© 2024 New Atlas

ICRA 2019

  • The SVH robotic gripping hand, from German company Schunk – it's designed mainly for use by robotics researchers, and closely mimics the dexterity and joint structure of a real human hand
    Robotics
    In photos: Rascally robots and kindred contraptions, at ICRA 2019
    If you've perused our website over the past several days, then you're doubtless aware that we attended the International Conference on Robotics and Automation last week in Montreal. It was a great event, and we're pleased to now present with you with what we think were the highlights of the show.
  • Amoeba Energy's prototype robot, about to climb a set of stairs at ICRA 2019
    Robotics
    Soft-bodied robot could soon be climbing up to your door
    ​Although we've seen a lot of robots designed to deliver packages to people's homes, most of those bots are stymied by houses' front steps. Tokyo-based Amoeba Energy is developing a solution, in the form of a tracked robot that uses soft foam to easily climb up stairs and over other obstacles.
  • "What's the big deal?" – the Movo appears to shrug its shoulders, at ICRA 2019
    Robotics
    Movo robot is armed for research
    ​Several years ago, California-based Willow Garage introduced a two-armed wheeled robot known as the PR2. It was designed for use in robotics research, but unfortunately the company has since gone out of business. Quebec-based Kinova Robotics has stepped in to fill the gap, however, with its Movo.
  • Laikago trots across the carpet, at ICRA 2019
    Robotics
    Unitree's Laikago joins the growing robo-dog pack
    ​If you like unsettlingly animal-like robots, then you're probably already familiar with Boston Dynamics' SpotMini. Well, it's now in for some competition. Last week at the International Conference on Robotics and Automation, Chinese manufacturer Unitree Robotics showed off its Laikago quadruped.
  • A preproduction EVE r3, on display at ICRA 2019
    AI & Humanoids
    Norwegian robot is made to help scientists – and seniors
    ​You might think that most new robots are designed to head off into factories or other workplaces, but the fact is that many of them are made to be used by robotics developers. That's the case with EVE r3, although its successor may find use in applications such as home care for the elderly.
  • The carbon fiber-bodied Heron USV on display in Montreal, at ICRA 2019
    Drones
    Heron USV is to boats what quadcopters are to aircraft
    ​We hear a lot about aerial and underwater drones, but ones that travel on the water's surface … not so much. They can be quite useful, though, as we discovered when we recently checked out the Heron USV (unmanned surface vessel) at the International Conference on Robotics and Automation.
  • The HyQReal robot tows a three-ton airplane – no biggie
    Robotics
    HyQReal four-legged robot tows a three-ton passenger plane
    Last time we wrote about the HyQ robot​, it had just mastered walking and begun venturing into rough terrain. Now, its successor has do so with a three-ton passenger airplane in tow.
  • The Vogi seen from the front, with its four main propellers tilted forward
    Drones
    Vogi VTOL drone uses swingin' props to keep things simple and efficient
    ​Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) drones typically have four horizontal propellers for moving up and down, along with a vertical rear "pusher" prop for moving forward in more efficient fixed-wing flight. A new aircraft, however, uses the same four props for everything.
  • The hexapod Aqua2, on the exhibit hall floor of ICRA 2019
    Robotics
    Flipper-legged robot runs, swims, and is ready to hit the bigtime
    ​Back in 2013, we heard about an all-terrain walking robot known as RHex. Designed in a collaboration between McGill University and the University of Pennsylvania, it used six flipper-like legs to scamper around. Now, its successor is taking to the briny depths.
  • The LineRanger robot, on display at ICRA 2019
    Robotics
    Power line-crawling robot may give drones a run for their money
    Amongst many other things, aerial drones are now being used to inspect high-voltage power transmission lines. Canada's Hydro-Quebec public utility company, however, has developed what could be a better alternative … the LineRanger robot.