Intending to speed up robot movements as fast as their thoughts, MIT researchers use robomorphic computing technology. This technology uses custom computer chips that can accelerate the hardware components of a computer, resulting in faster movement of the robot. Hardware acceleration isn’t something new as it has been used in most technologies, including iPhones. In the case of robots, these chips are hyper-specific and are made based on the physical layout and intended use of the robot.
With a $40 million deal, the European Union, together with Estonia and Milrem, the country’s robotics company, has officially kicked in the development of Integrated Modular Unmanned Ground System, or iMUGS. The project aims to create a standardized European-wide ecosystem for aerial and ground platforms. Also included in the deal are relevant command and control technologies.
Like a science fiction dream come true, semi-autonomous quadrupedal unmanned ground vehicles (Q-UGV), tactical robot dogs made by Ghost Robotics, now have the capability to provide strike targeting data for the USAF. The mechanized hounds are poised to have more enhancements for US defenders that allow unprecedented flexibility in the posting and response of personnel in computing large amounts of data at strategic locations. The Q-UGV made appearances in USAF exercises throughout 2020, and now, the 325th Security Forces Squadron at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida has been named as the first unit to adopt the robotic quadrupeds for regular operations.
The giant German automaker, Volkswagen, teased a working prototype of the electric vehicle charging robot which looks almost identical to the concept version, complete with blinking digital eyes and R2-D2 noises. No official word from Volkswagen on when this will “officially” become a reality, but the company hints the robot will help solve the issue of mobility while in need of charging without placing individual charging stations at parking stalls.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/2020/12/28/22202913/volkswagen-charging-robot-electric-cars-vw
Range Golf-36 aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, is now dubbed as the “range of the future.” Designed for company-size live-fire exercises and explicitly intended to incorporate lifelike robotic targets, the range also features targets in areas obstructed by terrain features such as trees and grass tufts, designed to be destroyed by rockets. The high efficiency range is expected to become the final event in 2nd Marine Division’s Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation, for soon-to-deploy troops.
