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Library of actions: Implementing a generic robot execution framework by using manipulation action semantics (ABSTRACT)

August 13, 2019

Source: The International Journal of Robotics Research Authors: Mohamad Javad Aein, Eren Erdal Aksoy, Florentin Wörgötter Publication: First published May 29, 2019 When a robot has to imitate an observed action sequence, it must first understand the inherent characteristic features of the individual actions. Such features need to reflect the semantics of the action with a high degree of invariance between different demonstrations of the same action. At the same …Read More

Boston Dynamics Enters Warehouse Robots Market, Acquires Kinema Systems

July 30, 2019

Source: Spectrum IEEE / by Erico Guizzo The company, famous for agile machines like Atlas and Spot, wants to unleash robots in the warehouse If you haven’t seen the latest Boston Dynamics video, released last week, it shows an upgraded version of the company’s Handle robot moving boxes in a warehouse. Handle is a mobile manipulator that integrates both legs and wheels, and the new version features a swinging “tail” that serves as a …Read More

TECHNICAL GUEST POST: Object selection and detection (IK4-TEKNIKER)

July 24, 2019

Which approach are you using for object selection and detection within the PICK-PLACE project? Due to the large number of references that the system needs to be able to cope with, we are using a deep learning based approach for object identification, segmentation and grasping point selection. There are different steps involved in order to generate a deep learning model. First, a dataset with images of different objects needs to …Read More

Sensor-packed glove learns signatures of the human grasp (ABSTRACT)

July 17, 2019

Source: Science Daily Wearing a sensor-packed glove while handling a variety of objects, MIT researchers have compiled a massive dataset that enables an AI system to recognize objects through touch alone. The information could be leveraged to help robots identify and manipulate objects, and may aid in prosthetics design.

PROJECT MILESTONE: Human-robot collaboration experiments

July 2, 2019

When are operators annoyed by the presence of a collaborative robot? When do they consider the robot as an effective collaborator? These questions are fundamental in a human-robot collaboration scenario. Task 1.2 of the PICK-PLACE project analyzes the role of motion-planner behavior on the operator’s feelings. An experimental campaign has been used to understand how humans are affected in their jobs by the presence of a robot. The results have been …Read More

Amazon Uses 800 Robots to Run This Warehouse

June 25, 2019

Source: IEEE Spectrum / by Evan Ackerman Amazon is adding even more robots to its already massive robotic workforce At Amazon’s re:MARS conference in Las Vegas today, who else but Amazon is introducing two new robots designed to make its fulfillment centers even more fulfilling. Xanthus (named after a mythological horse that could very briefly talk but let’s not read too much into that) is a completely redesigned drive unit, one of the …Read More

PROJECT NEWS: PICK-PLACE presented at industrial forum in Eibar, Spain

June 21, 2019

Last month, PICK-PLACE was presented at a forum on advanced industrial solutions, including fields such as robotics, laser and machining for manufacturing, Zero Defect Manufacturing (ZDM), talent management in SMART environments, and other relevant trends. The forum, entitled “What and how will be produced in 2050?” was organized by IMHE in collaboration with research centers ACORDE, IK4-TEKNIKER and IK4-IDECO, and hosted by project parner IK4-TEKNIKER at their headquarters in Eibar …Read More

Pneumatic robotics meets artificial intelligence

May 6, 2019

Source: Festo Whether its grabbing, holding or turning, touching, typing or pressing – in everyday life, we use our hands as a matter of course for the most diverse tasks. In that regard, the human hand, with its unique combination of power, dexterity and fine motor skills, is a true miracle tool of nature. What could be more natural than equipping robots in collaborative workspaces with a gripper that is modelled after this model …Read More

PROJECT NEWS: PICK-PLACE at ERF 2019 (A summary)

April 29, 2019

Last month, some members of the PICK-PLACE consortium attended the European Robotics Forum (ERF) 2019, which took place in Bucharest (Romania), on March 20-22 2019. The Forum has been an excellent occasion to learn about the latest innovations in the field, and has provided interesting feedback for our project. Ander Iriondo, researcher at IK4-TEKNIKER, answers the interview. As IK4-TEKNIKER, why did you decide to attend ERF 2019? ERF is a …Read More

Google Teaches Robot to Toss Bananas Better Than You Do

April 25, 2019

Source: Spectrum IEEE / By Evan Ackerman TossingBot, developed by Google and Princeton, can teach itself to throw arbitrary objects with better accuracy than most humans. As anyone who’s ever tried to learn how to throw something properly can attest to, it takes a lot of practice to be able to get it right. Once you have it down, though, it makes you much more efficient at a variety of …Read More