Although headline writers like to invoke “The Terminator” whenever a promising new robot comes along, there are many challenges to overcome in robotics before anything remotely like it is possible. For one, artificial intelligence will have to advance to a point where it can regularly churn out memorable Schwarzenegger-worthy catch phrases like “Hasta la vista,

SRI International spin-off Grabit Inc., which has developed a patented electroadhesion technology for robotics, material handling, and industrial automation, has received Series A funding. The investment was led by venture capital firm Formation 8 with additional investments from ABB Technology Ventures and Nike Inc. The amount invested by each firm was not disclosed, but SEC

Massachusetts-based Bluefin Robotics, the company behind a variety of autonomous underwater vehicles for commercial-, scientific- and defense-based applications, reported today that it has acquired software provider SeeByte Ltd. SeeByte makes software specifically for underwater vehicles, sensors and systems, and the two companies have worked together for more than five years developing software for Bluefin’s platforms.

Whenever Boston Dynamics releases a video of one of its new robots, it’s an event. The company’s introduction to its latest creation, WildCat, was no exception — a clip posted yesterday on YouTube has already racked up more than a half-million views. WildCat is seen bounding through a parking lot in the video, and unlike

Arduino, the open-source electronics hardware and software favored by many hobbyist, makers and professional roboticists alike, is getting a new family of “Arduino Certified” boards featuring Intel architecture. The news was announced today by Arduino co-founder Massimo Banzi and Intel CEO Brian Krzanich during Maker Faire Rome. The first product is Intel Galileo, a microcontroller

Among the “most surprising consequences of a government shutdown” noted by ABC News yesterday was one that potentially affects the unmanned systems industry — namely, the suspension of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s vehicle-to-vehicle communications safety research. The project looks at ways connected vehicles — including cars, trucks, buses and trains — can communicate wirelessly to reduce

3-D printing manufacturer Stratasys recently appointed one of China’s largest electronics and office supply retailers as master distributor for its entry-level “Idea Series” of 3-D printers in China. Stratasys Asia Pacific reported the news today, saying, “Stratasys 3-D printing technologies have gone mainstream and entered the office automation solution offerings in China.” The partnership is

The U.S. Army recently placed an order for $20 million worth of AeroVironment’s Mantis i23 gimbaled sensor payloads to upgrade its fleet of RQ-11B Raven unmanned aircraft systems. The Mantis is a multi-axis pan, tilt and zoom sensor that enhances the capability of the small, hand-launched RQ-11B Raven. AeroVironment says U.S. government fiscal 2013 appropriations provided funding

The Ohio/Indiana Unmanned Aircraft Systems Center & Test Complex reported yesterday that it will host the NASA Unmanned Aircraft Systems Airspace Operations Challenge in April. The goal of the competition is to help pave the way for UAS in the national airspace by developing appropriate sense and avoid technology. It will take place April 28

Hospital-acquired infections are both dangerous for patients and a burden for health care systems, but a new generation of robots offer hope for at least a partial solution. Recent studies have shown that products from companies including Xenex Disinfection Services can effectively reduce the spread of infection using ultraviolet light. Two medical technology companies are