Robotics

The traditional interface for remotely operating robots works just fine for roboticists. They use a computer screen and mouse to independently control six degrees of freedom, turning three virtual rings and adjusting arrows to get the robot into position to grab items or perform a specific task. But for someone who isn’t an expert, the ring-and-arrow system is cumbersome and error-prone. It’s not ideal, for example, for older peo...

The Braccio Tinkerkit is a low cost and great fun way to get started in robotics. Plus, if you loved Meccano as a child, this may just bring back some fond, childhood memories for you. This instalment of ‘What you can do in a day’ provides pictogram build instructions in a step-by-step format, taking you through each stage required to build the Braccio robot arm. Article contributed by RS Components (click for original).

  The life sciences industry is always address production challenges that we face, and looking further into this, Neal Welch of Mitsubishi Electric explains how in demanding applications such as the manipulating of live cultures, robots are in a league of their own.

Prototypes of two firefighting robots have been developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI): the 'Water Cannon Robot' and the 'Hose Extension Robot'. They are expected to play an active role in situations where it is difficult for firefighters to approach, for example at fires in petrochemical facilities. The 'Water Cannon Robot' can effectively extinguish fires where people cannot reach, while the 'Hose Extension Robot' automatically lays out...

As a specialist in the manufacture of engineering parts in automated processes, electronic repair specialists Neutronic Technologies are very interested in where the future is heading. Is it going to take hundreds, if not thousands, of years for us to reach the kinds of automation that are lodged in the imaginations of sci-fi enthusiasts? Or are we a great deal closer to a machine takeover than we think? Neil Gallant, Managing Director of Neutron...

A new report has been published by IDTechEx Research into the feasibility of Airborne Wind Energy (AWE), a system that uses UAVs, or drones, to capture wind energy at heights higher than standard wind turbines. The concept began with kites flying in a figure of eight trajectory to create electricity from heights where winds are much stronger and more consistent than those tapped by conventional wind turbines on land or even offshore. 

Automation is having a significant impact on the way we work. Here, Jonathan Wilkins, Marketing Director of obsolete industrial parts supplier, EU Automation, offers some predictions on the impact of robotics on the job market. A recent report released by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), predicted that by 2030 up to a third of UK jobs could be affected by automation and robotics. However, are robots really taking our jobs?

  SkyX has announced its public launch as it prepares to secure its Round A financing. Founded by a former Captain in the Israeli Air Force and a Drone Pilot, Didi Horn, SkyX has developed Unmanned Aerial Vehicles – commonly known as ‘drones’ – to service the oil and gas industry.

  As UK Robotics Week returns, the role the UK plays at the heart of robotics innovation will be shared again with the public as the event will incorporate an expanded nationwide programme of events for this week-long celebration taking place 24-30th June 2017.  

It has been announced by Rajant, that Sharp Electronics Corporation (‘SEC’) will use its Kinetic Mesh technology as the wireless communications infrastructure for the Sharp INTELLOS Automated Unmanned Ground Vehicle (‘A-UGV’). The mobility, reliability and scalability of Rajant’s network were key reasons for the company’s selection. Its BreadCrumb radios, InstaMesh networking software, military-grade ...