Robots that can see, learn and grip different items are advancing quickly into the retail, food-and-beverage and consumer-packaged-good industries.
An automated hand made by the Germany company Schunk reaches out to an old-fashioned model during an international robotics conference in Madrid in 2014.
“The technology is going so fast now, that in two or three years” says Johnny Albertsen, Rosborg Food Holding’s chief executive, “you can make the robot do almost anything.” The grippers and the machine’s ability to “see” are key. Most heavy industrial robots still operate blindly and must be surrounded by cages to keep humans out of harm’s way. Any variation, such as handling objects with different sizes or textures, weren’t possible. Now grippers that emulate a gecko’s sticky feet, or use soft polymers that expand to apply just the right amount of pressure, allow robots to take on new, more-nuanced tasks.
“It’s performing well,” he says. “It’s slower than a human, but it does not take pee breaks. It does not go to lunch. It does not only work one shift, and it doesn’t charge for overtime.”Carl Vause, chief executive, Soft Robotics Inc.Soft Robotics Inc., based in Cambridge, Mass., makes pliable grippers that can grasp brownies, raw meat, a square box or a cellophane package. That flexibility eliminates the need for complicated coding or costly sensors, says CEO Carl Vause.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Chicago beats out New York City, Boston and Washington, D.C., as America's 'rat capital'New York City has long been considered rat central. But, a new study reveals that Chicago has taken over as 'rat capital' of America, USA Today reports.
Read more »
Mal Blum Explores Self-Destructive Habits On 'Pity Boy'In a new interview, Blum discusses queer mentorship, relationship dynamics, and their new album
Read more »
As Swim’s Growth Slows, Miami Swim Market Shakes Things UpNew venues, new experiences and a slew of new vendors are on tap for Miami Swim Week through July 16.
Read more »
Tonight's New Moon In Scorpio Is A Call To ActionDuring Mercury retrograde, what you assume you know about your world is called into question
Read more »
Victoria Hopper Exits Art Media With New PMC AcquisitionHopper joined PMC late last year, when the company acquired art publications owned by Peter Brant.
Read more »