Search Results for: autonomous robots

Are Asimov’s laws enough to save the humanity?

Pooja Kashyap

In order to speed up the training process in robots and their adaptation in complex functions, researchers of five European Universities have come up with Rapyuta, the RoboEarth Cloud Engine, an open source Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) framework. The platform facilitates bots to gain access to the massive computational, storage and communications infrastructure of modern data centers by connecting directly via internet. The Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) also aids the bots in performing complex tasks such as mapping, navigation or processing of human voice commands in the cloud. It will also allow the machines…

Robotic Needle Achieves Precision Navigation in Living Model

Pooja Kashyap

When it comes to cancer-related fatalities, lung cancer tops the list. One of the main reasons could be the presence of tiny tumors in deep within the lung tissue. This poses a major challenge for surgical accessibility. To address this challenge, researchers at UNC Chapel Hill and Vanderbilt University have been trying to fabricate an exceptionally flexible yet durable robot. The device will have the capability of maneuvering through the intricate terrain of the lungs.

Interview: Dr. Yifan Zhu, Robotics Scientist at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Pooja Kashyap

In the vast realm of the Intelligent Motion Lab, where the interplay of human ingenuity and technological wonders dance harmoniously, resides Dr. Yifan Zhu. A visionary soul, Dr. Zhu finds solace in the realm of robotics, under the wise guidance of Prof. Kris Hauser. Together, they delve deep into uncharted territories. Like a master sculptor shaping formless clay, Dr. Zhu’s focus lies in unravelling the secrets of deformable objects. Through painstaking analysis and intricate algorithms, he breathes life into these enigmatic entities, capturing their essence within a digital tapestry.

Plant-inspired Controller for Robotic Arms: Biomimicry

Pooja Kashyap

Biomimicry is the practice of imitating biological systems and processes. So far, it has been a valuable approach in robotics. By copying animals’ designs, engineers have tried to replicate billions of years of evolution. It has resulted in highly efficient and adaptable designs that nature has already passed on to. For instance, energy-efficient walking patterns inspired by animal gaits or bio inspired vision systems or lizard inspired four-legged robot.

Real-time Neural MPC: Deep Learning & Model Predictive Control Framework

Pooja Kashyap

Model predictive control (MPC) is a powerful technique that has gained popularity in recent years for controlling the movements of robotic agents. It involves using a model of the agent’s dynamics to predict its future behaviour. Followed by optimization of this behaviour to achieve a desired goal while also satisfying a set of constraints. MPC algorithms are capable of handling complex scenarios and can consider various factors such as the agent’s physical constraints, environmental conditions, and the dynamics of other objects in the environment. This makes MPC a popular choice…

Crab Inspired all weather Vision System: Biomimicry

Pooja Kashyap

To improve the imaging component in robotics, researchers have been trying to create various types of highly performing cameras, sensors and artificial vision systems.      Most of the vision systems are bio-inspired that is, they have been emulated from the systems and elements of nature including humans, animals, insects and fish. These systems, however, have their own restrictions because they operate in limited environment respectively. For instance, majority of (bio-inspired) existing sensors and cameras works either one of the following scenarios: on the ground like biomimetic eye with a hemispherical…

Interview: Robert Cheek, Head of Business Dev at UVify, San Jose, CA

Pooja Kashyap

Recently, we got the pleasure of having a virtual meet up with Drone and AI startup UVify’s, Head of Business Development, Robert Cheek. UVify’s new Draco drone was the main attraction at CES 2017. The startup has developed technologies that can provide drone racing to general public. For those who are interested, Draco is currently up for pre-order, at $499. Shipping is expected to start by the next quarter.

Muscles Powered Biohybrid Devices: Robotics with Tissue Engineering

Pooja Kashyap

Let’s picture the word, “Robot”, immediately, we get a glimpse of self operating machines, with nuts-and-bolts as building blocks. These machines are permeating all sections of our society. Machine human relationship has crossed the realms of science fiction. In fact, machine learning has become one of the most interesting and sought-after science, sprouting artificial intelligence (AI).