Distalmotion, a Swiss-based medical device startup, received the European CE Mark for its Dexter surgical robot. Manufactured in Switzerland, Dexter combines the affordability of laparoscopy with the benefits of robotic surgery for minimally-invasive surgical care. Dexter features two robotic arms that can be individually re-aligned to change trocar sites during surgery. The system also features…
Study: chronic use of robotic hand doesn’t remap sense of touch
A new study highlights the importance of electrode placement when implanting sensory arrays for patients using a robotic hand.
ABB introduces a new ROS driver for its robots
A new ROS driver for ABB robots was introduced at the recent ROS-Industrial Conference. The driver, which is now available on GitHub, is designed to ease interaction between ABB robot controllers and ROS-based systems by providing ready-to-run ROS nodes. Here is a look at the included (principal) packages are brief descriptions for each: abb_rws_state_publisher: Provides…
Inside the SPAC craze and its potential impact on robotics
A SPAC offers startups quicker access to capital and greater liquidity, which can help drive innovation in advance of greater adoption.
The future is bright for autonomous delivery, says Refraction AI CEO
The CEO of an autonomous delivery company looks at trends for the coming year and predicts increasing technology adoption and company consolidation.
ReStore exo-suit donated by ReWalk to support stroke survivors at Brooks Rehabilitation
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought attention to the need for innovative systems for stroke rehabilitation, said ReWalk Robotics, which donated a ReStore exo-suit to Brooks Rehabilitation.
WeRide raises $200M, partners with Yutong in Chinese autonomous driving deal
WeRide, a leading autonomous vehicle company in China, has strengthened its partnership with bus maker Yutong Group, receiving $200 million in Series B1 funding.
Isaac Gym is NVIDIA’s reinforcement learning accelerator for robotics
NVIDIA said its Isaac Gym simulation software is designed to provide end-to-end reinforcement learning for robotics developers.
Omron introduces light-duty i4L Series SCARA robots
Omron has introduced its i4L Series of light-duty industrial SCARA robots. The series has three models that offer reaches of 350mm, 450mm, and 550mm and a 5kg maximum payload capacity. The 4-axis robots, which feature three rotational axes and one linear axis, offer repeatability of ±0.01. Omron said the compact design, speed and flexible programming…
Top 10 transactions in robotics in 2020
Chaotic physics approach leads researchers to insect-like gaits for robots
Researchers are embracing chaos and nonlinear physics to create insectlike gaits for tiny robots — complete with a locomotion controller to provide a brain-machine interface. The group now describes using a system of three nonlinear differential equations as a building block for central pattern generators.
Cerus Endovascular announces first intracranial implant of Contour device with Xcath robot assistance
Cerus Endovascular said the groundbreaking intracranial aneurysm procedure was completed with Xcath robotic assistance in just 28 minutes.
Robotics investments recap: November 2020
While investment in robotics and automation continued apace in November 2020, the total amount was about half of what it was in the same month a year ago.
Digital twins, AR/VR bring simulation benefits to industrial automation users, says Siemens
In this Q&A, Vincent Guo from Siemens Digital Industries Software discusses how digital twins, augmented reality, and virtual reality can help production environments with productivity and social distancing.
Top 10 robotics stories of 2020
2020 has been a year unlike any other. If the COVID-19 pandemic wasn’t enough, several other world-shifting events dominated headlines, including wildfires, an impeachment trial, a racial justice movement, and an unprecedented U.S. election. While most people are understandably eager to turn the page and hit the ground running in 2021, it’s important to recap…
Phoenix Instinct team wins $1M first prize in Toyota Mobility Unlimited Challenge
Phoenix Instinct, one oof the five finalists in the Mobility Unlimited Challenge run by the Toyota Mobility Foundation and Nesta Challenges,
IRB 1100 industrial robots gain Wizard Easy Programming tool from ABB
ABB has expanded its Wizard Easy Programming tool to its IRB 1100 industrial robot range to make it easier to install, program, and operate robots without specialized training.
How pole beans inspired this soft robotic gripper
Scientists often look to nature for cues when designing robots – some robots mimic human hands while others simulate the actions of octopus arms or inchworms. Now, researchers in the University of Georgia College of Engineering have designed a new soft robotic gripper that draws inspiration from an unusual source: pole beans. While pole beans…
Boston Dynamics talks about its big year and acquisition by Hyundai
In the final Robot Report Podcast for 2020, learn about Boston Dynamics’ plans for its legged robots after its acquisition by Hyundai Motor, as well as the DARPA Subterranean Challenge.
LG Electronics announces autonomous disinfection robot for business applications
The latest addition to LG Electronics’ CLOi family of service robots is intended to help hotels, schools, offices, restaurants, and retailers deliver peace of mind.
Wireless robot charging provider WiBotic joins the ARM Institute
WiBotic, which has developed wireless charging systems for mobile robots, aerial drones, and lunar systems, has joined the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Institute.
technIQ software for Corindus CorPath GRX surgical robot receives FDA approval
Corindus said new motion automations have received FDA clearance for use in coronary and peripheral robotic-assisted procedures.