The robotics field continues to make a significant impact in the real world, despite the focus on AI in recent headlines. In this week’s briefing, we’ll cover some noteworthy developments in the industry.
One debated topic is the use of robot dogs to patrol the border between the U.S. and Mexico. The robotics industry finds itself stuck between a rock and a hard place, as the potential use of their hardware for more violent purposes raises ethical concerns. However, there is also an argument that if they don’t develop weapon systems, someone else will.
Inventory management is a challenge faced by many industries, particularly when dealing with multiple warehouses of increasing sizes. To address this, automation is being introduced, and one solution gaining traction is the use of drones to manage inventory. Verity, through its partnership with Ikea, has become a prominent player in this space. However, Gather AI, based in Pittsburgh, recently acquired Ware, one of its biggest competitors, to ramp up the competition.
In the realm of warehouse management, Dexory, a company that utilizes autonomous robots for real-time inventory management, announced a successful $19 million Series A funding round led by Atomico. The company’s total funding now stands at $37.9 million. By deploying the robots multiple times a day or overnight, Dexory gathers valuable data insights to identify and address operational inefficiencies.
Another player in the warehouse automation sector, Realtime, recently raised $9.5 million in funding. They specialize in helping manufacturers coordinate various systems within their operations, even across different proprietary system management software. With this funding, Realtime aims to expand its innovative products and services in the automotive and automated warehouse industries.
Researchers at CMU Robotics have made impressive strides in teaching robots how to perform tasks by using video content. Previously, the robots required a human to demonstrate a task within an identical setting. Now, they can learn from the vast amount of internet and YouTube videos available. This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize how robots acquire new skills and knowledge.
In conclusion, while AI may be grabbing most of the headlines, the robotics field is still making a significant impact in the real world. From the ethical debates surrounding the use of robot dogs for border patrol to advancements in inventory management and teaching robots through video content, the industry is continuously evolving. These developments highlight the diverse applications of robotics and its potential to revolutionize various industries.
