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Autonomous excavator constructs a 6-meter-high dry-stone wall

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed an autonomous excavator called HEAP to construct a 6-meter-high and 65-meter-long dry-stone wall. The excavator uses sensors, machine vision, and algorithms to place stones in the desired location, achieving a high level of precision and speed.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2023

‘Cutting the cord’ to advance ocean data collection

A team led by Lehigh University's Yahong Rosa Zheng is developing an Autonomous Observatory Node that can collect and transmit data from underwater sensors wirelessly, without the need for expensive subsea cables. The prototype aims to operate at depths of up to 1000 meters, enabling researchers to study extreme environments and detect...

The new robot is taking its first intuitive steps

A team of engineers at the University of Pittsburgh has created a new robot that can navigate complex environments using bio-inspired neural networks. The robots will be able to avoid obstacles and learn from their experiences, enabling autonomous navigation for various applications such as commercial transport and disaster response.

How do robots collaborate to achieve consensus?

Researchers proposed a novel self-organizing approach for robot swarms to achieve consensus, combining aspects of centralized and decentralized control. This method reduces uncertainty sources and enhances collective perception accuracy, enabling robots to fuse sensor information without global or static communication networks.

SourceIntelligent Computing·JournalIntelligent Computing·DateSep 14, 2023

New framework for oceanographic research provides potential for broader access to deep sea scientific exploration

A new framework, SHARC, provides a way for shore-based scientists, citizen scientists, and the public to collaborate with robotic sampling processes. The framework enables remote participants to conduct shipboard operations and control robotic manipulators using basic internet connection and consumer-grade hardware.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2023

Enabling autonomous exploration

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University's Robotics Institute have developed a suite of robotic systems and planners enabling robots to explore more quickly, probe the darkest corners of unknown environments, and create more accurate maps. The systems allow robots to do all this autonomously, finding their way and creating a map witho...

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalScience Robotics·DateJul 19, 2023

AI nursing ethics: viability of robots and artificial intelligence in nursing practice

Researchers examine whether robots and AI can replicate the ethical concepts attributed to human nurses, including advocacy, accountability, cooperation, and caring. While AI can inform patients about medical errors and present treatment options, it questions its ability to truly understand and empathize with patients' values.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalNursing Ethics·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 10, 2023

Hybrid AI-powered computer vision combines physics and big data

A new approach to enhance artificial intelligence-powered computer vision technologies has been developed by UCLA researchers, adding physics-based awareness to data-driven techniques. This hybrid methodology aims to improve how AI-based machinery sense, interact, and respond to their environment in real time.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 14, 2023

The ants go marching … methodically

Researchers at the University of Arizona found that rock ants follow a methodical search strategy, combining systematized meandering with random movement to efficiently explore new areas. This unique behavior may provide insights into the evolution of exploration strategies in other species.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournaliScience·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 8, 2023

Making “transport” robots smarter

University of Missouri engineers are working on a collaborative human-robot order picking system to speed up the online delivery process. The proposed model aims to optimize key decisions in warehouse operations, allowing robots to navigate efficiently and collaborate with humans to increase efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalInternational Journal of Production Economics·DateNov 29, 2022

Tracking trust in human-robot work interactions

Researchers at Texas A&M University used functional near-infrared spectroscopy to monitor participant responses during human-robot collaborations. They found that faulty robot actions decreased operator trust and associated it with increased brain activity in the frontal, motor, and visual cortices.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalApplied Ergonomics·DateNov 1, 2022

How can flying insects and drones tell up from down?

Researchers developed a new principle for estimating gravity direction in flying insects and drones by combining optical flow with movement modeling. This allows them to determine the direction of gravity in most situations except when completely stationary, which destabilizes their flight.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2022

Can robots have morals? Robots’ decisions on forced medication evoke doubts

A study at the University of Helsinki found that people accept human nurses overruling patient autonomy but reject similar decisions made by robots. The researchers suggest that human empathy is required to consider robot-made solutions equally acceptable as those made by humans. The findings imply that machines cannot comprehensively ...

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalEuropean Journal of Social Psychology·DateSep 24, 2022

A swarm of 3D printing drones for construction and repair

A team of Swiss researchers has developed Aerial Additive Manufacturing (AAM), a system that uses flying drones to print materials for construction projects. The technology enables on-site manufacturing and building in difficult-to-access or dangerous locations, such as post-disaster relief construction and tall buildings.