Articles tagged with "robotic-arm"
Disabled US veteran's invention can launch, retrieve drones midair
Disabled US veteran-owned company Target Arm unveiled the Ralar Modular Mission Payload (MMP) drone system at the 2025 Association of the United States Army (AUSA) expo. The Ralar system features a robotic arm capable of launching and recovering small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) midair while the host platform—whether a ground vehicle or aircraft—is moving. This innovation eliminates the need for fixed launch or landing zones, allowing troops to deploy reconnaissance or strike drones on the move, thereby enhancing operational tempo and reducing exposure to enemy fire. The system was demonstrated integrated onto GM Defense’s Infantry Squad Vehicle – Utility (ISV-U), highlighting its tactical relevance for frontline forces. The Ralar system is platform-agnostic and compatible with a wide range of drones without requiring airframe modifications. It uses advanced positioning technology from Trimble Inc. to synchronize drone flight paths with vehicle movement, enabling precise and repeatable drone capture even at speed or on rough terrain. Its modular design supports future
robotdronesunmanned-aerial-systemsrobotic-armmilitary-technologydrone-recoveryautonomous-systemsUS Navy's new system reduces timeline for military quantum discoveries
The US Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) has introduced a new "cluster system" designed to accelerate research into advanced quantum materials by enabling the growth and analysis of materials at the atomic level within a single, contamination-free setup. This integrated system allows researchers to grow materials one atomic layer at a time and immediately study their structure and electronic properties without transferring samples between different facilities, thus improving efficiency and reducing contamination risks. The system incorporates a robotic transfer arm and multiple chambers connected by an ultra-high vacuum interface, facilitating techniques like molecular beam epitaxy, scanning tunneling microscopy, and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy to visualize atoms and map electronic band structures. The focus of this research is on quantum materials with unique properties governed by quantum mechanics, such as superconductors and topological insulators, which have promising applications in military and defense technologies including memory storage, sensors, and energy-efficient electronics. By enabling streamlined material growth and characterization, the cluster system is expected to significantly shorten the timeline from fundamental scientific discovery to
materialsquantum-materialsmolecular-beam-epitaxyrobotic-armelectronicssuperconductorstopological-insulatorsUniversal Robots designs UR8 Long for space-constrained tasks - The Robot Report
Universal Robots (UR) has introduced the UR8 Long, a new collaborative robot arm designed to extend reach and automate more complex welding and industrial tasks, especially in space-constrained environments. With a reach of 1,750 mm—matching the larger UR20 model—but featuring a slimmer profile and 30% less mass, the UR8 Long offers a payload capacity of 8 kg, making it suitable for applications such as precision dunnage picking, multi-point inspections, and complex weldments. The robot supports both PolyScope 5 and PolyScope X software and can be enhanced with UR’s MotionPlus technology for improved motion control, enabling smoother trajectories and integration with external axes like linear rails and rotary positioners. The UR8 Long aims to improve productivity and safety by simplifying programming through upgraded freedrive capabilities, allowing users to manually guide the arm with precision. Its compact wrist design facilitates mounting on gantries or overhead systems, optimizing space and efficiency. Universal Robots emphasizes the cobot’s suitability for
robotcollaborative-robotindustrial-automationcobotrobotic-armmotion-controlwelding-automationChinese doctors save man nearly decapitated in robotic arm accident
Chinese doctors at Shanghai Changzheng Hospital successfully saved a man who was nearly decapitated after being struck by a robotic arm in an industrial accident on May 31, 2025. The impact severed his cervical vertebrae and damaged critical arteries, leaving his neck connected only by soft tissue. Despite severe bruising, the patient’s spinal cord remained intact, which was crucial for survival. The man suffered immediate paralysis and cardiac arrest, with both vertebral arteries obstructed and blood pressure dangerously low. The medical team faced enormous risks, including potential catastrophic bleeding and infection, compounded by the patient’s critical condition that limited preoperative imaging and assessments. On June 18, a multidisciplinary surgical team performed a groundbreaking three-hour operation to remove a clot, realign the cervical bones, and stabilize the spine using auxiliary plates—a first in such a severe case. Surgeons had to make real-time decisions during the procedure to avoid secondary injuries to blood vessels and nerves. Post-surgery, the patient regained
robotrobotic-armmedical-roboticssurgeryhealthcare-technologyrobotic-accidentspinal-surgeryUniversity of Waterloo researchers develop robots to directly treat kidney stones - The Robot Report
Researchers at the University of Waterloo, led by Dr. Veronika Magdanz, have developed a novel robotic technology aimed at directly treating kidney stones by dissolving them within the urinary tract. Kidney stones affect about 12% of people and often require prolonged drug treatments or surgeries, which can be painful and burdensome. The new minimally invasive approach uses thin, flexible, magnetically controlled strips about 1 cm long, embedded with the enzyme urease. These strips are maneuvered near uric acid kidney stones using a robotic arm guided by doctors, where the enzyme reduces urine acidity, accelerating stone dissolution so they can pass naturally within days. The technology was tested in life-size, 3D-printed urinary tract models and shows promise especially for patients who frequently develop stones or cannot tolerate oral medications or surgery due to risks like chronic infections. The system combines a motorized magnet on a robotic arm with real-time ultrasound imaging to precisely position the enzyme-loaded robots near the stones. Next steps for the
roboticsmedical-robotskidney-stone-treatmentrobotic-armminimally-invasive-surgerybiomedical-engineering3D-printingElephant Robotics builds myCobot Pro 450 to meet industrial expectations - The Robot Report
Elephant Robotics has launched the myCobot Pro 450, a compact collaborative robot arm designed to meet industrial-level demands across education, research, and commercial applications. The robot features a modular design with a 1 kg payload, 450 mm reach, and high positioning accuracy of ±0.1 mm. Weighing under 5 kg, it incorporates harmonic reducers, servo motors, joint brakes, and integrated controllers within an all-metal, durable housing. The myCobot Pro 450 supports various end effectors such as cameras, suction pumps, and grippers, enabling rapid deployment for tasks like data collection, fine manipulation, and intelligent human-robot interaction (HRI). The cobot supports personalized applications including 3D visual random sorting, robotic writing and painting, and compound mobile inspections. It integrates with peripherals like 3D cameras, recognition software, industrial PCs, and mobile platforms (e.g., myAGV Pro) to offer scalable solutions. Notably, the myC
robotcollaborative-robotmyCobot-Pro-450industrial-automationAI-integrationhuman-robot-interactionrobotic-armWatch: Robotic arm, hand perform tasks with human-like dexterity
AgileX Robotics recently demonstrated a robotic system combining its PiPER robotic arm with the highly dexterous Linkerbot Chius hand, showcasing human-like precision and adaptability in complex laboratory tasks. The system performed a series of intricate manipulations including handling a spoon, pipetting, capping and decapping bottles, and shaking stoppered test tubes. These tasks highlight the duo’s smooth, coordinated movements and precise force control, underscoring its potential to enhance lab automation by improving efficiency, safety, and consistency in scientific and industrial workflows. The PiPER arm is a lightweight, six-jointed robotic arm weighing 4.2 kg, capable of lifting up to 1.5 kg with an accuracy of ±0.1 mm. Its robust aluminum-alloy frame and polymer shell allow it to operate reliably under a wide temperature range, while multiple control options—including drag-teaching, offline programming, Python, and ROS integration—make it versatile and user-friendly. The Linkerbot Chius hand
roboticsrobotic-armdexterous-robotic-handlab-automationprecision-roboticsAgileX-Roboticsadvanced-manipulation-tasksARMstrong Dex Shows Off Its Throwing Arm
The article titled "ARMstrong Dex Shows Off Its Throwing Arm" highlights the complexity involved in accurately throwing an object, a task often underestimated. It showcases the ARMstrong Dex, a robotic system that demonstrates advanced technological capabilities through its precise and well-aimed throw. The key takeaway is the ARMstrong Dex's ability to perform a task requiring fine motor skills and coordination, emphasizing the sophistication of modern robotics in mimicking human actions. The article underscores the technological progress in robotics, particularly in achieving accuracy and control in dynamic movements like throwing.
robotroboticsrobotic-armautomationARMstrong-Dextechnologythrowing-mechanismAI robot arm builds meals and helps users with limited mobility
Engineers at Virginia Tech have developed an advanced robotic arm designed to assist people with limited mobility in performing everyday tasks, such as preparing meals. The system features adaptive grippers that combine rigid mechanics with soft, switchable adhesives, enabling the robot to handle a wide range of objects—from heavy items like metal pans to delicate ingredients like sprinkles. This innovation addresses the challenge that traditional robots face when gripping irregular or fragile items, by allowing the grippers to switch between strong adhesion and easy release. The robotic arm is controlled via a joystick-style interface, allowing users to guide the robot’s movements while artificial intelligence interprets and completes the tasks. This collaboration was demonstrated through complex activities like assembling a pizza, which involves handling diverse textures and shapes, and building an ice cream sundae with small, delicate toppings. Funded by over $600,000 from the National Science Foundation, the project aims to enhance independence for people with disabilities by making robotic assistance more intuitive and closely aligned with natural human motions. The research
roboticsassistive-technologyrobotic-armadaptive-grippersAI-controlsoft-roboticsdisability-aidNew soft robot arm scrubs toilets and dishes with drill-level force
Researchers at Northeastern University have developed SCCRUB, a novel soft robotic arm designed to tackle tough cleaning tasks with drill-level scrubbing power while maintaining safety around humans. Unlike traditional rigid industrial robots, SCCRUB uses flexible yet strong components called TRUNC cells—torsionally rigid universal couplings—that allow the arm to bend and flex while transmitting torque comparable to a handheld drill. This combination enables the robot to apply significant force to remove stubborn grime without posing risks typical of hard robotic arms. Equipped with a counter-rotating scrubber brush and guided by a deep learning-based controller, SCCRUB can clean challenging messes such as microwaved ketchup and fruit preserves on glass dishes and toilet seats, removing over 99% of residue in lab tests. The counter-rotating brush design helps maintain firm pressure and stability by canceling frictional forces, enhancing cleaning effectiveness while preserving the arm’s soft and safe nature. The research team envisions expanding SCCRUB’s capabilities to assist humans
robotsoft-roboticsrobotic-armmachine-learningautomationcleaning-robothuman-robot-interactionHumanoid artist Ai-Da unveils AI portrait of King Charles at UN
Humanoid robot artist Ai-Da unveiled an AI-generated oil portrait of King Charles III titled “Algorithm King” at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva during the AI for Good Global Summit. Ai-Da, described as the world’s first ultra-realistic robot artist, creates artwork by capturing visual data through high-resolution cameras, processing it with AI algorithms, and painting on canvas using a robotic arm. The portrait follows a previous royal-themed piece, “Algorithm Queen,” depicting Queen Elizabeth II for her Platinum Jubilee. Both works aim to explore AI’s evolving role in art and society, highlighting the intersection of tradition and innovation. The project’s creator, gallerist Aidan Meller, emphasized that the portrait of King Charles was chosen due to his interest in the arts and environmental issues, symbolizing a balance between heritage and modernity. Ai-Da’s presence at the summit was part of a broader initiative to examine AI’s applications across healthcare, education, the environment, and the arts. While Ai-D
robotartificial-intelligencehumanoid-robotrobotic-armAI-artAI-algorithmsmachine-creativityUS firm's 'tow truck for space' inspired by gecko feet tested on ISS
US-based company Kall Morris Inc. has developed a novel robotic arm system called Responsive Engaging Arms for Captive Care and Handling (REACCH), inspired by the adhesive properties of gecko feet and the dexterity of octopus limbs. This technology enables the robotic arms to selectively grasp and manipulate space objects without requiring docking ports or attachment points, significantly enhancing satellite servicing capabilities. During a recent mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), a four-arm version of REACCH successfully completed 172 capture cycles before returning to Earth via a SpaceX Dragon capsule. The company plans to deploy a full-sized eight-arm system commercially by 2027. The REACCH system can handle objects ranging from about 250 mm in diameter (roughly the size of a basketball) up to approximately 6.5 meters, allowing it to service a wide variety of satellites and potentially capture space debris. By enabling non-destructive and reversible capture of unprepared objects, this technology could facilitate satellite maintenance, orbit
roboticsspace-technologysatellite-servicingrobotic-armbiomimicryspace-debris-removalISS-experimentsNew system helps robotic arm navigate using sound instead of vision
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed SonicBoom, a novel sensing system that enables robotic arms to navigate and localize objects using sound rather than relying on visual sensors. Traditional robotic arms depend heavily on cameras for tactile sensing, which can be obstructed or damaged in cluttered environments like agricultural fields. SonicBoom addresses these challenges by embedding contact microphones along the robot’s arm that detect sound waves generated when the arm touches objects, such as branches. By analyzing subtle variations in these sound waves with AI, the system can accurately determine the exact point of contact, achieving localization errors as low as 0.43 centimeters for trained objects and maintaining strong accuracy (2.22 cm error) even with unfamiliar materials. This acoustic-based approach offers several advantages: the microphones are well-protected from harsh contact, the system is more affordable and practical than camera-based tactile sensors, and it can function effectively in visually occluded environments. The researchers demonstrated SonicBoom’s utility by mapping occluded branch-like structures in a mock canopy
roboticsrobotic-armsound-sensingAItactile-sensorsagricultural-robotsobstacle-navigationChina planning drone with robotic arm for Mars sample hunt, eyeing bio-safety
China’s Tianwen-3 mission, planned for launch in 2028 atop two Long March 5B rockets, aims to return Martian soil and rock samples to Earth by 2031, collecting at least 500 grams of material. A key innovation in this mission is the deployment of an uncrewed helicopter drone equipped with a robotic arm and claw, designed to fly up to 100 meters from the lander to retrieve larger, scientifically valuable rocks that may contain biosignatures. The lander itself will use a robotic arm to scoop surface material and a drill capable of extracting samples from depths of up to 2 meters, targeting areas potentially shielded from harsh surface radiation. This approach enhances sample diversity from a single landing site and marks China’s first use of a drone in planetary exploration. Given the mission’s focus on searching for signs of past or present life on Mars, the Chinese team is prioritizing bio-safety and planetary protection. They are developing a comprehensive sample preservation and analysis
robotdroneMars-explorationrobotic-armspace-technologyplanetary-protectionaerospace-engineeringRock Cutting Robot!
The Catonator by KUKA is a mobile robotic arm equipped with a large saw blade measuring between 1000 and 2000 mm in diameter. Designed specifically for heavy-duty cutting tasks, it targets applications such as mining where cutting through rock and concrete is required. The robot's mobility and powerful cutting capabilities enable it to perform these tasks more efficiently and safely compared to traditional manual methods. By automating the cutting process, the Catonator enhances precision and reduces the risk to human operators working in hazardous environments. Its design reflects a growing trend in industrial automation, particularly in sectors like mining and construction, where robust and reliable robotic solutions can significantly improve productivity and safety.
robotrobotic-armrock-cuttingmining-technologyKUKAindustrial-robotautomationRobots automate steel bar work to speed up and reshape construction
robotconstructionautomationreinforcementdigital-fabricationrobotic-arminfrastructureNortheastern soft robotic arm wins MassRobotics Form & Function Challenge at Robotics Summit
robotsoft-roboticsrobotic-armrobotics-competitionMassRoboticsinnovationtechnologyHugging Face releases a 3D-printed robotic arm starting at $100
Hugging-Facerobotic-arm3D-printingprogrammable-roboticsAI-technologyLeRobotSO-101