Global Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Robotics

Lite 3: new technology for increased strength, agility, mobility, speed, navigation, and endurance DEEP Robotics Co ., a global pioneer in the development and industrial application of quadrupedal robots, has announced the launch in Europe of the newest version of its dexterous intelligent robot dog, Lite3, which combines advanced mobility and open modular structure to serve education, research and innovative entertainment. The new Lite3 series offers four product models: a basic model designed for technology enthusiasts; and three more advanced versions designed for scientific study purposes. With new features that include DEEP Robotics’ latest proprietary limb joints, control systems and advanced algorithms, Lite3 has a more powerful, quick and durable movement capability. It also offers strong scalability that can be ramped up with the installation of more modules. The Lite quadruped robotics series is currently sold in more than a dozen countries across North America, Western ...

Figure, a Calif.-based company building general-purpose humanoids, has closed $70 million in Series A funding. The company, founded by Brett Adcock, will use the funding to develop its Figure 01 humanoid, build out its AI data pipeline for autonomous operations and drive towards commercialization. The round was led by Parkway Venture Capital and joined by participating investments from Adcock, Aliya Capital, Bold Ventures, Tamarack Global, FJ labs, and KUKA Robotics CEO Till Reuter. We’ve yet to get our eyes on Figure 01, but according to the company’s early specs, the humanoid will stand 5-feet, 6-inches tall, weigh 60 KG and be able to carry payloads up to 20 KG. Figure is building humanoids designed for initial deployment into the workforce to address labor shortages and to support supply chain on a global scale. In recent months, Figure made hires across AI, controls, manipulation, perception and commercial operations. The company’s latest hire, Bob Klunk, joined the team as he...

Open Robotics today, on World Turtle Day, announced the ninth release of ROS 2 called Iron Irwini. Open Robotics said this was a notable release of the Robot Operating System (ROS) for both its size and the amount of support it received from the ROS community: 239-plus contributors providing code changes, documentation, and testing. Iron Irwini is the largest ROS 2 release yet in terms of features, according to Open Robotics. It noted the following highlights of the release: Python API documentation is now hosted on docs.ros.org, making it easier to find, read, and update. REP-2012 Service Introspection: Debugging services is hard. Open Robotics wanted a simple way to watch a service in a running ROS system. You can now see service events in a separate topic, e.g. /myservice/_service_event. Pre and Post Parameter Callbacks now give parameter users more flexibility without breaking ABI. This approach allows users to add validation and sanitization to complex ROS parameter lists. ...

Waymo robotaxis are coming to Uber’s ride-hailing platform. The companies announced a multi-year partnership that will make the Waymo Driver available on Uber starting in Phoenix. The companies plan to launch the integration publicly later in 2023, with a set number of Waymo vehicles across its 180-square-mile operating territory in Phoenix. The services offered will include local deliveries and ride-hailing trips. Phoenix riders can still hail a robotaxi directly from the Waymo One app as well. “We’re excited to offer another way for people to experience the enjoyable and life-saving benefits of full autonomy,” Tekedra Mawakana, co-CEO of Waymo, said. “Uber has long been a leader in human-operated ridesharing, and the pairing of our pioneering technology and all-electric fleet with their customer network provides Waymo with an opportunity to reach even more people.” “Uber provides access to a global and reliable marketplace across mobility, delivery, and freight,” Dara Khosrowsh...

Associated Food Stores (AFS), a provider of groceries and other goods and services to independent retailers in nine Intermountain states, and Symbotic Inc., a leader in A.I.-enabled robotics technology for the supply chain, today announced they have entered into a commercial agreement to implement Symbotic’s A.I.-powered robotic warehouse automation technology in AFS’ Utah distribution center. Symbotic’s end-to-end automation system, with robotic case pick capabilities, will allow AFS’ distribution center to improve a variety of retail-facing experiences, including overall supply, expanded selection and delivery of products to stores. “We appreciate the partnership with Symbotic which enables us to cast an exciting vision for future growth and long-term relevance with the shoppers and retailers we serve,” said David Rice, AFS’ president and CEO. “Their expertise and professionalism allowed us to make what could have been a difficult decision, incredibly straightforward.” “While ver...

PBC Linear and Universal Robots’ Applied Cobotics Cobot Feeder. | Source: Universal Robots PBC Linear (Pacific Bearing Company), a producer in linear motion systems, has announced that its Applied Cobotics Cobot Feeder, a CNC machine feeding application kit that delivers and stages parts to be placed into a machining process, has received Universal Robots+ (UR+) partner certification from Universal Robots (UR). PBC Linear’s Applied Cobotics Cobot Feeder includes a base storage and retrieval unit with a UR cobot pedestal, an enclosed steel rack dunnage tower with a 17-tray capacity that safely stores up to 50 pounds of material, an HMI touch screen display for easy lift control, Ethernet IP, Modbus, and standard UR cobot communications. Designed to address material handling and labor shortage issues, the Cobot Feeder boosts UR cobot production without significant increases in labor. PBC Linear’s Cobot Feeder helps manufacturers achieve a higher return on their in...

Hesai Technology’s QT128 LiDAR. | Source: Hesai Technology Hesai Technology, a provider of LiDAR systems, and CRATUS, a software system integrator of LiDAR systems, announced they’ve entered into a strategic alliance to develop autonomous warehouse systems. Hesai and CRATUS will work together to release a series of drivers, middleware and end solutions centered around Hesai’s QT128 LiDAR sensors.  The QT128 has a 360º horizontal field of view (FOV), which eliminates blindspots that automated guided vehicles (AGVs) typically have when using traditional devices, which provide a 270º or less field of view. Eliminating these blindspots means avoiding any potential safety risks that come from the robot not being able to see everything around it.  Hesai’s QT128 has also obtained ISO 26262 ASIL B – Performance Level D Functional Safety certification by TÜV Rheinland. This certification verifies that the QT128 can detect potential risks in electronic systems. When it does, it sen...