AIMing for Automated Vehicles
The U.S. armed forces have had smart weapons for a long time now. It is just recently that they realized they need smart supply trucks. Hi, I am Paul F. Grayson, Team Leader of American Industrial Magic (AIM), one of last remaining teams of the 390 teams that worked on vehicles for the DARPA Grand Challenge series of unmanned vehicle races. AIM is working to save soldiers lives by searching for ways to make driverless Army supply trucks affordable. AIM is funded by donations from individuals like you who want to speed up the fielding of this life-saving technology. With this blog, you can look over my shoulder while I and my team work on this important technology. You will get a chance to look into the world of unmanned robotic vehicles, see some of the things that I see, and puzzle over the challenges of making vehicles driverless. Welcome to my world!
Automating Highway Vehicles at Volkswagen
September 05, 2011
Electronic stability control is standard on all Volkswagen 2009 models and after, ahead of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s 2012 mandate. This bit of automation has the potential to save 9,600 lives and prevent up to 238,000 injuries in all types of crashes annually. Audi introduced electronic stability control to the U.S. market in 1999. » more
( No Comments )
September 05, 2011
Electronic stability control is standard on all Volkswagen 2009 models and after, ahead of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s 2012 mandate. This bit of automation has the potential to save 9,600 lives and prevent up to 238,000 injuries in all types of crashes annually. Audi introduced electronic stability control to the U.S. market in 1999. » more
( No Comments )
Shell Eco-Marathon offers thousands of MPG
July 25, 2011
Engineering on the cutting edge of energy efficiency means going well beyond hundreds of miles per gallon to thousands of miles per gallon. Look at these efficiencies. How are advanced automation technologies helping? » more
( No Comments )
July 25, 2011
Engineering on the cutting edge of energy efficiency means going well beyond hundreds of miles per gallon to thousands of miles per gallon. Look at these efficiencies. How are advanced automation technologies helping? » more
( No Comments )
FIRST Robotics World Championship, related links
April 29, 2011
Did you feel that something was happening, that there was a shift in robotics people toward St. Louis, MO, this week? I sure did. Here are links and information to the FIRST Robotics World Championship, along with connections to prior coverage. » more
( No Comments )
April 29, 2011
Did you feel that something was happening, that there was a shift in robotics people toward St. Louis, MO, this week? I sure did. Here are links and information to the FIRST Robotics World Championship, along with connections to prior coverage. » more
( No Comments )
FIRST Robotics Team 1717 builds a dream robot shop
March 24, 2011
FIRST Robotics Team 1717 started out like many robotics teams: without the proper facilities in which to work on their FIRST Robotics Competition robots; what they did differently than most teams was that they raised the money to build their dream workshop. » more
( No Comments )
March 24, 2011
FIRST Robotics Team 1717 started out like many robotics teams: without the proper facilities in which to work on their FIRST Robotics Competition robots; what they did differently than most teams was that they raised the money to build their dream workshop. » more
( No Comments )
FIRST Robotics Team 3767: Teamwork life lesson
February 13, 2011
FIRST Robotics Team 3767 gets a life lesson applicable for any project: Work as a team or die, derived from a 10-minute motivational explanation from guest speaker U.S. Army Sgt. Nathan Weemhoff. » more
( 1 Comment )
February 13, 2011
FIRST Robotics Team 3767 gets a life lesson applicable for any project: Work as a team or die, derived from a 10-minute motivational explanation from guest speaker U.S. Army Sgt. Nathan Weemhoff. » more
( 1 Comment )
FIRST Robotics Team 3767: One day in week 4 of the build session
February 09, 2011
FIRST Robotics Completion teams all across the USA (including FIRST Robotics Team 3767, which I am mentoring) are at week 4; 2 weeks are left of the FIRST Robotics Competition build session. Here’s what we built and how we did today in robotics class and after school. » more
( No Comments )
February 09, 2011
FIRST Robotics Completion teams all across the USA (including FIRST Robotics Team 3767, which I am mentoring) are at week 4; 2 weeks are left of the FIRST Robotics Competition build session. Here’s what we built and how we did today in robotics class and after school. » more
( No Comments )
DeepQA project, the machine code-named Watson, artificial intelligence, Jeopardy! and robotics
February 07, 2011
IBM’s DeepQA project’s computer, Watson, will compete on the Jeopardy! game show on Feb. 14-16, against two human champions, testing a computer system’s ability to answer natural language questions. In addition to raising interest in engineering education, advances in artificial intelligence and natural language programming will continue to improve... » more
( No Comments )
February 07, 2011
IBM’s DeepQA project’s computer, Watson, will compete on the Jeopardy! game show on Feb. 14-16, against two human champions, testing a computer system’s ability to answer natural language questions. In addition to raising interest in engineering education, advances in artificial intelligence and natural language programming will continue to improve... » more
( No Comments )
Robotic sports: What is going on?
February 02, 2011
FIRST Robotics district competition, Logo Motion, will be at Central High with 40 teams, March 4 and 5, in a competition designed to inspire young people to choose careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). » more
( 2 Comments )
February 02, 2011
FIRST Robotics district competition, Logo Motion, will be at Central High with 40 teams, March 4 and 5, in a competition designed to inspire young people to choose careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). » more
( 2 Comments )
FIRST Robotics Team 3767: Competition, scoring, and awards
January 17, 2011
Here's what counts in the FIRST Robotics 2011 event and scoring. See also a list of 28 award categories. Link to other posts giving an inside view of FIRST Robotics Team 3767. » more
( 1 Comment )
January 17, 2011
Here's what counts in the FIRST Robotics 2011 event and scoring. See also a list of 28 award categories. Link to other posts giving an inside view of FIRST Robotics Team 3767. » more
( 1 Comment )
FIRST Robotics Team 3767: Reveal day didn't reveal as much as expected
January 13, 2011
Continued: Forty-student comprise FIRST Robotics Team 3767; I'm one of the 8 team Mentors. Their first competition will be March 4 and 5, 2011 – just six weeks away. That will be followed by another in Troy, MI a few weeks later. » more
( No Comments )
January 13, 2011
Continued: Forty-student comprise FIRST Robotics Team 3767; I'm one of the 8 team Mentors. Their first competition will be March 4 and 5, 2011 – just six weeks away. That will be followed by another in Troy, MI a few weeks later. » more
( No Comments )
2011 FIRST Robotics Competition: A look inside the Traverse City West team
January 08, 2011
Look inside a FIRST Robotics team effort - how a team forms then designs, builds, tests, and modifies a robot all within six weeks for the FIRST Robotics Competition. » more
( 1 Comment )
January 08, 2011
Look inside a FIRST Robotics team effort - how a team forms then designs, builds, tests, and modifies a robot all within six weeks for the FIRST Robotics Competition. » more
( 1 Comment )
Test driving NI LabVIEW Robotics
December 22, 2010
My NI LabVIEW Robotics adventure taught me a few new things about automation and control hardware and software for robotics. An old dog attempts learning new tricks. Here's what I learned. » more
( 1 Comment )
December 22, 2010
My NI LabVIEW Robotics adventure taught me a few new things about automation and control hardware and software for robotics. An old dog attempts learning new tricks. Here's what I learned. » more
( 1 Comment )
Bricks, blocks, control systems, and programming software
November 24, 2010
The CCBB application development software is for machine builders who develop low-cost standalone machines. It is built around a core of Allen-Bradley MicroLogix controllers, A-B PanelView Component human-machine interfaces (HMIs) and key application-specific components, such as A-B PowerFlex 4 drives. » more
( No Comments )
November 24, 2010
The CCBB application development software is for machine builders who develop low-cost standalone machines. It is built around a core of Allen-Bradley MicroLogix controllers, A-B PanelView Component human-machine interfaces (HMIs) and key application-specific components, such as A-B PowerFlex 4 drives. » more
( No Comments )
Automated guided vehicles - answers; Alyssa is Robot Club president
November 15, 2010
Here are some questions from a reader, Sara Torres, about automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and my answers; do you agree? Alyssa Hartman is the 4-H Robot Club president; she's majoring in... » more
( No Comments )
November 15, 2010
Here are some questions from a reader, Sara Torres, about automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and my answers; do you agree? Alyssa Hartman is the 4-H Robot Club president; she's majoring in... » more
( No Comments )
Lunchtime project for automation and control engineers
November 14, 2010
This LeaveMeAloneBox is made of LEGOS. Making one of these (Legos or otherwise) might be a fun lunchtime project for automation and control engineers... before next Halloween? See video. » more
( No Comments )
November 14, 2010
This LeaveMeAloneBox is made of LEGOS. Making one of these (Legos or otherwise) might be a fun lunchtime project for automation and control engineers... before next Halloween? See video. » more
( No Comments )
Robotics for 4-H youth; did you see the Google driverless car?
November 11, 2010
4-H club pushes robotics and Lego Mindstorms; Did you see the Google driverless car? Link to 4-H robotics site and driverless car video. » more
( 1 Comment )
November 11, 2010
4-H club pushes robotics and Lego Mindstorms; Did you see the Google driverless car? Link to 4-H robotics site and driverless car video. » more
( 1 Comment )
Raytrix uEye light-field option: 3D captured with one camera
November 10, 2010
Technology developed by Raytrix GmbH allows the generation of real 3D images with just one camera and a single lens. The trick that makes this possible is a modified sensor that allows ... » more
( No Comments )
November 10, 2010
Technology developed by Raytrix GmbH allows the generation of real 3D images with just one camera and a single lens. The trick that makes this possible is a modified sensor that allows ... » more
( No Comments )
Robot club advice from a retired technology venture capitalist
October 26, 2010
Friday’s guest speaker at the TC Tinkers 4-H Robot Club was Bob Michaluk, a retired venture capitalist. Bob seems to be just an ordinary guy, easy to talk to. There is very little about him that would suggest that he used to... » more
( No Comments )
October 26, 2010
Friday’s guest speaker at the TC Tinkers 4-H Robot Club was Bob Michaluk, a retired venture capitalist. Bob seems to be just an ordinary guy, easy to talk to. There is very little about him that would suggest that he used to... » more
( No Comments )
Military transportation robot Part 2: Who drives? Who's the best gamer?
October 24, 2010
MTRMS: A new class of robot is joining the troops on the front lines, it is known as Military Transportation Robot, Medium Size (MTRMS ). Robots smaller have been in use for several years, larger ones are in the planning stage which is what makes the R-Gator a Medium size military robot. Who gets to drive when it's not in full autonomous mode? Who's the... » more
( No Comments )
October 24, 2010
MTRMS: A new class of robot is joining the troops on the front lines, it is known as Military Transportation Robot, Medium Size (MTRMS ). Robots smaller have been in use for several years, larger ones are in the planning stage which is what makes the R-Gator a Medium size military robot. Who gets to drive when it's not in full autonomous mode? Who's the... » more
( No Comments )
John Deere’s Robot Gator – Part 1 - revolutionary change
September 21, 2010
This button has changed robotic history: Full-Auto. John Deere Robot-Gator, the R-Gator, is now in LRIP (Low Rate Initial Production), which means they are rolling off the assembly line. See more photos. » more
( 1 Comment )
September 21, 2010
This button has changed robotic history: Full-Auto. John Deere Robot-Gator, the R-Gator, is now in LRIP (Low Rate Initial Production), which means they are rolling off the assembly line. See more photos. » more
( 1 Comment )
Robot truck lights; human factors; 4-H Robot Club, for girls
August 13, 2010
LEDs offer robotic truck advantages, including engineering sustainability; consider the human factors of LED lighting; A new logo reflects fun, to help 4-H Robot Club for girls. » more
( No Comments )
August 13, 2010
LEDs offer robotic truck advantages, including engineering sustainability; consider the human factors of LED lighting; A new logo reflects fun, to help 4-H Robot Club for girls. » more
( No Comments )
U.S. DoD wants energy efficient robots; robot almost misses parade
August 06, 2010
Realizing the cost of energy on the front lines, the U.S. Department of Defense is now making energy efficiency a priority for combat systems, including robotics. Also see: foraging for energy; robot club on parade and the robot that almost missed the float; robotic jobs for kids; and 4-H gift shop. » more
( No Comments )
August 06, 2010
Realizing the cost of energy on the front lines, the U.S. Department of Defense is now making energy efficiency a priority for combat systems, including robotics. Also see: foraging for energy; robot club on parade and the robot that almost missed the float; robotic jobs for kids; and 4-H gift shop. » more
( No Comments )
Autonomous cruise control systems
April 06, 2010
Autonomous cruise control systems, why 4-H, next in the TC Tinkers business operations manual, parade floats, keep track, get RSS of this blog. » more
( No Comments )
April 06, 2010
Autonomous cruise control systems, why 4-H, next in the TC Tinkers business operations manual, parade floats, keep track, get RSS of this blog. » more
( No Comments )
Domestic help a step closer; Technology on Parade
April 01, 2010
TOWEL FOLDING Towel folding is one of the core copentencies you would want your French Maid robot housekeeper to have. A lot of man-hours go into folding clothes, it is just one of those chores of living that a robot would need to know how to do if it was going to be helpful around the house, or around the shop. Yes, it... » more
( No Comments )
April 01, 2010
TOWEL FOLDING Towel folding is one of the core copentencies you would want your French Maid robot housekeeper to have. A lot of man-hours go into folding clothes, it is just one of those chores of living that a robot would need to know how to do if it was going to be helpful around the house, or around the shop. Yes, it... » more
( No Comments )
Full Auto Brake; Operations Manual
March 25, 2010
THE DARE TO OTHER CAR COMPANIES We call our program Vision 2020. Volvo Cars’ vision is to design cars that should not crash. In the shorter perspective the aim is that by 2020 no-one should be killed or injured in a Volvo. We first launched our strategy back in 2005. – Malin Persson - Safety & Environmental Communication -... » more
( No Comments )
March 25, 2010
THE DARE TO OTHER CAR COMPANIES We call our program Vision 2020. Volvo Cars’ vision is to design cars that should not crash. In the shorter perspective the aim is that by 2020 no-one should be killed or injured in a Volvo. We first launched our strategy back in 2005. – Malin Persson - Safety & Environmental Communication -... » more
( No Comments )
1 of 34