Tiny flying robots that can flip, dart and change direction like insects could one day be sent into places too dangerous or confined for conventional drones, from collapsed buildings to other hard-to-reach environments. Researchers at MIT have taken a step towards that goal with an AI-based control system that gives an insect-scale flying robot far greater speed and agility. … [Read more...] about AI gives insect-sized flying robots a 450 per cent speed boost
Artificial Intelligence
Autonomous drone swarm wins XPRIZE for rapid wildfire response
An autonomous drone system designed to detect and respond to wildfires within minutes has secured a US$500,000 award in the international XPRIZE Wildfire competition. Developed by AURA Foresight, an international collaboration co-led by robotics researchers at the University of Bristol, the platform combines artificial intelligence, optical and thermal sensing and autonomous … [Read more...] about Autonomous drone swarm wins XPRIZE for rapid wildfire response
Engineers uncover hidden risk in AI-assisted aerospace design
Engineers at Imperial College London have identified a hidden problem in AI-assisted design that could cause automated optimisation systems to overlook promising aircraft and spacecraft concepts. The researchers found that engineering models can appear accurate when assessed individually, and even perform convincingly when coupled with other models, while still directing an … [Read more...] about Engineers uncover hidden risk in AI-assisted aerospace design
AI could make exoskeletons more adaptable
An exoskeleton that helps someone climb stairs may not know what to do when they suddenly stop, turn around or begin walking across uneven ground. Researchers are now looking at whether artificial intelligence could make these wearable machines better at adapting as their users move. A paper co-authored by researchers at Georgia Tech and Northeastern University sets out a … [Read more...] about AI could make exoskeletons more adaptable
Robot trialled for cardiovascular health checks in Scottish GP surgery
A wheeled robot that can guide patients through routine cardiovascular health checks has been trialled at an NHS GP surgery in Dundee, offering a glimpse of how robotics could take some of the repetitive workload out of primary care. The system was developed through the HEART-POD project, a collaboration involving Heriot-Watt University’s National Robotarium and Edinburgh … [Read more...] about Robot trialled for cardiovascular health checks in Scottish GP surgery