Category Archives: Robotics

If robots are taking jobs, should you invest in the robot makers?

Thats the argument behind a pair of outperforming exchange-traded funds that track the robotics industry, which could continue seeing strong growth as more positions get automated by machines or algorithms.

In a Jan. 23 note, UBS named automation and robotics as one of the two areas of technological innovation that would drive productivity over the coming decade, along with the digital data industry.

Both have the potential to profoundly transform the structure of our economy, disrupt existing business models, but also create substantial growth opportunities for those well-positioned to participate, the firm wrote, singling out the ROBO Global Robotics & Automation Index ETF ROBO, -0.77% as a fund that would benefit from this trend, with the investment time horizon of a decade.

Another fund, the Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence Thematic ETF BOTZ, -0.76% is also tied to the automation trend.

While the funds could be seen as siding with the enemy, given how the loss of jobs is seen as a long-term crisis for the labor market, investors have taken to them of late, with their growing by significant margins. About $77.8 has moved into the ROBO fund since Novembers U.S. election, bringing its assets to $195.7 million, according to data from ETF.com, while $6.1 million has come into the Global X fund, accounting for about three-fourths of its total $8.1 million in assets.

The election was seen as a possible accelerator for the industry. While President Donald Trump made disappearing manufacturing jobs a centerpiece of his campaign, and the issue arguably tipped him into the White House, his victory could accelerate the trend.

Read: Amazon is going to kill more American jobs than China did

Trump has been critical of U.S. companies that outsource jobs to countries where labor costs are cheaper, calling them out specifically on Twitter. While this has resulted in some jobs not leaving the country, as well as other firms announcing domestic investments, if labor costs start rising because more jobs stay in the States, that could skew positive for the automation industry, said Jay Jacobs director of research for Global X Funds, who added that theres not a consensus on this yet.

Still, the funds have seen gains since the election. The ROBO fund is up 13.6% over the past three months while the Global X fund is up 10.5%. The S&P 500 is up 8.7% over that same period.

The move to automation is expected to continue regardless of government policy. According to Allied Market Research, the global industrial robotics market is seen growing at an compound annual growth rate of 5.4% through 2020, reaching a size of $41.2 billion by that point.

The trend could impact all manner of sectors. Last year, the White Houses annual economic report gave an 83% chance that automation will take a job with an hourly wage below $20. Andy Puzder, Trumps nominee for the position of labor secretary, has talked up the benefit of replacing human workers with technology saying that machines are always polite, they always upsell, they never take a vacation, they never show up late, [and] theres never a slip-and-fall, or an age, sex or race discrimination case. Puzder is the chief executive of CKE Restaurants Inc., which operates the Carls Jr. and Hardees fast food chains.

Even higher-paying jobs arent completely immune. Finance has seen the rise of robo advisers, while 12% of the holdings of the Global X fund are tied to the health technology sector.

A lot of people talk about automation with respect to manufacturing, and while thats a big issue this also impact military-related companies, medicine, with biomedical device makers, and of course transportation with self-driving cars, Jacobs said.

Nvidia, a leader in self-driving technology, announced partnerships with Bosch and Audi at CES 2017. Rob Csongor, Nvidia's automotive general manager, talked to MarketWatch about the company's promise to have a self-driving car on the road by 2020.

Such stats could make anyone fret about their job security, but the outlook isn't completely bleak, as far as machines taking over.

Given currently demonstrated technologies, very few occupationsless than 5 percentare candidates for full automation, wrote the McKinsey Global Institute in a report published in January. However, almost every occupation has partial automation potential, as a proportion of its activities could be automated. We estimate that about half of all the activities people are paid to do in the worlds workforce could potentially be automated by adapting currently demonstrated technologies.

The most susceptible activities, it said, were in highly structured and predictable environment, as well as data collection and processing.

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Robotics-focused ETFs see big gains, Trump could hasten trend - MarketWatch

VEX Robotics and VEXIQ teams competed Saturday at Monroe County Community College.

Tessa Garlepied and her teammates steadied their robot, then drove the machine toward the middle of the ring before throwing the orange cube.

The teenagers then used their controllers to pick up several yellow stars and do the same.

Tessa, 16, is a member of Monroe Countys Team Virus VEX robotics team, which was among more than 70 teams that competed Saturday in either the VEX or VEXIQ contest held at Monroe County Community College.

This is a difficult challenge, the homeschooler said. We havent done as well as we did at our last tournament but we are up against some really good teams.

Still, Tessa and her teammates were optimistic about their remaining matches Saturday afternoon and won their next one.

Tessa, who is in her fourth season of robotics, said she really enjoys the competitions. The team participates in about six contests a year.

Even though the competitions stress me out, I love the competitions, Tessa said. I also really like the building process.

Each season offers a different challenge. This year in the Starstruck contest, the student-constructed robots earned points for tossing stars and cubes across a large white fence. Teams could also earn points for having one robot hanging at the end of the match from their hanging bar.

This is a difficult challenge because you are constantly doing something all the time, Tessa said.

Matthew Nelson, 15 and a student at Monroe County Community College, is also a member of Team Virus, which had four groups competing Saturday.

In his group of four, Matthew agreed the competition was tough but he still enjoys participating.

I really like the camaraderie, he said. And I like that you really have to work as a team and depend on each other.

Teams from around the state participated in the event, which featured students from third grade through seniors in high school.

Sebastian Vanadia, 12, is a seventh-grader at Notre Dame Preparatory School in Pontiac. He and his three other teammates enjoy participating in the VEXIQ division, which is for younger teams.

Its fun to build the robot, Sebastian said. It took us a couple of hours.

The younger groups challenge Crossover was similar to their older counterparts having to get Hexballs across the other side of the match area. Points could also be scored when robots were parked or balanced on a bridge in the middle of the course.

Teammate Joshua Lyijynen, 12, said robotics is another way for him to use his hands to construct objects, which he has enjoyed for a while.

I love to build Legos and now with the robot I can help build something with a motor, Joshua said.

Robotics also gives participants the ability to think outside of the box, Joshua said.

I like it because you can be very creative, he said. We didnt like our first robot, so we built another one.

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Robotics competition events help teens express creativity - Monroe Evening News

More than a hundred students on 50 teams from schools across the state competed Saturday at the annual Belding High School Vex Robotics Tournament at Belding High School. Daily News/Cory Smith

BELDING All across the state of Michigan, robotics clubs are growing in popularity.

It has taken off so much so in recent years, according to Tom Daller, a Belding High School teacher, the competitions are starting to require an extra stage for competition. Instead of preliminary tournaments to decide which teams will go to state competitions, preliminary tournaments will be the deciding matches for regional competitions.

After regional competitions, qualifying teams will then move onto the state level and, if successful, they can get the chance to be invited to the worlds competition.

The popularity of robotics showed during Saturdays tournament at Redskin Arena at Belding High School. Fifty teams from across the state came together to compete in the mornings qualifying matches. Some of those lucky teams were able to move past the qualifying rounds into the main event the tournament to decide which teams would move on to compete at the state level.

There are 70 students involved with the robotics club both at the middle school level and the high school level, according to Daller. He said one of four Belding teams who made it to tournament play made it to the semifinals of the tournament. The rest fell to their opponents during the quarterfinals.

PHOTO GALLERY

In previous years, students have made it further into tournament play, but Daller said the club has grown in size more rapidly in recent years and more students are involved.

As a coach Ill make the sacrifice (of more quality time with individuals) to give more students an opportunity to be involved with this program, Daller said.

Daller said some of the students who competed Saturday have never built a robot before and there is a learning curve associated with that process.

There are some shining stars in the middle school teams, he said. And this way theyll have four years in high school (to be involved in robotics).

Not only were there more students participating than in previous years, but Daller said parents have been more involved this year than in previous years.

Its Dallers hope that other people from the community will continue to take an interest in the robotics competitions and the different areas of knowledge students need to utilize in order to be successful in tournaments like Saturdays.

Theres so much knowledge I think there are a lot of individuals out there that have the background in design and have that time to spend. We need to start looking to those people to pass on that knowledge to these kids, he said.

Despite the challenges students from Belding teams faced Saturday, they remain determined to figure out where they can improve and make the necessary changes.

For C.J. Bunce, a 16-year-old sophomore, one of the best parts about being involved in the robotics club is to be a part of a family.

Everybody here is a family, no matter where youre from. Everybody is friendly with each other, he said.

Bunce plays football and is involved in track, as well. He said the competition in those sports is much more fierce and people on other teams arent as willing to offer support or advice during a competition.

Bunce said he recently broke his hand, which left him unable to play football. In order to fill his time, he got more involved with robotics and has been interested in it ever since. He said his favorite part of the process is to build the robots while his least favorite part is programming the robot.

Luckily, Bunce said, other teammates offer their support and help him with the programming portion of the competition.

We all help each other out when someone needs help, even if were further behind, he said. We have to work together to get further.

A teammate of Bunces, Zach Brown, 16, another sophomore, said he also really enjoys building the robots. He said hes learned other valuable skills being part of the robotics club, including how to communicate effectively with teammates and total strangers.

I just think (building robots) is a useful skill to have, Brown said.

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Belding hosts largest robotics competition in history of event - Greenville Daily News

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New year, new perspectives

2017 ushered ina new batch of fresh-faced game changers, celebrated in the Forbes 30 under 30 list. Amidst the bright young shakers and innovators,some interesting trends in robotics, AI, intelligence energy storage, and automation shone through. Hint: watch out for connected/smart consumer goods, advanced manufacturing, and AI in 2017.

Meanwhile, the World Economic Forum(WEF) annual meeting convened on the 17th of January in an attempt to set the course for 2017, andto address issues of responsive and responsible leadership. World leaders, academics and titans of industry converged on Davos to museamongst a plethora other issuesthe role AI, cyber security, drone warfare and the role of humans in the fourth industrial revolution.

The WEF werent the only ones attempting to comprehend the fast-evolving technological landscape. The Legal Affairs Committee urged the EU Commission to put forward new rules for the robotics sectorfor example, compliance with ethical standards and liability for accidents involving driverless cars. And across the pond, a New York Times article imaginedhow robots and automation might reshape the US manufacturing sector, and potentially impede President Trumps endeavour to bring jobs back to American factories.

Farewell to abumper year for startups

2016was a busy and abundant year for seed, crowd, series A,B,C,D and VC funding ofrobotics-related startups. 128 companies got funded, some multiple times:$1.95billion, 50% more than 2015,which was also a phenomenal year with over $1.32 billion funded. Good news for firms like Rethink Robotics: The Boston-based maker of the Baxter and Sawyer robots, founded by iRobot co-founder Rodney Brooks, raised an additional $18 million in an unfinished $33 million Series E round led by private equity firm Adveq.This brought cumulative funding to $131.5 million, which will be used for Rethinks global expansion initiatives andnew product development.

5 privately fundedteams received exciting news from Google as they advanced to the final of the Lunar XPrize. To have a shot at $30 million in prizes, the teams mustsend a robot to the moon, move 500 meters across its surface, and send pictures back to Earth. Contestants have until New Years Eve 2017 to launch, so keep an eye out for developments throughout the year.

Robotics gets down to business

The new Advanced Robotics Manufacturing Innovation Hub (ARM) was awarded $250 million to fund its mission of revitalising American manufacturing by creating and deploying robotics technology.Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, the new institute is made up of governments, industry, academia, and non-profit organisations from across the country. Combined, they have contributed $173 million that will be fused with $80 million in federal funding.

In the UK, Open Bionics announced a partnership with the NHS in a feasibility study to develop hands for amputees.Open Bionics is to be awarded to 100,000 through SBRI Healthcare, an NHS England initiative, as part of its new challenge to fund innovations that will support children living with disability and long term conditions.

Predicting 2017 and beyond

Robohubs Sabine Hauertwas on the panel for Brian Cox presents Science Matters. Experts discussed some key issues that will shape our future, and pondered questions such as: How and when will machines be able to explain themselves? Should weworry about an artificial intelligence advancements? Or, are there bigger and more imminent challenges presented by advances in machine learning?

The Royal Institute wasnt the only organisation asking questions about the future ofAI.The MIT Media Lab and the Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society at Harvard University will serve as the founding anchor institutions for a new initiative aimed at bridging the gap between the humanities, the social sciences, and computing by addressing the global challenges of AIfrom a multidisciplinary perspective.Initially funded with $27 million from the Knight Foundation, LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, and others, the Ethics and Governance of Artificial Intelligence Funds mission is to catalyse global research that advances AI for the public interest, with an emphasis on applied research and education. The fund will also seek to advance public understanding of AI.

Further, anew study by the McKinsey Global Institutepredictedthatthe march of automation will displace jobs more gradually than some alarming forecasts suggest. The institute, the research arm of the consulting firm McKinsey & Company, concluded that many tasks can be automated and that most jobs have activities ripe for automation, but the near-term impact will be to transform work more than to eliminate jobs.

Robots that learn

Bots_alive launched a Kickstarter campaigninvolvinga smartphone kit that gives simple but lifelike autonomy to a popular RC toy, the Hexbug Spider. The aim is to pioneera new form of character AI. Much like motion capture for scripted animation, this new technique may revolutionise how interactive characters are created, through observation of authentic human-generated behaviour.

Elsewhere, employing the techniques that drove their Go playing AI to mastery, Google has developed machines that have learned for themselves how to perform simple tasks like opening doors. Google are keeping their lips tight on many aspects of their AI developments, but its likely theyll be sharing more of their learning machines in 2017.

CES 2017

Las Vegas, Nevada, was fizzing with techno-buzz in January as CES 2017the global consumer electronics and consumer technology tradeshowkicked off in style, showcasing the latest innovations and ideas from some of the top companies on the planet.

The eHang 184 hadBrad Templetontalking flying cars and the future of personal transport.Mercedes-Benz, meanwhile, showed its intricate vision for the future of deliveriesin the form of theVision Van. Their four-wheeled concept is designed to cut down on the amount of time it takes to sort packages for delivery as well as the actual delivery time, utilizing vans with roof-mounted autonomous drones, and robotic package-sorting devices to ferry packages from its vehicles. And Mercedes werent the only automotive giants sharing their vision for the future: Ford, Toyota, Hyundai and BMW were amongst others showcasing new concepts in self-driving technology.

But are robotsready to help?That was the question posed by CNETs CES 2017 Robotics panel.

Autonomous cars updates

Away from CES, self-driving cars were testedfor the first time on the streets of Britainin January.The portentous trial saw a two-seater LUTZ Pathfinder travel 1.25 miles (2km) through pedestrianised areas of Milton Keynes, reaching speeds of up to 15mph whilst having to cope with walkers and cyclists for the first time.

Tesla AutoPilot hit the headlines again in January. NHTSA released the report from their Office of Defects Investigation on the fatal Tesla crash in Florida during the spring of 2016.The ODI report ruled that Tesla properly considered driver distraction risks in its design of the product. It went even further, noting that drivers using Tesla AutoPilot (including those monitoring it properly and those who did not) still had a lower accident rate per mile than drivers of ordinary cars without autopilot. There was also alot of press speculation swirling around a dashcam video of a car accident in the Netherlands. It showed a Tesla in AutoPilot hitting the brakes around 1.4 seconds before acollision occurred between two other cars. But Brad Templeton attempted to dispel the notion thatthe Teslapredicted the collision,pointing out that the vehicle merely responded to its radar system and the breaking of the car in front.

Social robots

The social robotics industry is on the rise. But early adopters be warned: Its going to cost you.Ewaybot Technologys MoRo robot assistant can grasp and handle objects around your home to help simplify your life, and empty your wallet of $30 thousand. One of the most advanced robotic debutantes at CES 2017, its princely price tag will likely limit its use to academic research, rather than domestic service, in the immediate future.

Catalia Health is also leading the surge in social robotics, with Mabu, their patient care managementsystem. Mabu is a cute little robot who engages patients through conversation in an effort to support Cataliasfocus on helping patients adhere to their treatment, whether that be taking medication, or managing chronic disease over the long term. Such systems, augmented with cultural awareness and good bedside manner, are great news for ameliorating the elderly healthcare crisis, according to academics.An international team is working on a 2 million project to develop versatile robots to help look after older people in care homes or sheltered accommodation. The robots will offer support with everyday tasks, like taking tablets, as well as offering companionshipin an effort toalleviate pressures on care homes and hospitals.

Drones and the government

An effort is underway,led by the Campaign to Stop Killer Robots, aimed at tackling the threat to civilians posed by fully autonomous weapons systems.The Campaign is calling for an international treaty pre-emptively banning the development, production, and use of such weapons. Is this a predictor of a growing movement againstthisnew generation of decision making drones?

The Hill took offered a more optimistic interaction betweendrones and government, outlining 3 ways the Trump administration can help the drone industry take off.Somehave predicted that the USAs domestic UAS industry will grow to be an $82 billion market while creating more than 100,000 new jobs. And the FAA recently estimated that by 2020, 11 million commercial drones will have been sold in the United States. So how can Trump help?

Well see if he takes the advice on-board.

Drones and consumers

January was a tough time for the consumer drone industry:Parrot struggled, and Google closed its Titan Project as the drone industry appeared to disunite. But, arguably, none had itharder than failed drone startup Lily.TheSilicon Valley startup, with a stylish camera drone and presentation, announced that although it had $34 million in pre-sales, it couldnt get additional funds to meet production demands and was closing down. Bad news after bad, a Forbes article stated that law enforcement agents had raided the companys San Francisco headquarters for a potential criminal investigation against the company. Doubtless, this isnt the last well hear ofLilys legal woes.

On the humanitarian side, apassenger drone, which completed its first flight over low terrain in November, could be in use by 2020. Developed over 15 years for rescue or military use, the $14 million Cormorant (formerly AirMule) can carry 500kg at 185km/h. Urban Aeronautics says internal rotors make it safer than a helicopter. And as well as taking off and landing vertically, it can fly between buildings and below power lines!

Agriculture and robotics

Multiple research reports forecast significant overall growth in the agricultural robotics industryover the coming years, even decades.Grace Market Data predicts the global agricultural drones market to grow phenomenally at 37.1% per annum by unit shipment, and 28.9% yearly by annual sales revenue generated from agricultural UAV hardware, drone software and servicing section over the next ten years.

John Payneoutlined how augmented reality technology can help farmers stay relevant, and augment the introduction of robotic technology on farms, worldwide. In another article, John introduced the concept of regenerative agriculture working in harmony with robotics and automation.

And finally picture this:

Robohubs Kassie Perlongowas on the convention floor at CES 2017, and you can see what she saw in her gallery article #CES2017 in pictures. Meanwhile, design innovators After the Flood introduced us to the Robot Life Survey: An alternative history series that visualises Boston Dynamics Big Dog, Prox Dynamics Black Hornet Nano, and Harvard Universitys Kilobot Swarm as if witnessed by an early explorer.

First-time contributor Alistair Wickoffered a fledgeling computer scientists guide to inverse kinematics, complete with codes and illustrations.

The BBC releasedSpy in the Wild in January. The series employsrobots mounted with cameras, disguised as wildlife, to bring audiences up close and personal with wildlife.

Upcoming events for February March 2017

IEEE- International Conference on MECHATRONICS: February 14-17, Gippsland, Australia.

MIT Tech Conference: February 18, Cambridge, MA.

Robotics Alley:February 28-March 1, Minneapolis, MN.

Conf on Human-Robot Interaction: March 6-9, Vienna, Austria.

Age of Drones Expo:March 14-15, Hamburg, Germany.

European Robotics Forum:March 22-24, Edinburgh, Scotland.

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Robohub Digest 01/17: New year, new perspectives and forecasts for the year ahead in AI, machine learning and ... - Robohub

Robots. The mere word conjures up a bevy of mind-bending images pulled straight from popular science fiction tales. But robots arent just the stuff of entertainment. Theyre real. Theyre everywhere around you. And theyre transforming your life in ways you cant imagine.

In short, the future of human civilization depends on collaborative robotics: humans and machines working together. According to robotics expert and award-winning professor John Long of Vassar College, Robots are what computers and self-propelled vehicles were to the 20th century: a technological revolution that impacts nearly every aspect of our lives, businesses, and security.

Yet for all their seen (and unseen) prevalence, robotics remains mysterious to most of us. How exactly do robots work? What does it take to build a robot that can, for a period of time, perform tasks and make decisions with little human input? What are the most revolutionary robots at work today? How do we balance the technological benefits of robots with the potential risks they pose to pre-existing ways of life?

To answer these and other questions is to take an in-depth journey into an exciting world; a journey Professor Long and The Great Courses present in the 24 incredible lectures of Robotics. Using in-studio robot demonstrations, videos of other state-of-the-art robots, 3-D animations, and other amazing visual aids, Professor Long demystifies the world of robots and provides a comprehensive introduction to these intelligent machines. Whether youre looking to grasp the hard science of how robots work or simply curious about the implications of robots for society, consider this course your official passport to an astonishing new world.

Intriguing Scientific Terrain

Professor Longs course is an encyclopedic yet accessible introduction to one of the most important areas of modern science. From the concept of robotic autonomy to the inner workings of sensors to the intriguing possibilities of the future, Robotics covers every major topic in the field.

As you proceed through this course, youll also get a look at some of the major ideas and ethical dilemmas involved in the world of robotics.

Fascinating Robots of Todayand Tomorrow

Not only will these and other robots open your eyes to the intricate details of how robots are designed, built, and improved upon, theyll illuminate how roboticists tackle everyday challenges and create technological advancements that are central to the way we live today and the way well live tomorrow.

RobotsExplained by a Brilliant Innovator

Transforming our studios into a veritable robotics laboratory, Professor Long lets you experience the trials and triumphs of robotics firsthand. Director and co-founder of Vassars Interdisciplinary Robotics Research Laboratory, hes researched, designed, and built robots with funding from major government agencies, including the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Small Business Administration. He takes you behind the scenes to show you what worked, what didnt, and why.

Youll also witness how robots operate at the level of the wire and sensor; how theyre built, taken apart, and rebuilt for different uses; how theyre designed using the latest technological advancements; and more. Packed with robot demonstrations and 3-D animations, these visually stimulating lectures are an exciting exploration of robotics at every level.

Ultimately, its all in service of Professor Longs overarching goal: to make you more informed and engaged with this increasingly important technology, which brings together the fields of engineering, computer science, neuroscience, and biology. Robotics shows you how we have been using robots to transform our world for decadesand how, in the decades to come, they will continue to revolutionize our lives.

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Robotics - The Great Courses

Snap packs a lot of muscle in its lean body. Until now, performance has meant flying a big dangerous quad. Snap changes this.

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Modular: Snaps modular interfaces let you extend its capabilities over time. We have modules coming for absurdly long flight time, obstacle avoidance, unlimited range with a cellular modem, wildly fast flight speeds, and more.

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Preorder Snap Flying Camera | Vantage Robotics

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Please ensure you have JavaScript enabled in your browser. If you leave JavaScript disabled, you will only access a portion of the content we are providing. Here's how. A robotics engineer could... Key Facts & Information Source: O*Net Training, Other Qualifications

The robotics-engineering industry is a broad and changing field of study. To keep their knowledge and skills up to date, robotics engineers will need to read research and trade journals, attend professional seminars and conferences, and work with colleagues on cutting-edge research.

New robotics engineers often begin their careers as assistants or junior engineers at a robotics firm, under the supervision of an established colleague.

A bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field is required for most entry-level positions in robotics engineering. Because robotics technology draws on the expertise of many different engineering disciplines, engineers who specialize in robotics often have degrees in mechanical, manufacturing, electrical, electronic, or industrial engineering. Some colleges and universities now offer robotics engineering degrees. Robotics courses typically include training in hydraulics and pneumatics, CADD/CAM systems, numerically controlled systems, microprocessors, integrated systems, and logic. It usually takes four to five years to earn a bachelor's degree in engineering. Some colleges offer work-study programs in which students receive on-the-job training while still in school. Most universities that offer robotics courses have well-equipped labs with lasers and CADD/CAM equipment.

For some positions, and to advance in the field, you need a master's degree or PhD. A PhD is required to teach in this field as well as for most high-level research positions. A master's degree requires one to two years of additional schooling, while a PhD takes three to five additional years in school.

Robotics is a rapidly growing field that has applications in diverse industries. A robotics engineer designs robots, maintains robots, develops new applications for robots, and conducts research to expand the potential for robots. Robots can be used in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, aerospace, mining, and medicine. Robots are used to perform tasks too dangerous or dirty for humans to perform. Robotics engineers use computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) systems to perform their tasks. Robotics research engineers design robotic systems and research methods to manufacture them economically. Robotics engineers who work for robot manufacturers are sometimes called robotics test engineers or automation system engineers. These engineers apply the robotic system to a particular use on a manufacturing assembly line. They also create an integrated environment between people and machinery. Leaders in this field work on creating experimental mobile robots for space research (like the Mars rovers) and medical uses.

Robotics engineers must be familiar with logic, microprocessors, and computer programming so that they can design the right robot for each application. They must also prepare specifications for the robot's capabilities as they relate to the work environment. In addition, robotics engineers are responsible for developing cost proposals, efficiency studies, and quality-control reports.

Most robotics engineers are employed by private robot manufacturers or robot users. Some engineers work in military and space programs. Others work for colleges and universities or vocational and trade schools.

Most robotics engineers go to work in offices, manufacturing plants, or laboratories. Manufacturing plants maybe noisy, depending on the industry. They may also work on a factory floor where they monitor or solve on-site problems. Many robotics engineers work a standard 40-hour week. At times, deadlines or design standards may bring extra pressure to a job, requiring engineers to work longer hours.

Do you have a specific question about a career as a Robotics Engineer that isn't answered on this page? Post your question on the Science Buddies Ask an Expert Forum.

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Robotics Engineer - Science Buddies

KUKA industrial robots are the key factor in achieving higher productivity and greater profitability. They improve the quality of the products and reduce the requirement for costly materials and limited energy resources.

At KUKA Robotics, our vision is to establish the industrial robot as an intelligent assistant to humans during manufacturing: humans and robots work hand in hand, ideally complementing each other with their respective skills. This also makes it possible for small and medium-sized companies to deploy robots cost-effectively.

KUKA Robotics supplies industrial robots which are perfectly tailored to your application. From the actual robot itself and the controller all the way to the appropriate software: customers from a diverse range of industries benefit from innovative technologies and sophisticated engineering.

KUKA Robotics can offer you the following product spectrum:

We also supply controllers, software and a broad range of services, for example customer support, training courses at KUKA College or engineering.Our solutions are implemented in the following industries in particular:

Find out about the other divisions of KUKA: KUKA Systems, KUKA Industries and Swisslog.

KUKA Robotics is the North American headquarters of KUKA Roboter GmbH. The Shelby Township, MI location is home to KUKA Robotics USA-based sales, applications, project engineering, service, parts, training and administrative staff, plus North American business leadership personnel.

Half of the building is dedicated to hands-on experiences with the latest robotics technologies, products, and training. Stocks of robots and parts are also on-hand to meet ever increasing pressure for fast delivery.

KUKA Robotics core competencies include the development, production, and sale of industrial robots, controllers, software, linear units, and omniMove omni-directional motion platforms.

KUKA robots are utilized in a diverse range of industries including the appliance, automotive, aerospace, consumer goods, logistics, food, pharmaceutical, medical, foundry and plastics industries as well as multiple applications including material handling, machine loading, assembly, packaging, palletizing, welding, bending, joining, and surface finishing.

Our industrial robots can be used in a wide variety of applications. Find out about our extensive range of products and solutions now.

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KUKA Robotics | KUKA AG

Carnegie Mellons Robotics Academystudies how teachers use robots in classrooms to teach Computer Science, Science, Technology Engineering, and Mathematics (CS-STEM). Our mission is to use the motivational effects of robotics to excite students about science and technology. The Robotics Academy fulfills it mission by developing research based solution for teachers that foreground CS-STEM and are classroom tested. Robotics Academy inspired papers and publications can be found here:

http://education.rec.ri.cmu.edu/educators/research/

Carnegie Mellons Robotic Academy staff and development team are housed in the National Robotics Engineering Center (NREC), where robots for business, government, and industry are designed, prototyped, and tested just outside our office doors.

http://cs2n.org/teachers/ccrc

The CCRC projects goal is to integrate more computational thinking into robotics classrooms. CMRA has seen that many schools robotic classrooms started because the school became involved with a robotics competition. Many robotic competitions consist of a set of mechanically challenging activities and dont require sophisticated programming solutions for teams to be successful. This project builds on the existing robotics competition infrastructure and then extends these activities in ways that foreground computational thinking.

http://cs2n.org/teachers/cer

Robotics provide a great opportunity to introduce students to computer science. Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh develops, tests, and refines a Theory of Robotic Programming Badges that can be applied to Computer Science Education. This project builds on lessons learned as CMRA built the Computer Science Student Network and integrates a complete badge system in Robot Virtual Worlds. The project measures the ability of badges to motivate student learning, to be accurate indicators of student performance, and if the badges are easily understood by students.

For years we have heard that teachers are using robotics to teach mathematics. This project studied existing (2008) robotics education pedagogy and then developed multiple strategies that foregrounded proportional reasoning, a big idea in mathematics, that can be taught using robots. CMRA developed multiple tools that can help teachers foreground mathematics using robots:

Abstraction Bridges Link

Robots in Motion Link

Expedition Atlantis Game Link

Expedition Atlantis Teachers Guide PDF Content

Robot Virtual World Measurement Toolkit MP4 Video

and many written papers Link

Mathematics is an enabler of all future innovation and CMRA continues to look for innovative ways to foreground mathematics in all of its activities.

http://www.cs2n.org

The Computer Science Student Network (CS2N) started as a collaborative research project between Carnegie Mellon University and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) designed to increase the number of students pursuing advanced Computer Science and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (CS-STEM) degrees. CS2N has morphed into an online portal where students and teachers can find activities, competitions, and training designed to help them learn basic programming.

http://www.education.rec.ri.cmu.edu/robots/corridor/index.htm

The Robotics Corridor Project was a collaboration between Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Pittsburgh, Butler County Community College, California University of Pennsylvania, Robert Morris University, Westmoreland County Community College, the Community College of Beaver County, the Community College of Allegheny College, and regional industry partners designed to determine the skill sets that a highly qualified technician would need to work in the robotics and automation industries. This partnership helped establish training, certifications, and associate degrees at the partner schools.

The Robotics Academy is a world leader in robotics education and trains teacher internationally. To learn more about our online, face to face, or onsite training please select this link:

http://education.rec.ri.cmu.edu/educators/professional-development/

The Robotics Academys qualified trainers can come to your site and offer classes for groups of teachers. The cost is $4000 plus expenses for up to 12 students for three days of classes. More than 12 students require a second trainer and increase the cost to $2000/day plus expenses. Total expenses are calculated prior to confirming the teaching dates.

You supply the training room, computers and robots (or robot kits) for the students as well as necessary utilities. In planning for necessary computers and robots, note that students are generally grouped in twos. Call412 681-7160for more information.

The Robotics Academy is pleased to share the following new curricular tools with you.

Introduction to Programming VEX IQ

The Introduction to Programming the VEX IQ Curriculum features lesson for the VEX IQ Microcontroller; the curriculums focus is to teach beginning programmers how to program using ROBOTCs graphical programming environment. All of the challenges in the curriculum have are available in the Robot Virtual World simulation environment.

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VEX Cortex Video Trainer w/ ROBOTC

The VEX Cortex Video Trainer is a multimedia-rich curriculum featuring lessons for the VEX Cortex Microcontroller; the curriculums focus is to teach how to program, but it also includes multi-faceted engineering challenges, step-by-step videos, and robotics engineering teacher support materials. Themajority of the challenge found in the Cortex Video trainer have been simulated in the Robot Virtual World Curriculum Companion.

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ROBOTC Graphical Introduction to Programming LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3

The Introduction to Programming the EV3 Curriculum is a curriculum module designed to teachcore computer programming logic and reasoning skills using a robotics context. The curriculumconsists of three chapters (Basic Movement, Sensors, and Program Flow) and each chapteris broken into units that teach key robotics and programming concepts. Additionally, there isa huge amount of support for teachers competing in Robotics Competitions for the first timeincluded in the teachers guide!

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Introduction to Programming LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3

The Introduction to Programming EV3 Curriculum is a curriculum module designedto teach core computer programming logic and reasoning skills using a roboticsengineering context. It contains a sequence of 10 projects (plus one capstonechallenge) organized around key robotics and programming concepts.

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Robot Virtual Worlds enable students to program virtual robots using the same code that they use on the physical classroom robots.

Robot Virtual Worlds

No Robot, No Problem! Robot Virtual Worlds is a high-end simulation environment that enables students, without robots, to learn programming. Research has shown that learning to program in RVW is more efficient than learning to program using physical robots. RVW simulates popular real world LEGO robots in 3D environments and allows you to program them using the same languages as physical robots. The RVW environment is perfect for home, classroom, and competition environments!

More Information:www.RobotVirtualWorlds.comwww.robomatter.com

Expedition Atlantis

Its the year 2023 and Atlantis has been discovered deep in the ocean, off of the coast of Africa. A team of elite scientists and engineers have been sent to investigate the underwater ruins, and youre one of them! Use your skills to to maneuver the teams underwater vehicles in this expedition to Atlantis!

This is a great GAME that will teach kids the math behind robot movement.

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Virtual Brick

GEA offers summer camps, weekend, and after school programs rooted in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), including the Lego WeDo Robotics, Programming with Scratch, Video Game Design, Lego EV3 Robotics, and Coding with RobotC. Find out more at:

http://www.greeneacademy.net/

Sarah Heinz House is an organization, aimed to provide children and teens with powerful role models and a safe, fun place to go after school, on weekends and during the summer. Find out more at:

http://www.sarahheinzhouse.org/summer-camps/

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