Robotics

Boston Dynamics has revealed its first robot developed specifically for commercial applications. Named Stretch, the robot has been designed for warehouse work, purpose-built for mobile deployment in existing spaces.

ESA has unveiled a spherical robot that may one day be used to explore caves on the Moon. Called the Descent And Exploration in Deep Autonomy of Lunar Underground Structures (DAEDALUS) robot, the spelunking rover is propelled by its extendable arms.

Researchers have managed to create a kind of cyborg, integrating the ear of a locust into a robot. The robot was then able to respond to noises that the biological sensor picked up, which could pave the way for more sensitive and efficient sensors.

Hyundai is adapting its jaw-dropping Elevate platform for unmanned and autonomous missions. The TIGER keeps the chassis design and extraordinary articulating wheels-on-legs, and offers a modular platform to carry loads across the roughest terrains.

In anticipation of future space projects involving giant structures in orbit and on the Moon, DARPA has announced the start of its Novel Orbital and Moon Manufacturing, Materials and Mass-efficient Design (NOM4D) program.

When the first production of Karel Čapek's play R.U.R. opened on January 25, 1921, it not only gave a name to the cybernetic machines that were just beginning to emerge, it shaped our perception of what a robot is and the potential dangers they pose.

Moley Robotics steps beyond robo-mixers and grocery-tracking refrigerators in developing a robo-kitchen built to provide a full cooking takeover. The automated kitchen system is ready to find its way into actual homes.

Milirem Robotics has rolled out its Type-X Robotic Combat Vehicle for its first mobility tests. Unveiled in 2020, it's a medium-weight autonomous armored platform, designed to provide reconnaissance and fire support for mechanized units and convoys.

Rheinmetall has unveiled its latest armed battlefield robot designed for tactical intelligence gathering and combat support. The Mission Master – Armed Reconnaissance system is capable of carrying out recon missions and providing fire support.

Scientists at the City University of Hong Kong have developed a new type of spray-on coating they say can give regular objects the capabilities of magnetically controlled robots, with particular potential in biomedical applications.

When a stroke victim has lost the use of an arm, they typically have to perform rehabilitative exercises utilizing heavy, costly, clinic-based equipment. A compact new portable device, however, could be used by patients in their own homes.

Turns out Hyundai was actually pretty serious when it debuted the go-anywhere four-leg/wheel drive Elevate concept in 2019. This week, it announced that it has formed a new studio to work on "ultimate mobility vehicles" (UMVs), including the Elevate.