SORA-Q: Baseball-sized shape-shifting rover that saved Japan’s SLIM moon mission
A groundbreaking development in robotics has emerged from Japan, where researchers have created a microscopic, shape-shifting robot inspired by children's toys. This innovative technology successfully demonstrated its potential by aiding in the preservation of Japan's rich historical narrative. The robot, which can alter its form and function, was unveiled during a recent scientific conference held in Tokyo. The motivation behind this invention lies in the desire to enhance preservation techniques for cultural artifacts and historical sites, making them more accessible and engaging for future generations. By utilizing advanced materials and engineering principles, the team was able to design a robot that can navigate intricate environments and perform delicate tasks, showcasing its versatility and effectiveness. This achievement not only highlights the intersection of technology and cultural heritage but also opens new avenues for research and application in the field of robotics.
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.
Copley Controls
United States
Copley Controls, an ISO 9001:2008 company and part of Analogic Corporation, delivers high-performance motion solutions to a wide range of industries including semiconductor, life sciences, test, automated assembly, and COTS military.
Madrid Space (ES)
Spain
Spanish space engineering consultancy providing thermal, structural, and CFD analysis services. Specializes in thermo-mechanical challenges across 100+ space projects for satellite, payload, and platform development.
Pedsco (Canada)
United Kingdom
Pedsco (Canada) Ltd. manufactures the RMI (Remote Mobile Investigator) series of remotely operated ground vehicles. The RMI-9 and RMI-10 are lightweight battery-powered robots used globally by police, military, fire departments, and industrial institutions for hazardous material handling and EOD operations.
Alkadur Robot Systems GmbH
Germany
Alkadur Robot Systems (Germany) manufactures automated doner kebab cutting robots for commercial food service environments. The robotic systems use optically integrated sensors to deliver precise, hygienic, single-button-operated meat slicing for high-volume restaurant and catering operations.
CRP Robot (CN)
China
Chinese high-tech enterprise manufacturing industrial robots, collaborative robots, and core robot components including control systems and servo systems. Main drafting unit of four Chinese national standards in the industrial robot domain.
Dr Robot
Canada
Dr Robot Inc develops WiFi-connected robot platforms, motor drivers, servo controllers, and OEM robot kits for autonomous mobile and humanoid robot development. Products target educational, research, and personal robot application developers.
Neobotix GmbH (DE)
Germany
Neobotix (Germany) designs and manufactures mobile robots and robot systems including omnidirectional platforms and mobile manipulators. All products offer full ROS 2 support and the company provides customised mobile robot development for industrial transport, pick-and-place, and measurement tasks.
Lyric Robot 利元亨智能
China
A high-tech intelligent equipment enterprise focusing on complete automation solutions for new energy, automotive components, and intelligent logistics industries, including R&D and production of mobile-manipulator robots and core robotic components.
Rotacaster (AU)
Australian manufacturer of the Rotacaster Wheel 2.0, a multi-directional omni-wheel enabling 360-degree fluid movement for robotics, materials handling, and conveyor applications. Patented wheel design serves autonomous mobile robot, logistics, and industrial transport platforms globally.
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