Discover the Latest at Robotics Edition

Although soft-bodied robots themselves can be fairly simple, low-cost devices, they typically require complex onboard electronics to control their locomotion. Such is not the case with a new bot, however, which utilizes a phenomenon of physics to automatically move its inflatable legs.Continue ReadingCategory: Robotics, TechnologyTags: Soft Robotics, Inflatable, locomotion, Physics

Quadruped "robot dogs" may move quite a bit like their canine counterparts on land, but they're not nearly as good at swimming (although some can walk underwater). Such is not the case with a new mini-dog-bot, however, which is an expert at doing the dog-paddle.Continue ReadingCategory: Robotics, TechnologyTags: Quadruped, Biomimicry, Swimming, Amphibious, locomotion

If you're releasing a robot into the aquatic environment with no intention of retrieving it, that bot had better be biodegradable. Swiss scientists have gone a step better than that, with li'l robots that can be consumed by fish when their job is done.Continue ReadingCategory: Robotics, TechnologyTags: EPFL, Microbots, Fish, Aquaculture, Environment

Unitree has launched a modified version of its B2 quadruped aimed at putting out fires. Able to host various use-specific modules, the robodog hauls a powerful water cannon high-flow and can operate in extreme environments.Continue ReadingCategory: Robotics, TechnologyTags: Unitree, Quadruped, Rescue, Fire, Safety

Adding new meaning to the term "fusion cuisine," an international team of adventurous researchers has united robot science and gastronomy to create an elaborate multi-tiered cake with edible components and the world's first edible rechargeable battery. (Well, it's rechargeable until you eat it.)Continue ReadingCategory: Robotics, TechnologyTags: Italian Institute of Technology, Battery, sustainable design, Food technology, Electronic, Smart

Ground-going delivery robots are already streamlining operations in various industries, but they typically still have to be loaded and unloaded by humans. That's where the multi-terrain LEVA bot comes in, as it can autonomously lift and drop off cargo boxes weighing up to 85 kg.Continue ReadingCategory: Robotics, TechnologyTags: Delivery robots, Quadruped, ETH Zurich

It's happening: The robots are taking our jobs. No sick days, bathroom breaks, and no more curly hairs in your buns. Just cold, hard efficiency. More specifically, BurgerBot is a new fast-food joint where robots are doing all the work that humans aren't interested in, like burger assembly lines.Continue ReadingCategory: Robotics, TechnologyTags: Automation, Food, Food technology, Robots, Robotic

Cable cars are certainly handy for transporting cargo up steep mountain slopes, but what if you want to do the same sort of thing on a much smaller scale? Well, you could try using a tiny new light-powered robot, which is cable of carrying items up thin mid-air tracks.Continue ReadingCategory: Robotics, TechnologyTags: North Carolina State University, Light, Climbing, Soft Robotics, Cable Cars

We've seen the Lynx robodog from China's Deep Robotics perform some incredibly athletic feats since launching last year, such as bounding over extreme terrain and chilling in snow. Now the company has debuted a rugged version for industrial use.Continue ReadingCategory: Robotics, TechnologyTags: Quadruped, Artificial Intelligence, Industrial design, Agility

Unless you're some boring, unimaginative schmuck, chances are you've sometimes wondered what the world looks like from a tiny creature's point of view. Well, the Goby robot will show you, as you remotely control it via a simple online dashboard.Continue ReadingCategory: Robotics, TechnologyTags: Kickstarter, Telepresence, Remote Control