Articles tagged with "autonomous-machines"
Robot Talk Episode 135 – Robot anatomy and design, with Chapa Sirithunge - Robohub
In episode 135 of the Robot Talk podcast, Claire interviews Chapa Sirithunge, a Marie Sklodowska-Curie fellow in robotics at the University of Cambridge. Sirithunge discusses the interplay between robot design and human anatomy, highlighting how insights from each field can inform the other. Her background includes a PhD in Electrical Engineering from the University of Moratuwa and academic roles in Sri Lanka before joining Cambridge in 2022. Her research focuses on assistive robotics, soft robotics, and physical human-robot interaction. Beyond her research, Sirithunge is also the founder of Women in Robotics Cambridge, an initiative aimed at supporting and guiding young women interested in robotics careers. The episode explores the broader themes of how robotic systems can mimic or complement human anatomy and the implications for developing more effective assistive technologies. Robot Talk continues to serve as a platform for discussing advances in robotics, AI, and autonomous systems.
roboticsrobot-designassistive-roboticssoft-robotshuman-robot-interactionartificial-intelligenceautonomous-machinesRobot Talk Episode 134 – Robotics as a hobby, with Kevin McAleer - Robohub
In Robot Talk Episode 134, Claire interviews Kevin McAleer, a hobbyist robotics enthusiast who shares insights on getting started with building robots at home. Kevin, who has been actively building robots since 2019 after acquiring his first 3D printer, combines his Computer Science background with his passion for robotics to create innovative projects. His day job is relatively hands-off, allowing him to channel his creativity into his hobby. Kevin is particularly enthusiastic about using Python and Micropython for programming embedded devices. Kevin also shares his knowledge through videos on YouTube and resources available on his website, kevsrobots.com, which serves as a helpful guide for beginners interested in robotics. The episode highlights the accessibility of robotics as a hobby and encourages listeners to explore building their own robots using affordable tools and programming languages. Robot Talk, the podcast hosting this episode, regularly covers topics related to robotics, artificial intelligence, and autonomous machines.
roboticshobby-roboticsembedded-devicesPython-programming3D-printingautonomous-machinesartificial-intelligenceRobot Talk Episode 133 – Creating sociable robot collaborators, with Heather Knight - Robohub
In Robot Talk Episode 133, Claire interviews Heather Knight from Oregon State University about integrating performing arts techniques into robotics to create more sociable robot collaborators. Heather Knight leads the CHARISMA Robotics research group and has a strong background in expressive motion for robots, holding a PhD from Carnegie Mellon University and degrees from MIT. Her diverse experience includes work at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Aldebaran Robotics, and creative projects such as the Robot Film Festival, a robotic flower garden called Cyberflora, robot comedy featured on TED.com, and an award-winning Rube Goldberg machine for the band OK Go. The episode highlights how Knight applies principles from theater and performance to enhance robot expressiveness and social interaction, aiming to make robots better collaborators with humans. This interdisciplinary approach bridges engineering, art, and human-robot interaction, reflecting Knight’s unique career path and innovative contributions to robotics. The podcast itself focuses on developments in robotics, AI, and autonomous machines, providing insights into cutting-edge research and creative applications
roboticssociable-robotsautonomous-machinesexpressive-motionrobot-collaborationAI-in-roboticsperforming-arts-in-roboticsIs physical world AI the future of autonomous machines? - The Robot Report
The article discusses the emerging role of physical world AI—cloud-based systems integrated with AI models that create ultra high-precision, spatially aware representations of the physical environment—in advancing autonomous machines such as cars, drones, and tractors. While companies like Waymo have developed sophisticated onboard AI and navigation hardware, the article argues that relying solely on onboard compute is insufficient for widespread autonomous machine deployment. Instead, leveraging cloud-based spatial intelligence can enhance route optimization and hazard detection by providing machines with detailed, real-time environmental context beyond their immediate sensor inputs. Currently, most AI in autonomous machines operates locally on the edge, lacking awareness of the broader physical landscape. However, abundant data from satellites, drones, and other sources can feed cloud systems that process complex spatial information—such as vectors representing terrain and obstacles—making AI models more capable of understanding and navigating the environment. This spatial intelligence cloud approach, pursued by companies like Wherobots, can improve autonomous vehicle performance in challenging scenarios like rural deliveries or complex urban settings
robotautonomous-machinesAIcloud-computingnavigation-technologydronesself-driving-carsRobot Talk Episode 131 – Empowering game-changing robotics research, with Edith-Clare Hall - Robohub
In Robot Talk Episode 131, Claire interviews Edith-Clare Hall, a PhD student at the University of Bristol and Frontier Specialist at the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA), about accelerating scientific and technological breakthroughs in robotics. Edith-Clare Hall focuses on bridging the gap between academic research and real-world deployment, particularly in cyber-physical autonomy. Her PhD research involves developing bespoke robotic systems to support individuals with progressive conditions like motor neurone disease (MND). At ARIA, she serves as a technical generalist, working to fast-track innovations across emerging and future robotics programs. The episode highlights Edith-Clare's leadership role in Women in Robotics UK and her work at ARIA, which aims to empower game-changing robotics research by fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and practical application. The podcast itself is part of a series exploring advancements in robotics, AI, and autonomous machines, featuring discussions on topics such as adaptive soft robotic lenses, generative AI for robot training environments, and robots learning from humans. This
roboticsartificial-intelligenceautonomous-machinesrobotic-systemscyber-physical-autonomyassistive-roboticsrobotics-researchRobot Talk Episode 130 – Robots learning from humans, with Chad Jenkins - Robohub
In the Robot Talk Episode 130 podcast, Claire interviews Chad Jenkins, a Professor of Robotics and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Michigan, about how robots can learn from humans to better assist in daily tasks. Jenkins’ research focuses on robot learning from demonstration, human-robot interaction, dexterous mobile manipulation, and robot perception. Notably, he founded the Robotics Major Degree Program at the University of Michigan in 2022 and received the 2024 ACM/CMD-IT Richard A. Tapia Achievement Award for his contributions to scientific scholarship, civic science, and diversity in computing. The episode highlights the intersection of robotics and human collaboration, emphasizing how robots can be taught by observing human actions to improve their functionality and integration into everyday life. This discussion fits within the broader context of the Robot Talk podcast series, which explores advancements in robotics, AI, and autonomous machines, featuring experts from various fields. The episode also connects to related topics such as robotic applications in smart cities, museum
roboticsrobot-learninghuman-robot-interactionautonomous-machinesrobot-perceptionmicrorobotsrobotic-systemsRobot Talk at the Smart City Robotics Competition - Robohub
The article discusses a special episode of the "Robot Talk" podcast, recorded at the Smart City Robotics Competition held in Milton Keynes. Hosted by Claire, the episode features conversations with competitors, exhibitors, and attendees, providing insights into the event and the latest advancements in robotics focused on smart city applications. The competition highlights innovative robotic technologies aimed at improving urban living and infrastructure. Sponsored by euRobotics, an international non-profit organization dedicated to advancing European robotics research, development, and innovation, the episode aligns with the broader mission to promote cutting-edge robotics and autonomous systems. "Robot Talk" serves as a weekly platform exploring developments in robotics, artificial intelligence, and autonomous machines, with this bonus episode offering a focused look at the intersection of robotics and smart city initiatives.
roboticssmart-cityAIautonomous-machinesrobotics-competitioneuRoboticsinnovationRobot Talk Episode 129 – Automating museum experiments, with Yuen Ting Chan - Robohub
In Robot Talk Episode 129, Claire interviews Yuen Ting Chan from the Natural History Museum about her work automating molecular biology experiments using robotics. With nearly two decades of experience in translating and optimizing laboratory protocols across fields such as DNA forensics and biomedicine, Chan has specialized for over 12 years in developing bespoke scripts for liquid handling instruments to automate laboratory processes. At the Natural History Museum, Chan’s role focuses on integrating automation into molecular laboratories to enable researchers to efficiently handle large sample volumes from the museum’s diverse specimen collections. This automation enhances research capabilities by increasing throughput and consistency in molecular experiments. The episode highlights the intersection of robotics and molecular biology, demonstrating how automation can transform traditional laboratory workflows in museum research settings.
roboticslaboratory-automationmolecular-biologyliquid-handling-robotsbiomedical-automationartificial-intelligenceautonomous-machinesYour guide to Day 2 of RoboBusiness 2025 - The Robot Report
RoboBusiness 2025’s second day at the Santa Clara Convention Center features a robust agenda with over 60 speakers, a startup workshop, the annual Pitchfire competition, and more than 100 exhibitors. The day begins at 10:00 a.m. PT with the first keynote and the opening of the show floor, which includes the Engineering Theater, networking lounge, Startup Showcase, MassRobotics Startup Alley, and the KAIST Korean Pavilion. The initial keynote panel, moderated by Eugene Demaitre of The Robot Report, features industry leaders such as Sanjay Aggarwal (F-Prime), Jon Battles (Cobot), Amit Goel (NVIDIA), and Brian Gaunt (DHL Supply Chain), discussing the current state of the robotics industry. This is followed by a panel on “Closing the Robotics Gap With China,” involving Jeff Burnstein (A3), Georg Stieler (Stieler Technology & Market Advisory), and Eric Truebenbach (Teradyne Robotics),
roboticsAIautomationrobotics-industryrobotics-manufacturingautonomous-machinesrobotics-innovationRobot Talk Episode 128 – Making microrobots move, with Ali K. Hoshiar - Robohub
In the Robot Talk Episode 128, Claire interviews Ali K. Hoshiar, a Senior Lecturer in Robotics at the University of Essex and Director of the Robotics for Under Millimetre Innovation (RUMI) Lab. Hoshiar discusses the mechanisms behind microrobot movement and their collaborative behaviors. His research spans microrobotics, soft robotics, and data-driven mechatronic systems, with applications in medical and agricultural technologies. He leads the EPSRC-funded ‘In-Target’ project and has been recognized with the university’s Best Interdisciplinary Research Award. The episode highlights Hoshiar’s interdisciplinary approach, combining technical expertise with strategic and commercial insights, supported by his MBA. The discussion sheds light on the challenges and innovations in making microrobots move effectively and work together, emphasizing their potential impact in various fields. Robot Talk continues to explore advancements in robotics, AI, and autonomous machines through such expert conversations.
robotmicrorobotssoft-roboticsmechatronicsmedical-roboticsagri-tech-roboticsautonomous-machinesLearn about the state of the robotics industry at RoboBusiness - The Robot Report
RoboBusiness 2025, taking place October 15-16 in Santa Clara, California, will feature a keynote panel discussing the current state of the rapidly evolving robotics industry. Industry experts, including Sanjay Aggarwal (venture partner at F-Prime Capital), Jon Battles (VP of technology strategy at Cobot), Amit Goel (director of product management for autonomous machines at NVIDIA), and Brian Gaunt (VP of Digital Transformation at DHL Supply Chain), will explore what is working in robotics, the challenges faced, and emerging trends shaping the future. The session promises a candid, experience-driven conversation on breakthroughs, barriers, and market insights. The event is a premier gathering for developers and suppliers of commercial robots, produced by WTWH Media, which also organizes The Robot Report and other robotics-focused conferences. RoboBusiness 2025 will host over 60 speakers, a startup workshop, the Pitchfire competition, and extensive networking opportunities. More than 100 exhibitors will showcase the latest robotics technologies and
roboticsautomationAIautonomous-machinesNVIDIA-Jetsondigital-transformationsupply-chain-roboticsNVIDIA VP Deepu Talla to discuss physical AI at RoboBusiness - The Robot Report
At RoboBusiness 2025, Deepu Talla, NVIDIA’s vice president of robotics and edge AI, will deliver the opening keynote titled “Physical AI for the New Era of Robotics.” Scheduled for October 15 in Santa Clara, California, Talla will discuss how physical AI—where models perceive, reason, and act in real-world environments—is transforming robotics from static, rule-based automation to adaptable, intelligent autonomy capable of managing complex, unstructured tasks. NVIDIA is accelerating this shift through simulation-first development, foundation models, and real-time edge deployment, training robots in virtual environments before scaling them into physical applications. This advancement marks a significant milestone in integrating intelligent machines into the $50 trillion global economy. NVIDIA has positioned itself as a leader in physical AI with recent innovations such as Isaac GR00T N1.5, an updated customizable foundation model for humanoid robot reasoning, and Isaac GR00T-Dreams, a synthetic motion data generation blueprint. The NVIDIA Isaac platform is widely adopted
roboticsphysical-AINVIDIA-Isaachumanoid-robotsedge-AIautonomous-machinesrobotics-developmentChina's new cotton topping robot automates intensive task at 10x speed
China has developed what is being called the world’s first laser-based autonomous cotton topping robot, jointly created by Xinjiang University and EAVision Robotic Technologies. The machine uses a combination of lasers, lidar, and artificial intelligence to identify and vaporize the top buds of cotton plants with a detection accuracy of 98.9% and a successful topping rate of over 82% in field tests. This process, traditionally labor-intensive and prone to human error or plant damage, is now mechanized to operate roughly 10 times faster than manual labor, covering 0.4 to 0.53 hectares per hour. Unlike chemical or mechanical methods, the robot’s laser approach minimizes plant stress, eliminates herbicide use, and enables continuous operation regardless of weather or time of day. The robot is currently undergoing testing in Xinjiang, China’s largest cotton-producing region, and represents a significant step toward full mechanization of cotton farming. The development involved three years of research to integrate sensor technology, machine vision
robotagriculture-roboticsAIlidarlaser-technologyautonomous-machinessmart-farmingGFT Technologies and NEURA Robotics partner to build software for physical AI - The Robot Report
NEURA Robotics has partnered with GFT Technologies SE to develop a software platform aimed at advancing physical AI, which integrates robotics with artificial intelligence. GFT, a global digital transformation company with expertise in AI, data, and high-performance architecture, is entering the robotics sector through this collaboration. The partnership leverages GFT’s experience in AI software and complex regulated industries to bridge the gap between AI insights and physical robotic actions, supporting the development of smarter, autonomous machines. NEURA Robotics, based in Metzingen, Germany, specializes in cognitive robotics that enable machines to learn, adapt, and operate autonomously in real-world environments. The company has developed collaborative robot arms and mobile manipulators and recently launched new robots alongside its Neuraverse ecosystem. This collaboration with GFT aligns with NEURA’s vision to bring cognitive robotics into practical applications, exemplified by its recent partnership with HD Hyundai on shipbuilding robots. Together, they aim to pioneer a new era of intelligent machines powered by advanced software and AI capabilities
roboticsartificial-intelligencephysical-AIcognitive-roboticssoftware-platformautonomous-machinesindustrial-robotsRobot Talk Episode 125 – Chatting with robots, with Gabriel Skantze - Robohub
In episode 125 of the Robot Talk podcast, Claire interviews Gabriel Skantze, a Professor of Speech Communication and Technology at KTH Royal Institute of Technology. Skantze specializes in conversational AI and human-robot interaction, focusing on creating natural face-to-face conversations between humans and robots. His research integrates both verbal and non-verbal communication elements, such as prosody, turn-taking, feedback, and joint attention, to improve the fluidity and naturalness of spoken interactions with robots. Skantze also co-founded Furhat Robotics in 2014, where he continues to contribute as Chief Scientist. Furhat Robotics develops social robots designed to engage in human-like conversations, leveraging Skantze’s expertise in computational models of spoken interaction. The episode highlights ongoing advancements in conversational systems and the challenges involved in making robot communication more natural and effective, emphasizing the importance of combining multiple communication cues to enhance human-robot interaction.
robotroboticsconversational-AIhuman-robot-interactionspeech-communicationautonomous-machinesFurhat-RoboticsRobot Talk Episode 123 – Standardising robot programming, with Nick Thompson - Robohub
robotprogrammingroboticsartificial-intelligenceautonomous-machinessoftware-developmentpodcastRobot Talk Episode 122 – Bio-inspired flying robots, with Jane Pauline Ramos Ramirez - Robohub
robotdronesbio-inspiredaerospace-engineeringautonomous-machinesbionicstechnologyOrbbec, Connect Tech to provide support for Gemini stereo depth camera - The Robot Report
robotIoTautonomous-machinesindustrial-automationstereo-visionAI-visiondepth-cameraRobot Talk Episode 121 – Adaptable robots for the home, with Lerrel Pinto
robotmachine-learningadaptable-robotsroboticsartificial-intelligenceautonomous-machinesreinforcement-learningRobot Talk Episode 120 – Evolving robots to explore other planets, with Emma Hart
robotroboticsartificial-intelligenceevolutionary-computationautonomous-machinesrobot-designcontrol-systems