Welcome to Episode 17 of The Robot Report Podcast, which brings conversations with robotics innovators straight to you. Join us every week for discussions with leading roboticists, innovative robotics companies, and other key members of the robotics community.
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This week, we’re joined by Ben Wolff, chairman, CEO, and director of RBR50 company Sarcos Robotics. We discuss the challenges of developing the Guardian XO full-body, powered exoskeleton, including scaling the tech during COVID-19 and lowering its power consumption. We also talk about the bulky design of the Guardian XO, why robotics as a service is the proper selling method for Sarcos, training its users, unique use cases and more.
Sarcos Robotics’ Guardian XO exoskeleton will help ramp agents lift heavy loads. | Credit: Delta Airlines
We also preview this week’s RoboBusiness Direct discussions that air September 22 and September 24 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Fictiv’s Jean Olivieri will explore how new digital manufacturing ecosystems can help deliver digital transformation. And KUKA’s Corey Ryan will examine the current state of healthcare robotics, including the different technologies and drivers that are increasing adoption.
Eugene and I also discuss the latest headlines, including Uber’s Advanced Technologies Group, which spearheads the company’s autonomous vehicle work, is reportedly running out of cash. We also discuss a demo of a UV-D disinfection robot gone wrong, forcing bystanders to receive medical attention, and how a Japanese startup hopes to use tele-operated robots to help convenience stores re-stock shelves.
Dave Niewinski, senior software developer, Clearpath Robotics, returns to the show to discuss developing the ROS package for Boston Dynamics’ Spot quadruped. Dave discusses the benefits ROS will bring to the quadruped, potential applications for Spot, his thoughts on the platform, and how Clearpath and OTTO Motors are working Boston Dynamics on logistics automation.
If you would like to be a guest on an upcoming episode of the podcast, or if you have recommendations for future guests or segment ideas, contact Steve or Eugene. For sponsorship opportunities of The Robot Report Podcast, contact Courtney Nagle for more information.
Podcast Timestamps
0-:31: Ad Read
:32-3:08: Introduction
3:09-35:15: Conversation with Ben Wolff, Chairman, CEO, Director, Sarcos Robotics
35:16-35:48 RoboBusiness Direct Preview
35:49-41:30: Uber’s self-driving unit in financial trouble
41:31-46:19 UV-D disinfection robot demo injures bystanders in Philippines
46:20-49:42: Japanese startup testing its Model-T tele-operated, shelf-stocking robot
49:43-: Conversation with Dave Niewinski, senior software developer, Clearpath Robotics
Podcast Links
The Robot Report Podcast on Apple Podcasts | SoundCloud | Spotify | Google Play
RoboBusiness Direct
Uber Investors Are Pressuring CEO to Revamp the Self-Driving Division
Clearpath to offer ROS-enabled Spot quadruped robot package to researchers
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