In a world where time is money, the future of robotics is brighter than ever. Businesses are constantly devising ways to streamline their workforce and [tp lang=”en” only=”y”]production lines[/tp][tp not_in=”en”]production lines[/tp] whilst increasing productivity and profit, and by investing in robots they can save a small fortune long term. Let’s face it, no robot is going to object to monotonous back to back 12 hour shifts, nor will they get tired, distracted or call in sick. As we celebrate all things robotic, here are our top five robotic trends to watch out for in 2014.
Automatic Milking
Farmers have had a rough ride in recent years, with foot and mouth disease decimating herds and the recession driving them into debt as they battle to save their livelihoods. However recent developments could massively improve the industry with the first Automatic Milking (AM) systems being trailed in Ireland following their success in European dairy farms. These EU funded units can milk a herd of around 70 cows with no human presence needed, relieving the farmer to get on with the day to day management of the farm or allowing simultaneous milking or two or more herds.
QB from AnyBots
Most people at some time or another will wish there was more than one of them in order to be in two places at once, and with QB from [tp lang=”en” only=”y”]AnyBots[/tp][tp not_in=”en”]AnyBots[/tp] this is now a reality. This sleek, self-balancing robot is remotely controlled and will allow you to virtually visit places where you cannot physically be in attendance. These versatile bots offer a wide range of uses from enabling doctors to visit long distance patients remotely to managing directors inspecting factories from another country. Equipped with a speaker, camera and video screen, QB allows the operator to interact through state of the art mobile telepresence, so you need never miss a crucial meeting or event again.
Ekso Bionics
For thousands of people paralysis has severely limited their mobility; however the development of a bionic exoskeleton could revolutionize the lives of previously wheelchair bound individuals. The Ekso GT™ is a Class I medical device that can be used by medical professional to promote gait training and increase strength as it responds to the users shift in weight to recreate the action of walking. Easily adaptable to users of any size and shape, this robot offers paralyzed patients the opportunity to experience mobility once again.
Unbounded Robotics
Unbounded Robotics has brought the world of robotics in to homes up and down the country with their affordable, personal robot the UBR-1. Referred to as the ‘working man’s robot’, the [tp lang=”en” only=”y”]UBR-1[/tp][tp not_in=”en”]UBR-1[/tp] is designed to do all the jobs that you cannot do at work or at home, from lifting heavy goods to fetching and placing items with its super dexterous interchangeable finger tips. UBR-1 has an endless list of possible uses, from assisting the disabled and elderly in the home through to operating in SME’s to reduce labor costs and increase profit margins in those all-important growth years.
Automated Driving
Google’s offering into the world of robotics is its state of the art autonomous vehicle. The intuitive car features lasers which enable the car to ‘see’ and have a 360 degree awareness of its immediate environment and objects located on any side. With a zero accident rating, thanks to its on board computer that can scan road signs, assess its surroundings, and detect the movements of other road users, this car is sure to be on a road near you in the future.
Guest article written by: James Young works at [tp lang=”en” only=”y”]RNA[/tp][tp not_in=”en”]RNA[/tp] Automation, a leading supplier of fast, flexible automation solutions and robotic systems to clients all over the world.
cool robot 😀