Latest news with #MarcTheermann
TimesLIVE
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
Function over flash: Specialised robots attract billions with efficient task handling
"We've found that by solving a very specific problem in a high-need area like healthcare, we can create a sustainable business model," Diligent Robotics CEO Andrea Thomaz said, adding Moxi has reached product-level profitability. Humanoid challenges The interest comes as general-purpose humanoids face challenges such as teaching machines to navigate unpredictable environments and developing sophisticated reasoning abilities. Unlike generative AI, which is trained on vast online datasets of text, images and audio, the data available to develop humanoid robots is far more limited. These machines must learn by interacting with the physical world and training on datasets focused on tasks such as stacking boxes. Firms like Figure AI, which aims to ship 100,000 humanoid robots over the next four years, rely on advanced AI to process real-time sensory data. That means such robots are mostly confined to controlled environments such as car factories. The cost of humanoids is also far higher than task-specific robots. Components such as cameras and lidar sensors can push manufacturing costs for humanoid robots to between $50,000 (R895,542) and $200,000 (R3.6m) per unit, compared with $5,000 (R89,554) to $100,000 (R1.8m) for task-specific machines, according to industry executives and a market study by startup Standard Bots. "[True] general-purpose robots have not really been invented yet," said Marc Theermann, strategy chief at Boston Dynamics, adding that "if somebody claims that they are commercially finding a general-purpose robot, they are over-promising and they will under-deliver." While the company's Atlas robot has made headlines with viral clips of it leaping, flipping and dancing, Theermann said the value currently lies in targeted designs. Its four-legged robot, Spot, excels in hazardous industrial inspections, a narrow but lucrative niche. Era Ventures has backed ViaBot, whose autonomous machines manage trash collection in parking lots. Parkway Venture Capital has diversified its bets between Siera AI's forklift automation and Figure AI's humanoid ambitions. "You'll see a transition where there will be robots built for a task doing something very useful, very cost-effectively," said Raja Ghawi, Partner at Era Ventures. "And as that gets better, people will realise there is a good reason to have a full humanoid."
Yahoo
15-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Scientists test unbelievable robot with the potential to revolutionize food production: 'A fantastic achievement'
Roboton Farmer is a new robot designed to improve and automate agricultural practices, beginning with apple orchards in Washington State. The Roboton is an intelligent machine that helps conserve resources while nourishing apple trees. It uses artificial intelligence and algorithms to carry out an array of tasks. The robot can seed, water, weed, fertilize, irrigate, and more. Delivering precision farming, it operates using a combination of GPS, cameras, sensors, and simulations. Roboton's ability to work 24/7 addresses worker shortages in the agro-industry. Its environmentally conscious design also preserves resources to make farming more cost-efficient. The solar-powered design means no fuel is necessary. And it produces no harmful pollution. This saves around 105 gallons (400 liters) of diesel yearly. Its advanced design also conserves up to 83% more water. This robot is designed for 100% organic farming, reducing the use of pesticides and herbicides. Terrain adaptability and monitoring reduces soil damage and disruption, allowing crops to grow in peace. It can be controlled via mobile and web apps, making it a convenient solution for many farmers. One of Roboton's most impressive features is its targeted fertilizing. Rather than fertilizing a whole orchard, Roboton can customize fertilization for individual trees. This saves fertilizer while helping each tree thrive. Roboton is not the only device making waves in agriculture. The Wall Street Journal reported on numerous innovations. Researchers at Washington State University are testing robotic pollinators in regions lacking bees. Washington State and Oregon State University teams are experimenting with advanced pruning systems. All these inventions can make farming greener. AI algorithms find ways to use fewer resources without sacrificing results. These machines can also eliminate repetitive, labor-intensive work for farmers. Farmers can focus on more nuanced and progressive tasks. The improved efficiency means healthier crops and higher yields. The robots can prevent crop shortages and help reduce grocery prices. Consumers benefit from the efficiency, and Earth benefits from the eco-friendly design. Roboton is now available to farmers. While it has proved itself in orchards, it can be used for various crops. The company says its modular design makes it adaptable to other industries. It has potential in fields like construction, humanitarian aid, space exploration, and emergency services. Which of these groups has the biggest role to play in reducing food waste? Grocery stores Restaurants Individuals The government Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. LinkedIn posts about the robot drew many excited comments. On Lukas M. Ziegler's post, one comment read, "Smart robotics is the future of agriculture, it's a game changer for a sustainable and responsible transition." Marc Theermann's post received comments celebrating the invention. Someone exclaimed, "That's truly impressive! Developing an eco-friendly agricultural robot is a fantastic achievement." Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
