Trimble, Hilti and Boston Dynamics partner to Explore Autonomous Robots in Construction Trimble, Hilti and Boston Dynamics announced today a collaboration to explore the integration of Trimble’s and Hilti’s construction management software solutions, GNSS technology and reality capture devices with Boston Dynamics’ Spot Robot platform. Autonomous robots can play a significant role in construction, specifically …

Orca Hub unveils AI and robotics research for offshore infrastructure work A consortium of five universities, working with 35 industrial and innovation partners, has unveiled the latest results from its multimillion-pound Orca Hub (Offshore Robotics for the Certification of Assets) robotics research collaboration. The largest academic centre in the world for research into robotics technology …

Are Construction Robots the future for the Industry? A consortium of Swiss researchers recently built an entire home using construction robots and 3D-printed building materials in what they claim is the future of the construction industry. Their process turned out to be faster, safer, and more environmentally friendly than manual construction. The DFAB House was …

MIT report calls for bold action to harness automation and technology for shared prosperity Automation is not likely to eliminate millions of jobs any time soon — but the U.S. still needs vastly improved policies if Americans are to build better careers and share prosperity as technological changes occur, according to a new MIT report …

Hyundai develops VEX wearable exoskeleton vest to alleviate the burden of overhead work Hyundai Motor Group has developed new Exoskeleton Vest, a wearable robot created to assist industrial workers who spend long hours working in overhead environments. The Exoskeleton Vest enhances productivity and reduces fatigue of industrial workers by imitating the movement of human joints …

MIT Mobile Motors could pave the way for robots to assemble complex structures Years ago, MIT Professor Neil Gershenfeld had an audacious thought. Struck by the fact that all the world’s living things are built out of combinations of just 20 amino acids, he wondered: Might it be possible to create Mobile Motors of just …

MIT algorithm predicts where nearby people are headed In 2018, researchers at MIT and the auto manufacturer BMW were developing an algorithm to test ways in which humans and robots might work in close proximity to assemble car parts. In a replica of a factory floor setting, the team rigged up a robot on rails, …

Small Robots showcase sustainable farming robots at 4IR Agritech event Small Robot Company, a British Agritech start-up for sustainable farming, featured prominently in the Spring Reception for the All-Party Parliamentary Group on the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) yesterday. Using robotics and artificial intelligence, the company has created an entirely new model for ecologically harmonious farming. …

Advanced Construction Robotics announces their 2nd autonomous construction robot Last Wednesday morning at Bauma, the world’s leading construction machinery trade fair, Advanced Construction Robotics (ACR) announced to an international audience their next robotic construction solution, IronBot. IronBot is a rebar placement robot that is designed to lift, carry and place rebar in horizontal reinforced concrete …

Railway reopens thanks to the help of Ivy and Holly the robots The railway between Taunton and Exeter St David’s has reopened after a three-week closure thanks to Ivy and Holly the robots who helped carry out vital maintenance work in Somerset. The line reopened on Saturday (9 March) after Network Rail, with the help …

All-wheel steering for Construction Machines enabled by EHLA PLUS Electro-hydraulic steering systems for rear axles have been standard in commercial vehicles and complex construction machinery for many years. In the case of commercial vehicles, the use of electro-hydraulic auxiliary steering is primarily to ensure compliance with the legal requirements. Without a steered rear axle the …

MIT’s first four-legged robot can do backflips MIT’s new mini cheetah robot is springy and light on its feet, with a range of motion that rivals a champion gymnast. The four-legged powerpack can bend and swing its legs wide, enabling it to walk either right-side up or upside down. The robot can also trot over …

Brokk introduces SmartConcept B300, next generation Demolition Robot Brokk, the world’s leading manufacturer of remote-controlled demolition robot machines, introduces the new Brokk 300, which features 40 percent more demolition power than its predecessor, the Brokk 280. It also boasts Brokk SmartConcept™ technological features that improve power management, reliability, maintainability and ergonomics. The Brokk 300 is …

Severn Trent is looking for a robotic water infrastructure assessment partner Water and waste company, Severn Trent, is on the lookout for new and innovative ways to manage its water pipe network, and is now looking to the innovation and technology sector to help provide solutions to some very specific issues. The company is looking …

Aquajet upgrades Aqua Cutter Hydrodemolition Robots with Super Lance 3000 Aquajet Systems AB, a global leader in hydrodemolition machine manufacturing, introduces a new, more versatile lance system for its Aqua Cutter hydrodemolition robots. The Super Lance 3000 replaces the previous lance and allows contractors to use a single lance for any pressure up to 43,500 …

The Brokk 200 packs the punch of a 3 ton demolition robot in a 2 ton package Brokk, the world’s leading manufacturer of remote-controlled demolition machines, introduced the Brokk 200, a new weight class of machine. The new model packs the power of a 3-ton Brokk machine into a 2-ton package. The Brokk 200 is …

Two design prizes for HAMM Autonomous Roller F1 study In the past six months, HAMM AG has been accoladed with two design prizes for their “Autonomous Roller F1”, a study on autonomously operating rollers: The international Automotive Brand Contest 2018 jury awarded HAMM the label “Best of Best”. A short time later, the compaction specialists …

MIT algorithm helps robots take calculated risks in dangerous environments We know far less about the Earth’s oceans than we do about the surface of the moon or Mars. The sea floor is carved with expansive canyons, towering seamounts, deep trenches, and sheer cliffs, most of which are considered too dangerous or inaccessible for autonomous …

Success for the Small Robot Company with £1.2 million Crowdcube campaign Small Robot Company, a British agritech start-up for sustainable farming, today announced that it has raised £1.2 million on Crowdcube equity crowdfunding platform. It reached its initial funding target of £500,000 within minutes of its launch thanks largely to support from the farming community. …

Continental’s vision combines autonomous shuttles and delivery robots The technology company Continental steadily pushes the boundaries of autonomous vehicle technology, exploring new use cases and advancements every day. At CES 2019, Continental will exhibit how a autonomous shuttles could be used to stage and deploy delivery robots, taking packages all the way to the consumer …

New Brokk 170 offers 15 percent more power in compact build Brokk, the world’s leading manufacturer of remote-controlled demolition machines, introduces the Brokk 170. With SmartPowerTM — the company’s signature intelligent power management system — the new machine offers 15 percent more power than its predecessor, the Brokk 160, but retains the same compact dimensions. …

Sarcos overcomes major obstacle to deployment of full-body, powered industrial exoskeletons Sarcos Robotics, a global leader in robotic systems that augment, rather than replace humans working in the industrial, public safety and military sectors, today announced a number of significant technology advancements for its highly anticipated Guardianä XO Max full-body, powered industrial exoskeleton robotic system. …

Small Robot Company unveils Harry the prototype farming robot The Small Robot Company, a British agritech start-up for sustainable farming, has announced the official unveiling of its Harry digital planting robot at Agri-Tech East’s REAP 2018 Conference in Cambridge. Just one year on since Small Robot Company first previewed its ‘Farming as a Service’ model …

MIT researches Syncells – mass produced cell sized robots Tiny robots no bigger than a cell could be mass-produced using a new method developed by researchers at MIT. The microscopic devices, which the team calls “syncells” (short for synthetic cells), might eventually be used to monitor conditions inside an oil or gas pipeline, or to …

MIT model helps robots navigate more like humans do When moving through a crowd to reach some end goal, humans can usually navigate the space safely without thinking too much. They can learn from the behavior of others and note any obstacles to avoid. Robots, on the other hand, struggle with such navigational concepts. MIT …

Sarcos Robotics raises US$30 Million in funding Sarcos® Robotics, a global leader in robotic systems that augment, rather than replace, humans working in the industrial, public safety and military sectors, today announced that it has secured $30 million in Series B funding from a consortium of investors co-led by DIG Investment and Alex. Brown. Each …

Brokk introduced four Next-Generation Demolition Machines at INTERMAT Brokk, the world’s leading manufacturer of remote-controlled demolition machines, launched four new machines during INTERMAT Paris 2018. The new models include: the Brokk 170, Brokk 200, Brokk 300 and the green diesel Brokk 520D machines. Each of the four models comes equipped with Brokk’s signature SmartConcept™ technology. …

MIT cell-sized robots can sense environment as they flow through pipelines Researchers at MIT have created what may be the smallest cell-sized robots yet that can sense their environment, store data, and even carry out computational tasks. These devices, which are about the size of a human egg cell, consist of tiny electronic circuits made …

Small Robot Company crowdfunds £50,000 to transform farming The Small Robot Company, a British agritech start-up for sustainable farming, today announced it has successfully raised £50,000 with its Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign. The company harnesses the power and precision of robots and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve the way that food is produced and minimise chemical …

Small Robot Company a finalist in Tech4Good Awards for sustainable farming robotics Small Robot Company, a British agritech start-up for sustainable farming, today announced that it is a finalist for the prestigious AgilityNet Tech4Good Awards. The company harnesses the power and precision of robots and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve the way that food is …

The top five technologies to make construction safer As one of the most hazardous industries in the world, it’s no surprise that construction workers need to take care every day on the job. The complex nature of construction sites means they can be a health and safety nightmare – electricity cables, moving objects, working at …

TyBot and Brayman Construction selected as national finalist for 2018 Innovation Award The TyBot / Brayman team was recently selected as a Top 3 National Finalist for the inaugural 2018 Innovation Award presented by The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). As finalists, the team will present at the AGC Centennial Celebration in Washington D.C. …

Robotic process automation, AI and biometrics to drive digital change in transport 6-in-10 transport leaders believe technology is key to helping Britain overcome the socioeconomic issues it faces today, according to Fujitsu’s Technology in a Transforming Britain. The findings highlight the industry’s belief that technology is central to its future success; 87 percent believe technology …

One in three fear their job will be replaced by a robot A new report from Mercedes-Benz Vans, released today during National Careers Week, has highlighted a potential skills crisis that could create ‘business gridlock’; almost one in five van drivers, owners and operators are so concerned about skills shortages, they fear it could prevent …

Volkswagen looks at safe spaces for robots An industrial robot is moving, we see a pattern of lights with green, yellow and red areas. Group employee Karl-Heinz Häfner moves confidently towards the robot, he is still in the green zone. As soon as he enters the first yellow area with his foot, the robot slows …

Self driving delivery vehicles set to transform local commerce Leading autonomous car developers have formed their own company, called Nuro, and have debuted a self-driving vehicle designed to transform local commerce. Nuro’s fully autonomous vehicle reshapes the cost structure of goods transportation, creating a powerful platform for a variety of everyday goods and services. Nuro …

Will Toyota’s T-HR3 Humanoid Robot be coming to your construction site? Remote, safe, smooth operation of T-HR3 Humanoid Robot enabled through new, advanced Torque Servo Module and Master Manoeuvring System. Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) has revealed T-HR3, the company’s third generation humanoid robot. Toyota’s latest robotics platform, designed and developed by Toyota’s Partner Robot Division, …

DXR Struck Gold in Columbia! In a remote part of Colombia, surrounded by muddy waters and dense, humid jungle, there is an area full of tunnels into the Earth. These tunnels are owned by Operadora Minera S.A.S. and it is in these tunnels that 3.5 tons of gold are hauled out of per year. With …

Ex-Google engineer starts Built Robotics to disrupt construction News about self-driving vehicles and automated flying taxi’s keep hitting the headlines and is now set to revolutionise the construction industry. Building on his experience working on self-driving cars at Google, Noah Ready-Campbell, the CEO and founder of Built Robotics has struck out on his own to …

Fastbrick Robotics wins national Innovation Awards in Australia Australian robotic technology company Fastbrick Robotics Limited has received two National Innovation Awards at Australia’s premier innovation awards event. The iAwards were held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on Wednesday 30 August 2017 where Fastbrick was announced as the winner of the “Industrial and Primary …

Mabey puts cutting-edge robotics to work Leading bridge and engineering services specialist Mabey has put its new robots to work at its Mabey Bridge site in Lydney, Gloucestershire. Forming one complete cell, the new robots support the manufacture of the Mabey Compact 200 (C200) – the world’s most widely used modular steel bridge. Investing £2.6m …

Human free construction sites by 2050? Balfour Beatty imagines our digital future Balfour Beatty, the international infrastructure group, has published a paper – Innovation 2050: A Digital Future for the Infrastructure Industry – where the construction site of 2050 will be in stark contrast to what we see today – it will be human-free with …

Aquajet introduces the powerful Aqua Cutter 710V robot for heavy-duty hydro-demolition Aquajet Systems AB, a global leader in hydro-demolition machine manufacturing, introduces its farthest-reaching unit, the Aqua Cutter 710V hydro-demolition robot. It’s the largest of its kind and offers exceptional horizontal, vertical and overhead reach — as high as 23 feet. The 710V comes equipped with …

Aquajet Systems introduces the World’s smallest Hydrodemolition Robot Aquajet Systems AB, a global leader in hydrodemolition machine manufacturing recently acquired by Brokk AB, introduces the world’s smallest hydrodemolition robot, the Aqua Cutter 410V. The model combines the compact size of the Aqua Cutter 410A and the innovative mast system of the Aqua Cutter 710V, giving …

Brokk introduces powerful Brokk 500 Demolition Robot Brokk, the world’s leading manufacturer of remote-controlled demolition robots, introduces the new Brokk 500, which features 40 percent more demolition power than the Brokk 400 as well as the Brokk SmartPower™ electrical system, a more powerful breaker, extended reach and industry-leading serviceability. As well as adding a portion of good …

ASTEC introduces Silobot™ hot-mix silo robot inspection service ASTEC has introduced the Silobot inspection service. The Silobot is an amazing new hi-tech tool that the Astec, Inc. Parts Department will use to do thorough visual inspection and metal thickness testing inside hot mix storage silos. The remote control capabilities of the Silobot inspection device keep workers out …