EP.25 ROBOT THAT FEEDS COWS

A robot that feeds cows, a remotely-controlled avatar, iRobot and Amazon story & much more ...

Avatars for remote operation 🎮

In this recent research, an innovative avatar system has been introduced to enable individuals to control humanoid robots, allowing them to move, communicate, and interact with their surroundings. The system was put to the test using the iCub3 humanoid robot, the latest iteration in the iCub series developed at the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia.

This avatar system offers two significant contributions. Firstly, the iCub3 robot underwent enhancements after 15 years of development, improving its capabilities in walking, talking, and interacting with the environment. Secondly, a versatile avatar system was developed, empowering humans to command humanoid robots for various tasks, including locomotion, communication, and expressing emotions.

The primary aim of this research is to advance avatar technologies, particularly in situations like the COVID-19 pandemic, where physical presence poses challenges. This study explores new avenues for humans to operate robots remotely in real time, enhancing our capacity to engage with the world.

Read more about avatars here!

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A joint venture to accelerate robotics & AI! 🤖

Accenture and Mujin, a leader in intelligent robotics, have teamed up to create a new company called Accenture Alpha Automation. This joint venture, with Accenture owning 70% and Mujin 30%, aims to bring the power of AI and robotics to the manufacturing and logistics industries.

Using Mujin's expertise in easy-to-use industrial robotics and Accenture's digital engineering, Accenture Alpha Automation will help companies automate their operations by connecting data from manufacturing and logistics with management information. The goal is to make manufacturing and logistics processes more efficient and sophisticated, allowing businesses to make faster and better decisions.

The joint venture also marks Accenture's first Project Spotlight investment in Asia, supporting companies that apply disruptive technologies for enterprise solutions.

Read more here about Accenture & Mujin joint venture!

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Meme of the week 🤖

Even robots have their ambitions! 🧠

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Mobile robots with MATLAB! 🛞

You will learn how to leverage the Mobile Robotics Simulation Toolbox, presented by Sebastian Castro, to initiate your journey into mobile robotics simulation using MATLAB® and Simulink®.

This toolbox equips you with essential functionalities for simulating mobile robot kinematics and sensors within a 2D environment, facilitated by MATLAB code and Simulink models.

Key takeaways from Sebastian Castro's tutorial include:

• Simulating Mobile Robot Kinematics:

• Sensor Simulation in 2D Environment:

• Testing Control and Navigation Algorithms:

• Implementation Preparation:

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iRobot terminates deal with Amazon 🧼

iRobot, the company known for its robotic vacuums like the Roomba, has decided to cancel its planned acquisition by Amazon. Both companies agreed to this decision, citing regulatory scrutiny as the main reason for the termination of the deal.

Amazon expressed disappointment, stating that such regulatory hurdles hinder innovation and deny consumers the benefits of faster innovation and competitive prices. The proposed acquisition, initially valued at $1.7 billion, faced challenges from various regulators, including the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and the European Commission.

Along with the termination, iRobot announced the resignation of its co-founder and CEO, Colin Angle, and the appointment of interim CEO Glen Weinstein. The company is also undergoing restructuring, including a reduction in workforce by 31% and abandoning certain projects to align its cost structure with revenue expectations.

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A robot that feeds cows! 🐮

Fresh grass is a crucial nutrition source for dairy cattle, offering high protein and energy. Lely Exos, an autonomous system, revolutionizes grass harvesting and feeding. This innovative solution operates 24/7, autonomously mowing, transporting, feeding, and fertilizing grass, maximizing roughage efficiency with minimal labor.

Lely Exos employs a safety bumper, cameras for speed control, GPS for accurate navigation, a double knife cutter bar for precise cutting, and a liquid fertilizer applicator. The system is designed for efficient grass conveyance, featuring a weighing system, electric-driven distribution rollers, and various unloading conveyor belt options.

Choosing Lely means embracing farming innovation. We provide solutions for milking, feeding, housing, and animal care, supporting efficient farm management globally. Our goal is to facilitate sustainable milk and meat production. For more information, explore Lely's range of solutions or connect with a Lely Center near you.

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