How Companies Are Using Artificial Intelligence in Robotics
For years, films and science fiction stories have predicted this scenario: an intelligent army of AI robots serving humans becomes too smart and takes over the world. Some people fear this plot could become reality due to technological developments in artificial intelligence and robotics.
However, for many others, applying intelligence to robotics means further innovation. From making smart consumer goods to creating technologies for the marine industry, let's look at companies doing amazing things with AI in robotics.
Boston Dynamics
The company creates dynamic, intelligent and adaptive robots. Using various models, Boston Dynamics develops sensory controls that prepare robots for different environments and terrains.
Fans of Netflix's series Black Mirror have likely seen the company's concept in action. The fourth season episode titled "Metalhead" was inspired by Boston Dynamics' SpotMini model for the four-legged killer robot.
Canvas Technology
The company, acquired by Amazon, creates autonomous and intelligent technologies that optimize warehouse processes. Canvas Technology's main product, an industrial autonomous cart, works in unstructured warehouse and manufacturing spaces, indoors or outdoors.
Designed for quick changeover, the cart adapts and installs easily. International Flavors and Fragrances in New Jersey found that a single Canvas autonomous cart eliminates 10 hours of wasted time at its facility.
DroneSense
The DroneSense software platform is used for public safety. Drones can be operated manually or autonomously (using technologies such as AI) to assist fire services, emergency response teams, law enforcement and search and rescue operations.
The drone's unique aerial viewpoint allows it to collect and report a wide range of information and data, such as the source of a forest fire, the location of stolen property or missing persons, and the extent of damage caused by a natural disaster in a given area.
A Texas power line company used these drones to assess tornado damage, save time and protect people from damaged towers.
iRobot
The manufacturer of consumer robots creates home cleaning devices. Its best-known product, Roomba, is a robot vacuum that adapts to its surroundings, cleaning floors of dirt and small debris.
The latest robot model is very smart: it can determine room size, adjust to carpet or hard wood floors, choose optimal routes and remember where objects are in the room. The robots are constantly improving at learning and adapting to their environment.
Miso Robotics
The company creates autonomous robots for use in commercial kitchens. The Flippy cooking robot boasts 3D and thermal vision, which allows it to learn from its surroundings and acquire new skills. The company says using robots in the kitchen reduces food waste and frees up workers who can prepare food or help customers.
The Los Angeles Dodgers use Flippy in stadium kitchens to cook and serve chicken dishes.
Neurala
The Neurala Brain is an artificial intelligence program that makes many devices smarter. The technology is already integrated into more than 9 million devices, enhancing intelligence in cars, phones, drones and cameras. It is also used by major organizations such as NASA, DARPA, Motorola and NVIDIA.
Neurala's solutions are designed to make drones smarter. Future uses include detecting early signs of corrosion in large equipment such as wind turbines and stopping elephant poaching.
Rethink Robotics
The company creates cobots that can work in the same environment as people. Simplified training involves moving the robot's arms to demonstrate the actions it needs to perform. In addition, Rethink robots automatically adjust the force needed to perform a specific task, creating a safer environment and expanding work capabilities.
Rethink's Sawyer model was used by a furniture company to meet growing production demands during busy months. The robot prepared materials for assembly, performed inspections and adapted to changes in the human workflow.
Sea Machines
The company creates autonomous technologies for the marine industry. The technology connects a vessel's equipment with navigation sensors for autonomous or remote control. The system acts as a data recorder, enabling remote missions or routine routing tasks for working vessels.
Sea Machines conducted trials off the coast of Massachusetts, offering its product for vessel outfitting while continuing to develop its advanced driver-assistance system.
Veo Robotics
The company creates industrial robots with 3D sensing, artificial intelligence and computer vision capabilities that improve manufacturing operations. The robots work alongside people to make workplaces more flexible and efficient.
Industrial robots are usually kept away from workers for safety reasons, but Veo's robots use 3D sensors to detect nearby objects or people and, when necessary, slow down or stop. The robots are used on car assembly lines to lift heavy loads, while human workers perform more delicate tasks.
