Video Friday: Multitasking Robots Smoothly Do the Things Together
Video Friday: Multitasking Robots Smoothly Do the Things Together
This week's selection of robotics videos from IEEE Spectrum Robotics showcases the latest advancements in robotics, from humanoid robots capable of manipulation on the move to drones that can carry payloads more than four times their weight. We'll take a closer look at some of the most impressive videos and explore the implications of these technologies.
Westwood Robotics' THEMIS Gen2.5: A Full-Size Humanoid Robot
Westwood Robotics has announced a major update to its THEMIS Gen2.5, a full-size humanoid robot capable of manipulation on the move. The robot's ability to pick up objects while walking is a significant achievement, as it requires precise control and coordination between the robot's legs and arms. This technology has the potential to revolutionize industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics, where robots need to perform complex tasks in dynamic environments.
Helix 02: A Neural Network-Controlled Humanoid Robot
Last year, Helix showed that a single neural network could control a humanoid's upper body from pixels. Today, Helix 02 extends that control to the entire robot, allowing it to walk, manipulate, and balance as one continuous system. This achievement demonstrates the potential of neural networks in robotics, enabling robots to learn and adapt to new situations and environments.
Fauna Robotics' Sprout: A Robotic Companion
Harry Goldstein, Editor in Chief of IEEE Spectrum Robotics, recently met with Sprout from Fauna Robotics. Sprout is a robotic companion designed to interact with humans in a natural and intuitive way. The robot's ability to win over Goldstein's skepticism with its robotic charm highlights the potential of robots to form emotional connections with humans.
Robotics in Mass Casualty Events
Kimberly Elenberg is showing how data collected by robotic responders can save lives in mass casualty events. The use of robots in emergency response situations can help first responders assess the situation and prioritize patients, leading to faster and more effective treatment.
Sphero: A Leader in Educational Robotics
The educational robotics market is tough, but Sphero has been going strong since 2011. The company's commitment to providing accessible and engaging robotics education has helped to inspire a new generation of robotics enthusiasts and professionals.
Zipline's Drone Flight Testing
If you want to fly in crazy conditions, you have to flight test in those conditions. Zipline's drone flight testing program demonstrates the importance of testing in extreme environments to ensure the reliability and safety of drones.
3D Printing Skin and Skeleton
JSK Lab, University of Tokyo, is working on 3D printing skin and skeleton at the same time. While this technology has the potential to revolutionize the field of prosthetics and tissue engineering, it's worth noting that animals have been doing this for hundreds of years without even trying.
LimX: Small Bipedal Robots
LimX has developed small bipedal robots that can both ski and be dinosaurs. If there is a market for such robots, LimX has it covered.
Reconfigurable Joint-Space Joysticks
EPFL Reconfigurable Robotics Lab has introduced a method for user-guided control of modular robots using reconfigurable joint-space joysticks (JoJo) and real-time optimization. This technology has the potential to enable robots to adapt to new situations and environments.
Quadrotor Biplane Tailsitter UAVs
Texas A&M University has developed Quadrotor Biplane Tailsitter (QBiT) UAVs at four different sizes (4, 12, 25, and 50 lbs). QBiT combines the mechanical simplicity of a quadrotor drone with the cruise efficiency of a fixed-wing aircraft.
DARPA Challenge
There's a new DARPA challenge for "novel drone designs that can carry payloads more than four times their weight, which would revolutionize the way we use drones across all sectors."
IROS 2025 Plenary and Keynote Talks
Here are a couple of plenary and keynote talks from IROS 2025, from Marco Hutter and Karinne Ramirez Amaro.
Conclusion
This week's selection of robotics videos showcases the latest advancements in robotics, from humanoid robots capable of manipulation on the move to drones that can carry payloads more than four times their weight. These technologies have the potential to revolutionize industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics, and to enable robots to form emotional connections with humans. As we look to the future, it's clear that robotics will continue to play a major role in shaping our world.
Forward-Looking Thoughts
As we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible with robotics, we must also consider the implications of these technologies on society. We must ensure that robots are designed and developed with safety and ethics in mind, and that they are used to benefit humanity as a whole. The future of robotics is bright, and it's exciting to think about what's possible.
