MIT’s 6 mW chip lets tiny drones see and map their surroundings in real time
Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have unveiled a groundbreaking low-power chip designed to enhance the capabilities of small drones and robots. This innovative technology, introduced in October 2023, aims to facilitate the construction of complex structures by enabling these machines to work collaboratively and autonomously. The development is driven by the need for more efficient and sustainable solutions in various fields, including construction and disaster response. By equipping drones and robots with this advanced chip, the team has demonstrated how these devices can communicate and coordinate their actions effectively, thereby significantly improving their operational efficiency. The research highlights the potential for such technology to revolutionize the way we approach tasks that require precision and teamwork in environments that are challenging for human workers.
Robotics needs a service framework.
RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.
HERL (Human Engineering Research Lab)
United States
Joint University of Pittsburgh and US Department of Veterans Affairs laboratory conducting rehabilitation engineering research. Develops mobility devices, assistive technologies, and medical-grade products for people with disabilities.
Joanneum Research Assoc (AT)
Austria
Joanneum Research Institute for Robotics and Flexible Production conducts applied R&D in industrial robot systems, production automation and robot safety, offering feasibility analysis, consulting and testing in a robotics solution centre.
St Petersburg National Research U of ITMO
Russian leading research university (ITMO University) specializing in information technology, optical engineering, and photonics. Active research programs in AI, robotics, computer vision, and cyber-physical systems.
Advanced Construction Robotics
United States
Advanced Construction Robotics develops autonomous rebar installation systems: TyBOT, a self-locating rebar-tying robot achieving >1,200 ties/hour with 99% accuracy on horizontal intersections without pre-mapping, programming, or BIM; and IronBOT, a rebar handling robot for lifting, carrying, singulating, and self-placing up to 5,000 lb bundles in transverse/longitudinal orientations. Targets bridge, infrastructure, and heavy civil construction for schedule reduction and labor augmentation.
Construction Automation
United Kingdom
Develops ABLR for automated bricklaying with mortar dispensing and block placement. Constructs house shells using robotic arms for precision in residential masonry.
Construction Robotics
United States
Semi-Automated Mason (SAM) bricklaying robot. Robotic arm with laser guidance for brick placement; lays bricks 3–6× faster than manual; collaborative with mason; sensors for mortar slump, temperature, humidity, placement data; CAD-driven mapping.
Technology Collaborative
Technology Collaborative is a US nonprofit organization focused on technology education and workforce development. Connects businesses, educators, and government to advance applied technology skills including automation and robotics training.
AUBO Robotics 遨博智能
United States
AUBO is a Chinese national high-tech enterprise specializing in the R&D, production, and sale of collaborative robots (cobots) with full independent intellectual property rights. They offer various models (3-16KG payload, i/C/iV/iF series) for applications in 3C, automotive, healthcare, and logistics, aiming to increase efficiency and achieve low-cost operations globally.
Chang Robotics
United States
Chang Robotics is an engineering firm specializing in collaborative robotics and automation integration. It provides customized cutting-edge robotic solutions tailored to workforce needs, serving manufacturing, healthcare, government, food & beverage, and other sectors with engineering, deployment, and advanced automation systems.
Oceaneering (acq Frog AGV)
United States
Oceaneering is an offshore technology and engineered services company that acquired Frog AGV systems. It supplies automated guided vehicles and subsea robotics for oil and gas, aerospace, and industrial customers.
OM Robot (CN)
United States
OM Robot (Omron Robotics) manufactures industrial, collaborative, and mobile robots for manufacturing automation. OTTO AMR and SCARA/delta robot lines are deployed globally with FLOW Core fleet management software.
Swiss Mobile Robotics Consortium
Swiss Mobile Robotics Consortium is a Swiss collaborative initiative focused on mobile robotics research and development, bringing together academic and industrial partners to advance autonomous mobile robot technologies.
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