Robotics

AI-enabled robots may increase recycling, workplace safety

Automating the recycling sorting process can increase waste management efficiency and play a valuable role in reducing environmental contamination.

  • By Kaitlyn Levinson

Tricky terrain is no problem for this four-legged robot

Researchers have developed a robot that uses machine learning to navigate its surrounding, which scientists say could assist in search and rescue operations.

  • By Aaron Aupperlee, Futurity

Building back better with robotics

Southwestern Pennsylvania pulled in a $62.7M federal grant to build a robotics and autonomy cluster.

  • By Susan Miller

Who's responsible if a Tesla on autopilot kills someone?

The electric vehicle manufacturer clearly places the onus of safety on the driver, but research suggests that humans are susceptible to automation bias, an over-reliance on automated aids and decision support systems. Ultimately, courts will decide.

  • By Emily Rosenthal , Futurity

FCC commissioner calls for tighter restrictions on DJI drones

FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr called for prohibiting Universal Service Fund dollars from being used to purchase DJI equipment and suggested the company be placed on its covered list.

  • By Shourjya Mookerjee

FAA seeks best practices for drone-based infrastructure inspections

The Federal Aviation Administration is conducting a market survey to better understand how drones can be used to inspect infrastructure.

  • By Shourjya Mookerjee

NIST opens challenge for drone search and rescue research

The First Responder UAS Triple Challenge asks participants to improve drones’ image detection capabilities, broadband communications options and navigation and control security.

  • By GCN Staff

An expert on search and rescue robots explains the technologies used in disasters like the Florida condo collapse

Ground robots are typically used to go into places that searchers can’t fit into and go farther than search cameras can.

  • By Robin R. Murphy

GSA drops most drones from multiple award schedules

To crack down on security risks from unmanned aerial systems, the General Services Administration said its multiple awards schedules will only offer small drones approved by the Defense Innovation Unit’s Blue sUAS Program.

  • By GCN Staff

Robotic dogs patrol Tyndall AFB

The unmanned ground vehicles, which resemble headless robot dogs, use on-board computers, cameras and other detection devices as they patrol a set path scouting for threats.

  • By GCN Staff

Firefighting robot joins LA force

The Los Angeles City Fire Department’s new robotic firefighter, the Thermite RS3, was on the job just a day after it arrived.

  • By GCN Staff

NC gets waiver to fly bridge-inspection drones beyond line of sight

Inspectors with the North Carolina Department of Transportation can now use unmanned aerial systems to examine the underside of bridges to better analyze the bridge’s integrity and identify possible problems.

  • By GCN Staff

US-made small drones added to GSA schedule

Through the Defense Innovation Unit’s Blue sUAS initiative, five U.S.-manufactured drone configurations are providing secure options for military and civilian agencies.

  • By Stephanie Kanowitz

Hearing gives robot perception a big boost

Robot perception could improve markedly by giving robots the ability to hear sounds, researchers report.

  • By Byron Spice
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Anti-drone tech tests lined up for local airports

The Federal Aviation Administration plans to test anti-drone technologies to see how they perform in real-world environments.

  • By Mark Rockwell

State and local governments warned to keep federal drone laws in mind

State, local and private sector could run afoul of federal laws if they deploy drone detection and mitigation systems without careful thought, federal agencies say.

  • By Mark Rockwell

DHS tests counter-drone tech

The Department of Homeland Security is testing counter-drone systems near agency facilities and ports, according to a recently released privacy impact assessment.

  • By Mark Rockwell

Teaching autonomous vehicles to learn by doing

Ground robots that can apply learned behaviors to new tasks, rather than responding to verbal commands, will improve how they move through rugged and unfamiliar terrain.

  • By GCN Staff

DIU issues drone contracts to support domestic suppliers

The Defense Department’s innovation arm has issued $13.4 million in small-drone support contracts under the Defense Production Act.

  • By Lauren C. Williams

Did that drone just tell us to stay 6 feet apart?

Drones that monitor social distance, scan crowds and test temperatures worry the public, civil liberties advocates and some in the drone industry.

  • By Lindsey Van Ness

How digital twins keep Navy ahead on ship maintenance

With a digital twin of a ship, the Navy can conduct shipboard repairs and maintenance while at sea, ensuring the readiness of combat systems without the need to dock.

  • By Stephanie Kanowitz