LocusBots Track Real-Time Warehouse Operations

LocusBots Track Real-Time Warehouse Operations

April 3, 2021
Anita Lee-Post, Ph.D.

In response to a surge in e-commerce, Locus Robotics is developing better and more efficient robots to handle increased warehousing demand.

Locus Robotics’ robots are called “LocusBots”.  They are autonomous and mobile and can track real-time warehouse operations using iPhone or wearable technology.

New features for LocusBots to better handle item picking and handling in warehouses are in the research and development stage.

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This post is based on the Forbes article, Meet The Newest Robotics Unicorn: Locus Robotics Raises $150 Million At A $1 Billion Valuation On Surging E-Commerce Sales, by Amy Feldman,  February 17, 2021, and the YouTube video in the Spotlight. Image source: Baloncici/iStock/Getty Images

Discussion Questions:

1. What impacts do robots have on warehouse operations?

Guidance: Robots are automating warehouse operations in general, and item picking and handling in particular. A robot can pick up more bulky/heavy items, and move them to desirable locations, faster than its human counterpart.  Warehouse operations will be more efficient and reliable and have less errors and injuries.

2.  In what ways is product design important to Continue reading →

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Robots: Why Can’t They Just Get Along?

Robots: Why Can’t They Just Get Along?

March 8, 2021
Lisa M. Spencer

Robots at Singapore’s Changi General Hospital are learning much needed communications skills.

The hospital uses about 50 robots from eight different manufacturers to perform a variety of tasks including assisting with surgery, cleaning, monitoring COVID isolation patients, and overseeing patients’ rehabilitation exercises.  Unfortunately, these robots could not communicate with each other, and hallway traffic jams occurred several times a day.

Two robots moving towards each other in a hallway would meet and freeze up, not knowing how to navigate around an object or person.  They would be stuck there in limbo until a hospital worker arrived to get them back on track. Open Robotics’ free software programs now help the robots communicate better with each other.  This promising approach is much needed as more and more robots enter the workplace.

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This post is based on the Wired article, As Robots Fill the Continue reading →

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COVID-Sniffing Dogs in Helsinki

COVID-Sniffing Dogs in Helsinki

November 4, 2020
Lisa M. Spencer

Ten amazing dogs sniff out COVID-19 carrying passengers in Finland’s Helsinki airport.

In a pilot program, passengers are asked to volunteer to run a test wipe across their skin to collect a sweat sample.  The wipe is placed in a cup in a nearby booth, where the dogs quickly go to work and make a physical sign to indicate samples that carry the virus.

These canines can detect the virus in only ten seconds, and up to five days before symptoms even appear.  If one of the dogs indicates that a passenger carries the virus, the person is then sent for a nasal swab test for confirmation.

The airport is hopeful that it can eventually use medical dogs as part of the normal screening process to find effective and efficient ways to keep travelers safe.

Video Spotlight: 

This post is based on the Science Alert article, Dogs Deployed at Helsinki Airport Can Detect COVID-19 With Almost 100% Accuracy, by Michelle Starr, September 25, 2020; the Yahoo! Life article, Dogs Continue reading →

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