Articles tagged with "IoT-sensors"
Maxell Develops All-Solid-State Battery Power Module Compatible with ER Battery Size - CleanTechnica
Maxell has developed an all-solid-state battery power module that matches the size and output voltage (3.6V) of the commonly used lithium thionyl chloride (ER) battery. ER batteries are widely employed in industrial equipment backup systems, smart meters, and IoT sensors but are primary (non-rechargeable), necessitating frequent replacements that increase maintenance workload and generate waste. Maxell’s new module fits within the standard ER battery dimensions (17.9 mm diameter, 50 mm height) and incorporates eight mass-produced “PSB401010H” cells to provide approximately 35 mAh capacity. It also includes an integrated charging circuit (charging at 5V), enabling easy adoption as a rechargeable replacement for ER batteries. By using this all-solid-state battery module, industries can reduce battery replacement frequency, thereby lowering maintenance time and increasing equipment operating hours, which enhances productivity. Additionally, the rechargeable nature of the module helps minimize environmental impact by reducing waste battery disposal. Maxell is focusing
energyall-solid-state-batterybattery-technologyIoT-sensorsindustrial-equipmentenergy-harvestingwireless-power-transferOshen built the first ocean robot to collect data in a Category 5 hurricane
Anahita Laverack, originally aspiring to be an aerospace engineer and an experienced sailor, founded Oshen in April 2022 after recognizing a critical gap in ocean data collection. Inspired by her unsuccessful attempt to cross the Atlantic with an autonomous sail-powered micro-robot in the Microtransat Challenge, she discovered that a lack of reliable ocean and weather data was a major obstacle. Partnering with electrical engineer Ciaran Dowds, Laverack developed Oshen’s autonomous micro-robots, called C-Stars, designed to survive up to 100 days in harsh ocean conditions and deployed in swarms to gather detailed ocean data. The company initially operated on a shoestring budget, using a 25-foot sailboat as a testing platform while iterating on the technology through challenging weather conditions. Oshen’s innovation lies in creating micro-robots that are simultaneously mass deployable, cost-effective, and technologically advanced enough to operate autonomously for extended periods. This unique combination attracted interest from defense and
robotautonomous-robotsocean-data-collectionmarine-roboticsenvironmental-monitoringIoT-sensorsremote-sensingLaser-loaded robot dogs, AI bird tracker conduct environmental checks
Hong Kong’s Environmental Protection Department (EPD) is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics to enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and transparency of environmental impact assessments amid the city’s rapid urban expansion. At Hong Kong Wetland Park, two AI-powered systems have been deployed: one for bird detection using image recognition and acoustic monitoring capable of identifying over 500 species with more than 90% accuracy, and another employing lidar sensors mounted on robotic dogs to conduct detailed tree surveys. These technologies enable continuous, comprehensive monitoring of wildlife and vegetation, significantly reducing the time required for field research while improving data precision. The bird monitoring system uses AI-equipped rotating cameras and sound recognition to track species including ecologically important birds like the black-faced spoonbill and Chinese pond heron, even during poor weather or nighttime. Meanwhile, the lidar-based robotic dogs create three-dimensional models of trees by measuring their location, height, and crown width, a method Hong Kong is among the first to systematically apply in environmental assessments. Officials plan
roboticsAIenvironmental-monitoringlidarrobotic-dogsIoT-sensorsAI-bird-trackingUber robotaxi built on Lucid Gravity starts on-road tests with Nuro
Lucid Group, Nuro, and Uber have jointly unveiled a production-intent robotaxi built on the all-electric Lucid Gravity platform, integrating Nuro’s Level 4 autonomous driving technology with Uber’s ride-hailing operations. Revealed at CES 2026, the robotaxi aims to deliver a premium passenger experience while enabling large-scale autonomous deployment. Autonomous on-road testing began in December 2025 in the San Francisco Bay Area, marking a critical step toward the planned commercial launch later in 2026. Nuro leads the testing with engineering prototypes supervised by operators to validate safety, performance, and reliability in real-world conditions. The robotaxi features a next-generation sensor suite combining high-resolution cameras, solid-state lidar, and radar, integrated into a low-profile roof-mounted halo designed to maintain the Lucid Gravity’s aesthetic. Inside, passengers can control comfort settings and view real-time visualizations of the vehicle’s perception and planned maneuvers, enhancing transparency and rider confidence. The vehicle’s autonomous
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxiIoT-sensorsAI-computingelectric-vehiclesLevel-4-autonomyRadiation-Detection Systems Are Quietly Running in the Background All Around You
The article highlights the pervasive presence of radiation-detection systems worldwide, which operate quietly in the background to monitor environmental radiation levels. These systems have become crucial for early detection of nuclear disasters, as exemplified by the 1986 Chernobyl accident, where radiation monitors in Sweden first signaled the catastrophe. Following such incidents, many countries established continuous radiation monitoring networks, some government-run and others maintained by volunteers and researchers. These networks enable rapid identification of abnormal radiation spikes, potentially alerting the world to nuclear emergencies almost immediately. A notable example of ongoing radiation monitoring is the work of Kim Kearfott, a nuclear engineering professor at the University of Michigan, who set up multiple radiation sensors across her campus after the 2011 Fukushima disaster. Her initiative arose from the difficulty in accessing official radiation data, as nuclear plants often restrict public release of their monitoring information. Kearfott’s detectors have even recorded minor fluctuations linked to medical facilities releasing radioactive gases, demonstrating the sensitivity and utility of such grassroots
energyradiation-detectionnuclear-safetyIoT-sensorsenvironmental-monitoringdisaster-responseradiation-monitoring-systems'Drone knights' protect 200-year-old trees from drought in Germany
Researchers at the University of Hohenheim in Stuttgart, Germany, have developed a high-tech drone system to protect nearly 200-year-old trees in the historic Hohenheim Gardens from drought and climate stress. Launched in April 2025, the project uses weekly drone flights equipped with multispectral and thermal cameras to monitor tree health by detecting variations in moisture content and physiological stress. This data, combined with information from about 100 sensors installed in the tree canopies by professional climbers, enables precise assessment of water needs and supports targeted irrigation, thereby improving climate resilience while reducing water consumption. The initiative represents a significant advancement in precision irrigation and climate-smart gardening, particularly important for preserving urban greenery amid increasing heat and drought conditions. The project has garnered EUR 350,000 in funding from the Eva Mayr-Stihl Foundation and operates under strict safety protocols, including licensed pilots, redundant drone systems, and regulatory compliance to ensure safe flights. The researchers hope their pilot project will serve as a model for green
drone-technologyIoT-sensorsprecision-irrigationenvironmental-monitoringclimate-resiliencesmart-agriculturewater-conservationUncrewed aerial system with wildfire response platform planned
Two companies, Korean Air and Anduril Industries, have partnered to develop an automated aerial platform aimed at improving large-scale wildfire response. The collaboration focuses on integrating Korean Air’s unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with Anduril’s existing wildfire response platform, which includes the Fury autonomous air vehicle (AAV) and the Lattice software platform. This integrated system is designed to manage the entire wildfire response cycle with minimal human intervention by unifying detection data from various sensors across air, land, and space into a single operating picture, enabling rapid detection and assessment of wildfires. The platform allows operators to autonomously task both Anduril and Korean Air UAVs to assess fire scale and status, followed by deploying additional UAVs or crewed airtankers for suppression as needed. Korean Air brings its expertise in UAV development and stealth aircraft technologies to enhance the system’s capabilities. This initiative expands on an earlier teaming agreement between the two companies for unmanned systems cooperation in the Korean and Asia
robotunmanned-aerial-vehiclewildfire-responseautonomous-systemsIoT-sensorsaerial-roboticsemergency-technologyCar-sized hydrogen spy airship to debut in NATO’s largest drone drill
Finnish company Kelluu has developed a car-sized, hydrogen-powered autonomous airship designed for long-duration surveillance missions. Measuring about 12 meters (40 feet) long, the airship uses hydrogen for both lift and fuel, enabling it to stay aloft for over 12 hours—significantly longer than conventional drones or helicopters. Its emissions are reduced by 99.5% compared to standard aerial platforms, making it an environmentally friendly option. The airship features a patented hydrogen-safe structure, operates quietly, and is capable of functioning in harsh conditions, including Arctic environments. It can carry payloads up to 6 kilograms, supporting multi-sensor configurations such as LiDAR, spectral cameras, and thermal imagers, enabling applications like forestry health monitoring, infrastructure inspections, agricultural mapping, and security patrols. Initially aimed at civilian markets, Kelluu’s airship has attracted defense interest and will participate in NATO’s REPMUS 25 exercise in Portugal, demonstrating its potential for intelligence, surveillance
hydrogen-energyautonomous-airshipdrone-technologyenvironmental-sustainabilitysurveillance-technologyIoT-sensorsdefense-technologyWorld-1st roadside AI tech that prevents animal-vehicle collisions tested
A team of researchers from the University of Sydney, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), and the Department of Transport and Main Roads Queensland has developed and successfully tested the world’s first roadside AI technology designed to prevent animal-vehicle collisions. Known as the Large Animal Activated Roadside Monitoring and Alert (LAARMA) system, it uses a combination of RGB cameras, thermal imaging, LiDAR sensors, and self-teaching artificial intelligence to detect animals near roads in real-time and alert drivers through flashing Variable Message Signs (VMS). During a five-month trial in Far North Queensland, an area with frequent cassowary collisions, LAARMA achieved 97% detection accuracy, recorded over 287 animal sightings, and helped reduce vehicle speeds by up to 6.3 km/h. Unlike traditional detection systems, LAARMA’s AI continuously improves its accuracy by learning from each sighting without human reprogramming, increasing detection rates from an initial 4.2% to 78.5%
AIroadside-safetyanimal-detectionIoT-sensorsautonomous-systemswildlife-conservationsmart-transportationJapanese breakthrough could help make a 'fully wireless society'
A research team at Chiba University, led by Professor Hiroo Sekiya, has developed a machine learning-based design method for wireless power transfer (WPT) systems that maintain stable output regardless of load changes, a property known as load-independent (LI) operation. Traditional WPT systems require precise component values based on idealized equations, but real-world factors like parasitic capacitance and manufacturing tolerances often cause unstable output voltage and loss of zero voltage switching (ZVS), which reduces efficiency. The new approach models the WPT circuit with differential equations incorporating real component behaviors and uses a genetic algorithm to optimize circuit parameters for stable voltage, high efficiency, and low harmonic distortion. Testing their method on a class-EF WPT system, the researchers achieved voltage fluctuations under 5% across varying loads, significantly better than the 18% typical in conventional systems. The system delivered 23 watts at 86.7% efficiency and maintained ZVS under different load conditions, including light loads, due to
wireless-power-transfermachine-learningload-independent-operationenergy-efficiencyIoT-sensorselectromagnetic-fieldswireless-chargingNextracker invests in field robotics and AI for solar power plants - The Robot Report
Nextracker is significantly advancing its focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics to enhance solar power plant operations. Over the past year, the company has invested more than $40 million to acquire three key technologies and appointed Dr. Francesco Borrelli as its first chief AI and robotics officer. Dr. Borrelli, an expert in predictive control systems, will lead the integration of AI, machine learning, and robotics into Nextracker’s products to improve scalability, operational efficiency, and long-term return on investment (ROI) for solar asset owners. With a global footprint of approximately 100 GW of operating solar systems equipped with millions of sensors, Nextracker aims to leverage AI-driven autonomy to optimize plant performance and accelerate deployment. A major component of this initiative is the acquisition of OnSight Technology, which specializes in autonomous inspection and fire detection systems for solar farms. OnSight’s AI-powered tools enable predictive maintenance by identifying potential mechanical and electrical failures, thereby reducing operational risks and improving uptime. Additionally
roboticsartificial-intelligencesolar-energypredictive-maintenanceautonomous-inspectionenergy-technologyIoT-sensorsCan an AI chip that mimics the brain beat the data deluge?
The article discusses BrainChip’s Akida processor, a neuromorphic AI chip inspired by the brain’s energy-efficient event-driven processing. Unlike traditional AI chips that process every data frame regardless of changes, Akida leverages spiking neural networks to compute only when input signals exceed a threshold, significantly reducing redundant calculations. This approach exploits data sparsity by processing only changes between frames, leading to power savings of up to 100 times in scenarios with minimal activity, such as a static security camera feed. However, in highly dynamic scenes with frequent changes, these savings diminish. Akida’s architecture uses a digital implementation of spiking neural networks, employing activation functions like ReLU to trigger computations selectively. This mimics biological neurons that fire only when stimulated beyond a threshold, enabling progressively fewer computations across network layers. Despite these efficiency gains, neuromorphic chips like Akida remain niche due to limitations such as 8-bit precision constraints and gaps in development tooling. While promising for edge devices constrained by power,
AI-chipneuromorphic-computingenergy-efficiencyedge-devicesIoT-sensorsbrain-inspired-technologylow-power-AIFarmer-first future: Agtonomy's approach to smart agriculture
In episode 202 of The Robot Report Podcast, Tim Bucher, CEO of Agtonomy, discusses the company’s focus on automating high-value crop farming through robotics tailored to real farming needs. Bucher stresses the importance of robotics developers deeply understanding agricultural practices to create effective solutions, highlighting Agtonomy’s strategic partnerships with established equipment brands like Bobcat and Kubota. He also addresses key challenges in agriculture, particularly labor shortages, and underscores the critical role farmers play in shaping and adopting new technologies to improve efficiency. The episode also features Sean Walters, general manager of Captron, who talks about the company’s production of capacitive sensor switches and high-quality sensors used in level measurement, optical object detection, and LED signaling. Additional industry news includes Boston Dynamics’ Spot robots performing on America’s Got Talent, Tesla’s launch of a limited Robotaxi service in Austin with early operational challenges, and Hexagon AB’s introduction of the AEON humanoid robot designed for industrial applications to address labor shortages.
roboticsagriculture-automationsmart-farmingautonomous-vehicleshumanoid-robotsTesla-RobotaxiIoT-sensors