Robotics, AI and SmartTech News – Latest Headlines

A robotic leg, born without prior knowledge, learns to walk

New AI algorithms could allow robots to learn to move by themselves, imitating animals.

March 11, 2019 Read more

Faster robots demoralize co-workers

Researchers have found that when robots are beating humans in contests for cash prizes, people consider themselves less competent and expend slightly less effort -- and they tend to dislike the robots.

March 11, 2019 Read more

Mathematics of sea slug movement points to future robots

Frilly surfaces that help slugs move may motivate future energy-efficient, soft-body robots.

March 7, 2019 Read more

These robots are small, shape-shifting, and they adapt to their surroundings

The goal of this lab is to create small, lightweight robots that can reconfigure themselves in response to a need.

March 6, 2019 Read more

Ultra-low power chips help make small robots more capable (w/video)

An ultra-low power hybrid chip inspired by the brain could help give palm-sized robots the ability to collaborate and learn from their experiences. Combined with new generations of low-power motors and sensors, the new application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) - which operates on milliwatts of power - could help intelligent swarm robots operate for hours instead of minutes.

March 6, 2019 Read more

Spider silk could be used as robotic muscle

Unusual property of the ultrastrong material could be harnessed for twisting or pulling motions.

March 1, 2019 Read more

Technology assessment: Artificial Intelligence in the medical sector

Decoding of the human genome still poses puzzles that might be solved with the help of artificial intelligence. Technology assessment experts study which applications are realistic and which ethical issues they may entail.

February 27, 2019 Read more

How to use the collective power of mini robots to create patterns inspired by nature (w/video)

Scientists have demonstrated how tiny robot swarms could be programmed like cells to form shapes together by relying on interactions with their neighbours.

February 25, 2019 Read more

Aquatic microorganism could inspire soft robots able to move fast in narrow spaces

The elegant movements of Euglena, unicellular organisms that adapt their body deformations according to the environment, could be a model for robots that have to move in complex situations, such as soils, debris or even the human body.

February 21, 2019 Read more

Brain-inspired artificial intelligence in robots

Applying neuroscience in robotics, scientists proposed a case in which robots should be designed based on the principles of the human brain. They argue that robot intelligence can be significantly enhanced by mimicking strategies that the human brain uses during decision-making processes in everyday life.

February 20, 2019 Read more

Robots track moving objects with unprecedented precision

System uses RFID tags to home in on targets; could benefit robotic manufacturing, collaborative drones, and other applications.

February 19, 2019 Read more

See, think, predict: Engineers build a soft robotics perception system inspired by humans

An international team of researchers has developed a perception system for soft robots inspired by the way humans process information about their own bodies in space and in relation to other objects and people.

January 30, 2019 Read more

The first tendril-like soft robot able to climb

Researchers obtained the first artificial plant tendrils: it is a soft robot able to curl and climb, using the same physical principles of water transport in plants.

January 24, 2019 Read more

Robots can handle aircraft inspection

Successful field trials have proven that it is possible to have a robot climb on an airplane for inspection purposes.

January 23, 2019 Read more

Robots can go all the way to Mars, but they can't pick up the groceries

Researchers are studying the interaction between robots and humans - and teaching them how to do the very difficult things that we find easy.

January 18, 2019 Read more

How game theory can bring humans and robots closer together

Researchers have for the first time used game theory to enable robots to assist humans in a safe and versatile manner.

January 7, 2019 Read more

Helping robots learn new skills quickly and independently

A research project is looking to increase the capacity of robots to set themselves goals and develop skills autonomously.

January 7, 2019 Read more

3D-printed robot hand plays the piano

Scientists have developed a 3D-printed robotic hand which can play simple musical phrases on the piano by just moving its wrist. And while the robot is no virtuoso, it demonstrates just how challenging it is to replicate all the abilities of a human hand, and how much complex movement can still be achieved through design.

December 20, 2018 Read more