Articles tagged with "autonomous-machines"
Robot Talk Episode 141 – Our relationship with robot swarms, with Razanne Abu-Aisheh - Robohub
In the Robot Talk Episode 141, Claire interviews Razanne Abu-Aisheh, a Senior Research Associate at the University of Bristol’s Centre for Sociodigital Futures, about human interactions with robot swarms. Abu-Aisheh’s research focuses on how collective behaviors of robot swarms shape human perceptions and experiences. She emphasizes the importance of community-centered design, collaborating with diverse communities to envision inclusive and meaningful futures involving robotics. Abu-Aisheh’s broader work aims to integrate robot swarms into real-world environments while prioritizing human-centered design principles. The episode highlights the evolving relationship between people and autonomous robot groups, exploring how these interactions can be designed to foster acceptance and usability. Overall, the discussion underscores the significance of involving communities in the development process to ensure robot swarms meet societal needs and values.
robotrobot-swarmsroboticsautonomous-machineshuman-robot-interactionartificial-intelligencecommunity-centred-designRobot Talk Episode 140 – Robot balance and agility, with Amir Patel - Robohub
In the Robot Talk Episode 140, Claire interviews Amir Patel, an Associate Professor of Robotics and AI at University College London, about his work on designing robots that emulate the agility and maneuverability of cheetahs. Patel’s research integrates robotics techniques such as sensor fusion, computer vision, mechanical modeling, and optimal control to analyze and quantify the locomotion of high-speed predators. The goal is to apply these biological insights to develop bio-inspired robotic machines with enhanced balance and agility. Patel’s background includes founding the African Robotics Unit at the University of Cape Town, highlighting his extensive experience in robotics research and education. The episode delves into how understanding animal movement can inform the creation of more capable autonomous robots, advancing the fields of robotics and artificial intelligence. Robot Talk, as a weekly podcast, continues to explore cutting-edge developments in robotics and autonomous systems through expert conversations like this one.
roboticsrobot-balancerobot-agilitybio-inspired-robotssensor-fusioncomputer-visionautonomous-machinesRobot Talk Episode 139 – Advanced robot hearing, with Christine Evers - Robohub
In Robot Talk Episode 139, Claire interviews Christine Evers, Associate Professor and Director of the Centre for Robotics at the University of Southampton, about advancing robot hearing capabilities. Evers’ research focuses on enabling robots to better understand their environment through sound by integrating insights from human auditory processes into deep-learning audio models. This bio-inspired approach aims to develop more compute-efficient and interpretable systems compared to traditional large-scale internet-trained models. The discussion highlights a shift toward embodied auditory intelligence, where robots gain a more nuanced and practical understanding of sound in real-world contexts. By embedding human auditory understanding into machine learning architectures, Evers’ work opens new possibilities for robots to interact with and interpret their surroundings more effectively. The episode is part of the Robot Talk podcast series, which covers developments in robotics, AI, and autonomous machines.
roboticsrobot-hearingmachine-listeningauditory-intelligencedeep-learningartificial-intelligenceautonomous-machinesCaterpillar, NVIDIA expand AI across machines, jobsites at CES 2026
At CES 2026, Caterpillar announced a significant expansion of its artificial intelligence strategy centered on Cat AI, aiming to integrate AI directly into its machines, software, and factories. Partnering with NVIDIA, Caterpillar will leverage NVIDIA’s Jetson Thor platform to enable real-time, on-device AI processing for construction, mining, and power equipment. This local processing allows machines to analyze sensor data without constant cloud connectivity, enhancing autonomous capabilities and operator support through personalized insights, real-time coaching, productivity recommendations, and safety alerts. Cat AI also supports large-scale autonomy, enabling machines to navigate complex job-site environments by processing vast amounts of data rapidly. Caterpillar introduced the Cat AI Assistant, a voice-enabled interface integrated into its digital platforms and onboard systems, allowing operators to interact with equipment and operational data hands-free. Powered by NVIDIA’s Riva speech models and Caterpillar’s Helios data platform, the assistant provides accurate, context-specific responses for machine operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Beyond equipment, Cat
robotAIautonomous-machinesindustrial-automationNVIDIA-Jetsonconstruction-technologymachine-learningRobot Talk Episode 138 – Robots in the environment, with Stefano Mintchev - Robohub
In Robot Talk Episode 138, Claire interviews Stefano Mintchev, an Assistant Professor of Environmental Robotics at ETH Zürich, about the use of robots for exploring and monitoring natural environments. Mintchev’s background includes a Ph.D. in Bioinspired Robotics and postdoctoral research on bioinspired aerial robots. At ETH Zürich, he leads a research group focused on developing robust, scalable bioinspired robotic technologies aimed at environmental monitoring and promoting sustainable natural resource use. The discussion highlights the intersection of robotics and environmental science, emphasizing how bioinspired designs can enhance the versatility and effectiveness of robots in natural settings. These robotic systems are intended to support environmental research and conservation efforts by providing innovative tools to better understand and manage ecosystems. The episode is part of the Robot Talk podcast series, which covers advancements in robotics, AI, and autonomous machines.
roboticsenvironmental-roboticsbioinspired-robotsautonomous-machinessustainable-technologyETH-Zürichaerial-robotsRobot Talk Episode 137 – Getting two-legged robots moving, with Oluwami Dosunmu-Ogunbi - Robohub
In episode 137 of the Robot Talk podcast, Claire interviews Oluwami Dosunmu-Ogunbi, an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Ohio Northern University, about advances in bipedal robots capable of walking and climbing stairs. Dosunmu-Ogunbi’s research centers on control systems for bipedal locomotion and engineering education. Notably, she is the first Black woman to earn a PhD in Robotics from the University of Michigan. During her doctoral studies, she developed the "Biped Bootcamp," a technical document designed to introduce students to bipedal robotics. She is now adapting this material into an undergraduate curriculum aimed at providing both introductory and advanced coursework for junior and senior engineering students. The episode highlights her contributions to robotics education and the challenges involved in getting two-legged robots to move effectively.
roboticsbipedal-robotsrobot-controlrobot-locomotionrobot-educationautonomous-machinesrobotics-researchRobot 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, about the interplay between robot anatomy and human anatomy. Sirithunge, who holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering from the University of Moratuwa and has experience as a lecturer in Sri Lanka, discusses how studying robots can provide insights into human anatomical functions and vice versa. Her research focuses on assistive robotics, soft robotics, and physical human-robot interaction, highlighting the importance of designing robots that can effectively interact with humans. Additionally, Sirithunge is the founder of Women in Robotics Cambridge, an initiative aimed at supporting and guiding young women pursuing careers in robotics. The episode emphasizes the mutual benefits of cross-disciplinary study between robotics and human biology, as well as the significance of fostering diversity within the robotics community. Robot Talk continues to serve as a platform exploring advancements in robotics, AI, and autonomous systems through expert conversations like
roboticsrobot-designassistive-roboticssoft-robotshuman-robot-interactionartificial-intelligenceautonomous-machinesRobot Talk Episode 134 – Robotics as a hobby, with Kevin McAleer - Robohub
In episode 134 of the Robot Talk podcast, Claire interviews Kevin McAleer, a hobbyist robotics enthusiast who shares insights on building robots at home. Kevin, who has been actively creating robots since 2019 after acquiring his first 3D printer, combines his background in Computer Science with his passion for hands-on projects. His day job is relatively low-touch, which allows him to channel his creativity into robotics as a hobby. Kevin is particularly enthusiastic about using Python and Micropython for programming embedded devices. Kevin also shares his knowledge through videos on YouTube and his website, kevsrobots.com, which serves as a resource for beginners interested in robotics. The episode highlights how hobbyist robotics can be an accessible and rewarding pursuit, emphasizing practical advice for those looking to start building their own robots. Robot Talk, the podcast hosting this conversation, regularly explores topics related to robotics, AI, 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