Unlike robots whose roots trace back to 1962 or even sooner, collaborative robots or cobots trace their roots to 1996 – over 34 years later. While the robot is an autonomous machine that functions without human control, a cobot employs artificial intelligent (AI) to perform tasks in collaboration with human workers. Major sensor technologies used […]
What software-definable sensors are available now?
Sensor designers are pursuing software-defined (or programmable) sensors for their increased relevance and applications in the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). Automobiles are one market segment that can benefit from over-the-air (OTA) update capabilities and automakers have the resources to make significant changes to implement them. OTA updates are one way to future proof vehicles, […]
How can mature sensors create new sensing opportunities?
Pulse oximetry (blood oxygen saturation level in %SpO2) and pulse rate (in beats per minute) have been performed with clamp on the finger measurements for many years. With their built-in display, they are intended for either a health care professional or even the user reading of the measurements. In some instances, these devices even provide […]
How can sensors help cleanup waterways?
Twenty years after its first-generation design was introduced (2002), iRobot’s Roomba has spawned many competitors for indoor cleanup and made several advancements to its initial capabilities. Interactive Autonomous Dynamic Systems (IADYS) has applied the autonomous robot concept to address cleaner and safer water in rivers, canals, lakes, ponds, shipyards and more. IADYS’ Jellyfishbot autonomously collects […]
How are sensors involved in the Clean Air in Buildings Challenge?
Released earlier this year, the National COVID-19 Preparedness Plan addresses several areas to safely get Americans back to their more normal routines. One of the key points of the Preparedness Plan is the Clean Air in Buildings Challenge (CAiBC). The CAiBC calls on all building owners and operators, schools, colleges and universities, and organizations of […]
Want to feel better?
With its 1-mm thick RoboSkin smart fabric sensor technology, BeBop Sensors, Inc. can provide tactile awareness for humanoid robots and prosthetics so they can feel interactions similar to humans. The skin-like coverings enable a true nervous system and human-like touch sensing of objects for any part of a robot including limbs, fingers, feet, head and […]
Where is Wear this year?
In 2022, the Wear 2022 Conference will be held in Scottsdale, AZ, June 7-9, 2022, at the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Paradise Valley, and available online as well. The annual conference examines the significant breakthroughs and new opportunities made possible through the integration of textiles and technology through wearables. Among the driving forces for wearables […]
Where is my stuff?
In today’s supply chain situation, this has to be among the most frequently asked questions (FAQs). However, even under what may have been considered normal times prior to COVID-19, it still is a legitimate FAQ. Tracking shipments that are critical or essential may allow more expensive tracking solutions but if the cost is reasonable, many […]
How can opioid metabolites be detected in wastewater?
Researchers at Boston College, Giner Labs and Boston University say the answer is a graphene electronic multiplexed sensor (GEMS) platform that enables the simultaneous sensing of four different target opioid-derived molecules in wastewater samples. The graphene-based field effect transistors detect four different synthetic and natural opioids, while shielding them from wastewater’s harsh elements. The ability […]
How does SLAM help autonomous vehicles?
SLAM (simultaneous localization and mapping) is used in autonomous vehicles of all types to build a map and simultaneously locate the vehicle in that map. SLAM algorithms allow the vehicle to analyze and map out unknown environments. With this map information, the vehicle can implement path planning and obstacle avoidance. Visual SLAM uses cameras and/or […]