Important Innovations

Knitted, Soft Robots Source:  Carnegie Mellon University New Approach to Soft Robotics Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have created a soft, toy robot by using commercial knitting machines.  Soft robotics is a growing industry as roboticists try to create robots that are safer for human.  This is a brand new approach with a lot of promise for soft robotics and wearable technologies.  For more details go to Important Innovations Collection: Soft Knitted Robots : Safer Robots for Humans Soft Actuated Robots Made by Using Commercial Knitting Machines This is a new approach to exploring the potenti...

Safe Robotic Co-Worker Source:  UC Berkeley's Blue Learns on the Job with Humans The roboticists at the University of California Berkeley call it Project Blue.  Blue robot is AI enabled and can safety learn tasks while working side by side with humans. It learns by reinforcement learning or trial and error. The Berkeley team has created what they call a "human safe" robot. Weaker Robot is a Better Robot The team worked on the premise that the stronger the robot the more dangerous it can be to humans.  When a robot makes a mistake, it can damage itself and people nearby.  As a result, Blue features flexible plastic arms with rounded edges that can be easily pushed away.  The team purposefully designed a weak robot that can perform significant, useful tasks because "weaker is safer". Low Cost The team says Blue is a low-cost, backdrivable, 7-DOF robotic manipulator.  The robot not only safely works side by side with humans.  It can also make coffee.