Video of the Week: Aeolus Launches Dual-Arm Humanoid Mobile Robot for Multiple Tasks

At CES 2023 in Las Vegas, Aeolus Robotics has introduced aeo, a dual-arm humanoid robot that can perform several service tasks, including delivery, security, eldercare, kiosk operation and ultraviolet germicidal disinfection. The company said its hands-on approach to service, operated by aeo, combines mobility with advanced functionality to perform tasks such as opening doors, picking up objects, and riding elevators.

The company said aero is available as a robot-as-a-service (RaaS), and features plug-and-play attachments and integration with third-party developers, such as Asratech of Japan and Malibu AI in Taiwan. The dual arms have seven degrees-of-freedom (DOF), which allow aeo to perform tasks such as delivery or disinfection with one arm, while the other arm is free for mobility tasks such as operating elevators or opening doors. The aeo includes third-generation arms created by Aeolus that include an eight-pound single-arm lift capacity. The company said its vision algorithms provide several capabilities, from determining the posture and position of a human for eldercare safety, to detecting open windows or misplaced backpacks in a security setting.

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Sponsored Video: Oriental Motor’s AZ Series mini Driver

The AZ Series mini Driver from Oriental Motor works with a variety of AlphaStep AZ Series, DC input products. This driver can be controlled using EtherCAT or RS-485 communication and daisy chained to maximize design, space and improve installation time. The mini Driver is also designed to be close to the motor, making it ideal for robotic applications.

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Featured Robot: Italian 3-Limbed Robot to Assist Astronauts with Space Tasks

As reported on Engineering 360, a three-limbed robotic platform developed by researchers at the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) promises to assist astronauts in space with infrastructure tasks. The “Multi-arm Installation Robot for Readying ORUs and Reflectors (MIRROR) project,” or MARM, consists of a central body, three limbs and a docking device and is designed to assist astronauts in assembling and maintaining infrastructures while they are in space or, in the future, on other planets.

Capable of walking, moving, grasping and transporting payload modules in a microgravity environment, MARM will assist astronauts with tasks such as installing, inspecting, maintaining and repairing space infrastructures. MARM can grasp, transport and assemble modules, pick up a payload, relocate itself while carrying the payload, and can assemble it at a target location.

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Robotics Market: Manufacturing

OnRobot Aims to Automate Robotic Deployment With D:PLOY

Denmark-based OnRobot has announced the launch of D:PLOY, designed to break down automation barriers to bring the benefit of collaborative automation to businesses of all sizes. Now available worldwide, D:PLOY is an automated platform for building, running, monitoring and re-deploying collaborative applications.

OnRobot said that by automating the process of getting a robotic application up and running, D:PLOY allows complete applications to be deployed and redeployed directly on the manufacturing floor in a few simple steps, without any programming knowledge needed. Applications supported in the launch include palletizing, CNC machine tending, packaging and pick-and-place, with additional applications coming in the future.

“The D:PLOY platform and its ability to truly democratize automation has been OnRobot’s goal from the beginning, and we have been laying the groundwork for years,” said Enrico Krog Iversen, CEO of OnRobot. “Today we offer the industry’s broadest range of tools and application solutions for every leading robot brand – all based on our ‘One System, Zero Complexity’ philosophy. Now that the building blocks are in place, we can finally launch the first version of D:PLOY, which will be a market enabler across the industry.”

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Robotics Market of the Week: Material Handling / Logistics / Supply Chain

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Editor’s Pick: Featured Article

Feature: How IR Cameras Enable Machine Vision Capabilities

Simply put, machine vision is the ability of an electronic system to see. Advanced processing systems analyze images to make a decision or classification. Automated product inspection, face recognition, and collision avoidance technology are possible thanks to machine vision technology. Machine vision cameras must operate with total reliability all day, every day, for many years, even in tough environments where there might be constant vibrations. 

Machine vision cameras come with many features to manipulate and create a specific type of image. Basic and advanced features in machine vision include:

• Ability to define a narrow field of view and ignore the rest of the scene
• Automatic color correction
• Timestamps to synchronize images to readings from other sensors
• Synchronizing image capture with signals from other hardware devices
• Synchronize image capture for multiple cameras
• Precise control of camera configuration with in-house software development kit
• Easy integration with third party machine vision software

Machine vision enables electronic and mechanical systems to turn visual information into decisions. Developers can take this a step further and use deep learning to quickly automate complex and subjective decision making. Deep learning mimics how the human brain processes data, using neural networks to distinguish between noteworthy anomalies vs. natural variations. The result is the ability to analyze more complex patterns, develop systems faster, deliver higher quality products, and enhance productivity.

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