2021-2028). Our market research team has meticulously assessed the Robotics in Travel and Tourism Market dynamics, both quantitatively and qualitatively, taking into account a variety of factors, including market product, key drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges.

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The research report on Global Robotics in Travel and Tourism Market provides market size, market share, sales analysis, opportunity analysis, and key market players, production type. The report also offers company profiles of key players functioning of the market. The basis of several key regions such as North America, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, and Africa along with the specific areas on the basis of productivity and demands. A major chunk of the report talks about the existing technologies and their influence on the growth of the market.

Major Market Key Players are:

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Reasons Why You Should Buy This Report

This report provides pin-point analysis for changing competitive dynamics

This research study examines the current market trends related to the demand, supply, and sales, in addition to the recent developments. Major drivers, restraints, and opportunities have been covered to provide an exhaustive picture of the market. The analysis presents in-depth information regarding the development, trends, and industry policies and regulations implemented in each of the geographical regions. Further, the overall regulatory framework of the market has been exhaustively covered to offer stakeholders a better understanding of the key factors affecting the overall market environment.

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Robotics in Travel and Tourism Market Growth Drivers, Demands, Business Opportunities, Size, share Global Industry Trends and Analysis by Top Leading...