Author: kissdev

In a startling and controversial incident, a robotic unit deployed by law enforcement fired tear gas and subsequently ran over a man during a police standoff. This occurrence has sparked widespread debate over the increasing reliance on robotics in police operations. The incident unfolded during a tense standoff where traditional means of negotiation had failed. Equipped with the latest in robotic technology, the unit was sent in to manage the situation. However, what was intended to be a controlled and precise response quickly escalated into a disturbing sequence of events. According to eyewitnesses, the robot, designed to handle a variety…

Chipotle Mexican Grill is poised to transform its food preparation process by testing robotic assistants in two California locations, aiming to streamline operations and gather feedback from both employees and customers. This initiative could potentially lead to widespread adoption across its network of more than 3,500 restaurants globally. The company introduced two innovative machines: Autocado, a robot designed to handle the labor-intensive task of preparing avocados for guacamole, and the Augmented Makeline, a collaborative robot or “cobot,” which automates the assembly of burrito bowls and salads. This move is part of Chipotle’s strategy to enhance efficiency while maintaining its famed…

In the world of live demonstrations, there’s an adage about avoiding performances with children or animals due to their unpredictable nature. It appears that robotic dogs should be added to that list. This lesson was learned the hard way by Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) when their newly acquired mechanical companion, “Rover,” took a tumble during its first press event. Rover, known in tech circles as Boston Dynamics’ “Spot,” has been rechristened for its new role at JLR’s state-of-the-art battery testing facility in Lyons Park, Coventry. The sophisticated robot is set to patrol the premises, ensuring security and operational integrity. JLR…

Robotics startup 1X Technologies has unveiled an innovative generative model poised to revolutionize the efficiency of training robotic systems within simulated environments. Announced recently in a company blog post, this model directly tackles a significant challenge faced by roboticists: accurately predicting the world’s response to robot actions, an undertaking crucial for bridging the gap between simulated training and real-world deployment. Traditionally, the high costs and risks of training robots in physical settings have led engineers to rely on simulated environments. These simulations, however, often fall short due to discrepancies known as the “sim2real gap,” where differences between the simulated and…

In a groundbreaking effort to advance the early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, Joyita Dutta, a professor of biomedical engineering at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, has received a significant $3.9 million grant from the National Institutes of Health. Over the next five years, Dutta’s research will investigate whether wearable sleep trackers can predict blood biomarkers indicative of Alzheimer’s in individuals who have a high risk of developing the disease. Alzheimer’s is notorious for its stealthy onset, often being detectable only after cognitive decline has become apparent. One of its early but understated signs is sleep disruption, which can manifest long…

CINCINNATI (WKRC) – In a significant leap forward for school safety, Saint Susanna School in Cincinnati has adopted innovative wearable technology known as “SmartBadges.” These devices, designed to provide instantaneous emergency alerts, promise to revolutionize how school staff respond to crises, potentially saving crucial minutes during emergencies. The SmartBadges, developed by the Lebanon-based medical tech company Palarum, feature a simple button-click system that allows teachers to alert colleagues and authorities to various levels of threats. Depending on the number of times the button is pressed, the badges can convey different types of alerts, ensuring a rapid and appropriate response. For…

In a groundbreaking development, researchers from the University of Houston have unveiled a compact, wearable sensor designed to monitor eye movements with remarkable precision. This innovative device holds the promise of revolutionizing the early detection and diagnosis of a variety of neurological disorders. The pioneering study, published in the journal Advanced Healthcare Materials, outlines the numerous advantages of this novel technology over traditional eye-tracking methods. Unlike existing systems, which are often bulky, expensive, and dependent on complex computer software for data analysis, this new sensor is small, non-invasive, cost-effective, and capable of continuous monitoring. “Many brain-related diseases and abnormalities manifest…

In an era where health consciousness is on the rise, wearable technology like the Fitbit, Apple Watch, and Oura Ring has gained significant traction. These gadgets, favored for their ability to monitor heart rates and blood pressure, are evolving beyond their initial purpose to potentially become pivotal in early disease detection. A recent study from the University of South Australia (UniSA) underscores the promise of wearable activity trackers in identifying early indicators of diseases, particularly atrial fibrillation linked to strokes and COVID-19. Researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis, examining data from 28 studies involving 1.2 million participants. Their findings…

The landscape of wearable electronics is on the brink of transformation, owing to groundbreaking advancements in ultra-thin, flexible energy harvesting and storage systems. Researchers have made significant strides in developing solution-processed flexible photovoltaics (OPVs), hydrogel-electrolyte-based rechargeable batteries, and printed flexible electronic circuits. These innovations promise to bring the dream of commercially viable ultrathin wearable electronics closer to reality. However, achieving efficient and self-sustaining wearable devices poses several critical challenges that need to be addressed. Envision a simplified model of a wearable device: it consists of an energy harvesting-storage system, sensors monitoring vital human metrics (like body temperature, heart rate, blood…

In a groundbreaking development, researchers at the University of Washington (UW) have unveiled a cutting-edge, flexible electronic device that captures energy from body heat to generate electricity. This innovative prototype promises to power small electronics, ranging from sensors to LEDs, potentially transforming the wearable technology landscape. The device, a brainchild of Mohammad Malakooti, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at UW, embodies a vision he held for years. “When you put this device on your skin, it uses your body heat to directly power an LED. As soon as you put the device on, the LED lights up. This wasn’t…