Grasping and manipulation, the ability to directly and physically interact with and modify objects in the environment, is perhaps the greatest differentiator between robotic systems and all other classes of automated systems. Many types of robots make use of advanced sensing solutions - to tactile, vision, proprioceptive, and more - to identify, pick-up and operate on all manner of objects, with goals ranging from providing human-like dexterity and autonomous manipulation, to high precision repeatability, and on to superhuman strength and endurance. During this Robotics Engineering session, attendees will learn of the latest sensing technologies and techniques commercially available to support object recognition, grasping, manipulation and control, as well as solutions emerging from the lab that will allow for whole new classes of robotics applications.

The development of robots and robotic technology requires the mastery of multiple disciplines – primarily software development, mechanical and electrical engineering.  Robotics development is made even more difficult as it is limited by embedded and real-time constraints. Commercial viability adds additional burdens for the robotics developer. Solution providers have responded to these difficulties by providing a whole host of robotics design, development tools, simulation and testing tools, as well as ready-made robotic ‘platforms’, that dramatically simplify the job of designing, developing, testing and manufacturing robots and robotic products. This Robotics Engineering Week session will provide an overview of current robotics development solutions, as well as highlight development trends.

• Development Tools / IDEs / SDKs
• Machine Learning Frameworks
• Simulation / Testing Tools
• CAD / CAM Tools
• Class Libraries
• ROS / Open Source Solutions
• Middleware
• Conclusions and Recommendations

Machine learning (and deep learning) technologies and techniques have found great success enabling advanced robotics capabilities such as decision making, object identification, vision processing, autonomous navigation, motor control, sensor integration and other functions, as well as speech, facial and emotion recognition. Moreover, robotics designers and engineers can also take advantage of different types of distributed execution architectures – edge, fog and cloud – to optimize their systems and their intended applications. While the large number and variety of machine learning alternatives for robotics development and deployment is beneficial, they can also result in confusion and indecision, particularly given the rapid rate of technological innovation and product introduction. In this Robotics Engineering Week session, designed to provide some much-needed clarity, attendees will learn how the latest AI and machine learning technologies and techniques can be employed in ground based, aerial and maritime systems to make robots more intelligent and functional. Topics include:

• On-device and Cloud-based Architectures - Edge, Cloud and Hybrid
• Computation, Storage and Intelligence on Demand
• Development Tools and Enabling Technologies, Products, and Services
• Commercial Examples and Case Studies
• And more

‘Motion’ in the physical world, whether in the form of changing place, position or posture, is perhaps the greatest differentiator between robotic systems and all other classes of engineered products. It is motion is that makes robotics systems ‘robotic’, and it is advances in motion control technologies that have spurred robotics innovation, with the result that there has been a dramatic increase in the use of robotics technologies and products around the globe. In this Robotics Engineering Week session, attendees will learn how support for robotic motion control has improved with the introduction of new products and technologies, and how they allow for new capabilities, new applications, and entry into new markets. Case studies and product examples will be used to highlight salient points. Topics include:

• Motion and Movement
• Motion Control Products and Technologies
• Robotic Motion Control Trends
• Applications and Vertical Markets
  • Solutions / Opportunities for Manufacturing
  • Solutions / Opportunities for Logistics / Supply Chain
  • Solutions / Opportunities for Healthcare Robotics
  • Solutions / Opportunities for Construction Robotics
  • Solutions / Opportunities for Agricultural Robotics
  • Solutions / Opportunities for Exoskeleton Solutions

Commercial robotic systems typically require multiple types of sensors to capture information about the physical world, which following fusion and further processing allows them localize themselves, navigate while avoiding obstacles, and provide additional information. The number, type, and quality of the onboard sensors vary depending on the price and target application for the platform. Common sensor types include 2D / 3D imaging sensors (cameras), 1D and 2D laser rangefinders, 2D and 3D sonar sensors, 3D High Definition LiDAR, accelerometers, GPS and more. Thankfully, solution providers continue to release low-cost, increasingly powerful products, and new sensing technologies are always emerging. In this Robotics Engineering Week session, attendees will learn of the latest advances in sensing products and technologies, including use cases highlighting important trends and examples of the latest sensing trends and techniques.

Healthcare robotics share many areas of technical commonality with electrically powered medical devices, as well as the common goal of improving patient care. A key difference, however, is that for all robotics systems, motion and movement in physical world is expected. For robots, motion (and motional control) is presumed and definitional. As such, motion control technologies and techniques are central considerations for any robotics engineering initiative.

Compared to industrial and consumer motion control technologies, motion control solutions for healthcare applications typically have different, and often very stringent, functional requirements in areas such as safety, reliability, tolerances, cleanability, sterilization and more. In this Robotics Engineering Week session, attendees will learn about the leading functional requirements and critical capabilities of motion control solutions for healthcare robotics applications.