Industry 4.0 news
4 min readThe aftermath of an earthquake impinges rescue operations. With collapsed building debris everywhere, rescue operations become dangerous and slow. Worse, people might get trapped in hard to reach places because of the debris. The debris makes it difficult for rescue workers to contact them or send aid supplies to them. At times, reduce the flow of oxygen to where they are. This is usually a challenging operation for rescue workers. However, with the aid of a snake-like robot called Guardian S. Developed by Sarcos, the robot is perfect for hazardous conditions that require getting a reading of the environs before sending a rescue team in. It also provides real-time information about high-risk rescue attempts to the control room and the rescuers. With this, rescuers can strategize the next line of action.
In terms of positive results, it was found that children perceived robot dogs in the same way as living dogs – as great companions. However, the study also found a limitation. The robot dog couldn’t interact as well as the living dog. The researchers concluded that it’s not certain that robot pets can completely replace living dogs. Therefore, we need to be cautious when assigning them to the elderly in assisted living. Discover additional info on a quality post.
The National Robotics Week is one event you cannot afford to miss as a robotics enthusiast. It is packed with activities and grassroots events. Taking place in April 2020, RoboWeek runs from the 4th till the 12th of the month. The purpose of this event is to celebrate and create awareness of the importance and strength of the U.S robotics industry. It also aims at promoting the robotics industry by exhibiting the cultural and social impact robotics have, and will have in time to come. The 2020 RoboWeek sets out to inspire students across backgrounds in robotics and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) related fields, enabling them to share their ideas and excitement with audiences. You can support and celebrate the RoboWeek anywhere in the U.S by hosting the event in your community, sharing the word on social media, attending any of the events or by sponsorship.
Robotics Vs. Robots: Scholars define robotics as a scientific and engineering discipline that focuses on understanding and using artificial, embodied capabilities. The real people behind the scholar definitions – i.e. the roboticists – design, construct and operate robots through complex computer systems that allow them to control their creations, obtain sensory feedback, and process information. Historically considered a branch of engineering that focuses on the design, conception, manufacture, and operation of robots, robotics is closely inter-related with electronics, computer science, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, mechatronics, and bioengineering. Even more details at this article.
Steel is strong and heavy, which means it is difficult to shape and carry in large parts. However, steel can be also formed into thin sheets. You may see that vehicles are protected by their steel exterior, which can also be applied in robotics. Those sheets can be formed into tubes, which can be also made as robot frames. Known for its flexibility, rubber can absorb shock while handling delicate products. For your robot, you may consider covering up both the hard and sensitive parts with rubber. It is also reliable when you want your robot to be sociable with humans. This soft material, however, is also suitable to use in extreme environments. Rubber has high resistance to some elements especially liquids. To enable your robot to go underwater; consider sealing it with rubbery materials. Since the rubber doesn’t rust, it can handle some acids too. With all that being said, rubber is a great material to consider for your robot – its use might be limited, but it can certainly come in handy.
A breakdown of the purchase of robots shows that about $446 million was spent by American companies to buy 8,572 robots, a 19.2% growth in the orders made as well as a 0.6% increase in dollars in the second quarter of 2019. However, industrial robots in the first quarter of 2018 boasted of a higher unit of order than in 2019. North American companies spent a whopping $423 million to buy 7,876 robots from January to March of 2019 but it is 3.5% short of what was expended in the previous year.
As more data is collected, the decisions of these systems will improve. The end result will be a level of efficiency that we once didn’t think possible. The digital connection of these devices make Industry 4.0 a possibility. In each stage of these industrial revolutions, companies have had to keep up with technology or be left behind. Connected technology will be the next revolution that companies will have to follow. If they don’t, their level of production will be less than their rivals. Read more details on a quality post.