Features

Motion capture is guiding the next generation of extraterrestrial robots

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“How do we build robots that can optimally explore space?” is the core question behind Dr Frances Zhu’s research at the University of Hawai’i. One part of the answer is, “with motion capture”.

“It is my hope that my research contributes to the way extraterrestrial robots move and make decisions on other planets,” explains Zhu (main picture), an assistant researcher and deputy director at the University’s Hawai‘i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology.

That research is in its early stages, but NASA has seen the value in it and awarded Zhu an EPSCoR grant by the name “Autonomous Rover Operations for Planetary Surface Exploration using Machine Learning Algorithms”. [Read more…] about Motion capture is guiding the next generation of extraterrestrial robots

Opinion: Predictions about the surgical robots market

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By Anthony Fernando, CEO and president of Asensus Surgical

Surgery has evolved from open surgery to robotic surgery. Surgical robots can perform complex procedures with geometrical precision, even in anatomical areas that are difficult to reach by human surgeons.

This is resulting in increased demand and adoption of minimally invasive surgeries and is one of the key drivers for the growth of the surgical robotics market.

So here are some predictions that foresee changes in the coming year within the surgical robotics market, telehealth and telesurgery, and augmented intelligence. [Read more…] about Opinion: Predictions about the surgical robots market

Autonomous vehicle development will be stalled by technological and regulatory barriers, says report

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Autonomous vehicles are currently more hype than substance, given the significant technological, financial, and regulatory barriers to their widespread use, according to GlobalData.

In its latest report, Tech, Media, & Telecom Predictions 2022, the data and analytics company predicts that focus will shift onto “lower-level” autonomous vehicles that require greater human supervision, while mergers and acquisition activity will continue to be driven by transport technology such as robotaxis.

Amrit Dhami, thematic analyst at GlobalData, offers her view on these predictions. She says technological barriers will shift focus onto lower-level autonomous vehicles. [Read more…] about Autonomous vehicle development will be stalled by technological and regulatory barriers, says report

Perseverance’s first year on Mars: Purdue professor, mission team member looks at what is ahead

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Almost one year into the Mars rover mission, accomplishing its goal is on the horizon for Purdue University’s Briony Horgan and the Perseverance team.

February 18 will mark one year since the rover landed on the red planet following a seven-month, 300-million-mile flight across space.

Horgan, associate professor of planetary science in the Purdue College of Science’s Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences, says anticipation is building as the team focuses on the mission goal: researching a now-dry large river delta. [Read more…] about Perseverance’s first year on Mars: Purdue professor, mission team member looks at what is ahead

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Small ship takes part in UK’s first hydrogen transport trials

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A consortium of partners has unveiled the UK’s first demonstration of zero-emission marine technology in the Tees Valley, in north England.

In a bid to show the path available for the maritime sector to decarbonise, the demonstration will convert a Lochin 33 “workboat” into a dual-fuelled vessel acting as a testbed to prove the concept of a retro-fit green hydrogen solution.

For the purposes of the demonstration, the modified marine vessel will operate at sea, though the technologies are suitable for use by inland waterway vessels. The project is expected to take seven months, with trials running in Spring 2022. [Read more…] about Small ship takes part in UK’s first hydrogen transport trials

The secrets of ancient Japanese tombs revealed thanks to satellite images

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A research group at the Politecnico di Milano analysed the orientation of ancient Japanese tombs – the so-called Kofun.

This study has never been carried out before, due to the very large number of monuments and the fact that access to these areas is usually forbidden. For these reasons, high-res satellite imagery was used.

The results show that these tombs are oriented towards the arc of the rising sun, the Goddess Amaterasu that the Japanese emperors linked to the mythical origin of their dynasty. [Read more…] about The secrets of ancient Japanese tombs revealed thanks to satellite images

Powercast showcases wireless recharging and batteryless system at CES

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Powercast has showcased an array of new, batteryless products that are powered by the company’s signature radio-frequency-based long-range over-the-air wireless power technology at the recent CES.

The company also announced a record year in customer and revenue growth driven by the demand for wireless power – a market expected to reach $25.9 billion by 2027 – and demand for sustainable product designs that keep disposable batteries out of landfills.

Powercast helps its partners create environmentally-friendly electronic devices either with rechargeable batteries that can be recharged by RF, or with no batteries at all that can be directly powered by RF. [Read more…] about Powercast showcases wireless recharging and batteryless system at CES

Premio and Intel to strengthen US semiconductor manufacturing resources amid global chip shortage

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Premio, a provider of rugged edge and embedded computing technology, has unveiled its strategic plans to bring “American-made” manufacturing to the forefront. 

With focus on US facilities, capabilities, and talent, Premio is committed, alongside Intel, to easing supply chain issues and strengthening the country’s semiconductor manufacturing resources for long term benefit.

In the latest episode of “Made in America”, a video series covering companies manufacturing and assembling their products in the US, Premio and Intel examine how manufacturers can and should localize production to reduce extended time-to-market and avoid being at the mercy of all types of international disruptions. [Read more…] about Premio and Intel to strengthen US semiconductor manufacturing resources amid global chip shortage

12 million jobs will be lost to automation across Europe by 2040, says Forrester

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Forrester forecasts that 34 percent of European jobs are at risk and 12 million jobs will be lost to automation across five European countries – France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK – by 2040.

While the pandemic continues to pressure European businesses to invest more heavily and rapidly in automation, it’s not the only factor contributing to the forecasted job loss.

According to Forrester’s Future of Jobs Forecast, 2020 to 2040 (Europe-5), workers with little bargaining power are most at risk of displacement, especially in countries where many are subject to casual employment contracts, including zero-hour contracts in the UK, which require no guaranteed working hours, or part-time jobs with low wages, such as “mini-jobs” in Germany. [Read more…] about 12 million jobs will be lost to automation across Europe by 2040, says Forrester

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Geothermal energy: Providing opportunities beyond electricity

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Use of geothermal energy – that is the heat that comes from the sub-surface of the earth – in Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States territories has been an ongoing subject of research and exploration, given that the Caribbean Region consists primarily of volcanic islands.

A recent study of three Caribbean islands, Dominica, Montserrat, and Nevis, examined opportunities for geothermal energy beyond electricity generation.

Around the world, more countries are capitalising on their geothermal resources, not only for electricity generation from a renewable affordable source, but also to support various industries within their economies. [Read more…] about Geothermal energy: Providing opportunities beyond electricity