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Iván Hernández Dalas: First patient enrolls in clinical trial for Wandercraft Atalante X exoskeleton

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The Atalante X self-supporting exoskeleton is being tested for clinical use. Source: Wandercraft Robotics and wearable technologies show promise in helping patients in rehabilitation. The first patient has enrolled in a new clinical trial at Brigham and Women’s Hospital for Atalante X, a robotic exoskeleton from Wandercraft. “This pilot study is designed to answer an important, practical question: Can Atalante X, a self-balancing exoskeleton, be used safely and effectively in a thoracic surgical ICU [intensive care unit]?” said Matthieu Masselin, co-founder and CEO of Wandercraft. Thoracic surgery patients are often unable to stand for even a minute without the assistance of two or more healthcare providers, according to ICU clinicians. The first days after surgery are often a difficult period for mobilizing a patient, but even a few minutes of upright posture can benefit cardiorespiratory function, vital sign stability, muscle preservation, and psychological well-being, Wandercr...
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Iván Hernández Dalas: New York Robotics launches with 160 startups in its ecosystem

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Robotics experts, including Jacob Hennessey-Rubin, co-founder of NYR (right), testifying in favor of Massachusetts’ bill to ban weaponized robots. | Source: New York Robotics New York Robotics, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing the robotics community in the New York Tri-State region, this week officially launched with more than 160 robotics startups in its ecosystem. Nearly 100 of these are in New York City alone, it said. New York Robotics ( NYR ) said it hopes to establish the city as a global contender in robotics alongside hubs such as Boston, Silicon Valley, Pittsburgh, Munich, Zurich, Singapore, and Odense, Denmark. It began as a Meetup group in 2021 and has been preparing for this launch for two years, Jacob Hennessey-Rubin, the co-founder and executive director of NYR, told The Robot Report .  Since 2024, NYR has organized more than 20 events. When Hennessey-Rubin moved to New York in 2018 and worked at a robotics startup, he realized that there were many other start...
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Iván Hernández Dalas: Robot Talk Episode 142 – Collaborative robot arms, with Mark Gray

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Claire chatted to Mark Gray from Universal Robots about their lightweight robotic arms that work alongside humans. Mark Gray has worked in automation for the last 30 years, first involved in machine vision and robotics and finally collaborative robots or cobots. As country manager, Mark was the first person to work for Universal Robots in the UK and has carried out projects with many research institutes such as the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), the National Robotarium, and Bristol Robotics Lab. View Source
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Iván Hernández Dalas: Webinar examines evolving automated storage and retrieval systems

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A webinar will examine the changes in ASRS to meet industry needs. Source: peerawat, AI, via Adobe Stock Automated storage and retrieval systems, or ASRS, offer efficient throughput and maximize space utilization. However, they have been widely regarded as inflexible and difficult to implement. That is changing, as robotic shuttles combine the precision of traditional ASRS with the adaptability of mobile robots. Newer  grid storage  options can handle cold chain, pallets, and variable case sizes. In addition, software and AI are providing more intelligent routing, dynamic inventory management, and integration with warehouse management system (WMS). They can also provide predictive analytics, demand forecasting, and real-time reporting. How do current automated storage and retrieval systems compare with very narrow aisle (VNA) and high-reach autonomous mobile robots (AMRs)? What are the roles for manual and robotic picking? When can we expect to see more micro-fulfillmen...
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Iván Hernández Dalas: NHTSA to investigate Waymo after an AV hit a child near a Santa Monica school

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Waymo’s sensor stack on top of a Waymo autonomous vehicle. | Source: Waymo The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, today said it is opening an investigation into Waymo LLC, a self-driving vehicle developer and subsidiary of Alphabet Inc. The agency is investigating an incident in which a Waymo vehicle struck a child near an elementary school in Santa Monica, Calif., last week. According to the NHTSA, on Jan. 23, a child ran across the street from behind a double-parked SUV toward an elementary school. When the child emerged from behind the SUV, a Waymo autonomous vehicle ( AV ) struck the child. The accident occurred during normal school drop-off hours, said the NHTSA. It added that other children, a crossing guard, and several double-parked vehicles were in the vicinity. Waymo claimed that its technology detected the child as soon as she emerged from behind the parked vehicles. The company said its vehicle braked hard, reducing speed from approximately ...
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Iván Hernández Dalas: ABB Robotics seeks to standardize measurement of robot energy consumption

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ABB says that automating more of construction can reduce carbon emissions. Source: ABB Robotics The potential for industrial robots to make production more efficient and environmentally sustainable is commonly cited as a potential benefit of automation. However, this has been difficult to quantify and compare. ABB Robotics this week announced an initiative to develop a global, standardized method for measuring the energy consumption and efficiency of industrial robots. “With no global standard currently in place, it’s a challenge for customers to compare the energy consumption of different robots and choose the most energy efficient solution.” said Gianluca Brotto, head of sustainability at ABB Robotics. “Unlike other products such as fridges, TVs, washing machines and motors, which have clearly defined standards for how to measure and compare energy efficiency, there is no standard for measuring the energy consumption of a robot,” he noted. “This initiative will empower customers...
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Iván Hernández Dalas: OnRobot to share automation roadmap advice in Dallas

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OnRobot and FANUC will demonstrate applications such as machine tending in Dallas. Source: OnRobot Manufacturers in North Texas face the same struggles with hiring and retaining skilled workers as companies worldwide, but robotics can help. OnRobot A/S plans to host an event in Dallas on Feb. 19 that it said will bring practical automation solutions directly to the region’s manufacturing community. Kristian Hulgard, OnRobot “As one of the largest and fastest-growing manufacturing hubs in the country, Dallas–Fort Worth is feeling the strain of today’s labor market more than most,” said Kristian Hulgard, general manager for the Americas at OnRobot. “Many manufacturers here are running strong order books but simply can’t find enough skilled operators, machinists, or technicians. This roadmap event is about showing practical, proven ways automation can help fill those gaps.” Founded in 2018, OnRobot was formed with the merger of three end-of-arm tooling ( EOAT ) companies: Percepti...
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