Satellites are expensive. They are expensive to develop, expensive to launch, and, should they run out of fuel, expensive because they are not designed to be refueled.
NASA wants to change that. The aerospace agency has been working for years on robotic technology that could refuel and relocate satellites, extending their services lives, cutting down on space junk and saving money in the process.
Eventually it could lead to more capable spacecraft and a new line of business for commercial space companies.
Robotics
Robotics
RoboBusiness
RoboBusiness is the pioneering event of the global robotics industry and the most important gathering of the year for those seeking to learn more about and profit from robotics. For over 12 years, RoboBusiness has brought together thousands of executives, engineers, investors, startups and robotics experts from around the world to learn from one another and build robotics strategies that can be immediately put to use to grow their businesses and stay ahead of the competition.
At RoboBusiness, you will:
Oregon State University researchers receive grant to study operation of autonomous marine vehicles
Five Oregon State University (OSU) researchers have received a $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The grant will be used to study the operation of autonomous marine vehicles.
Building on cross-campus collaborations, the project brings together engineers and ocean scientists so that they can produce “innovations in OSU-developed ocean-sensing technologies,” such as the robotic oceanographer surface sampler (ROSS), and advanced underwater glider operations.
Ultimately, the project will look improve the autonomous capabilities of vehicles by increasing their “neglect tolerance,” which is the ability to function for long periods of time despite minimal or no communication with a human technician.
Endeavor Robotics to deliver 32 Small Unmanned Ground Vehicles to United States Armed Forces
Endeavor Robotics will deliver 32 of its Small Unmanned Ground Vehicles (SUGV), equipped with the Endeavor Robotics uPoint Multi-Robot Control System, to the United States Armed Forces.
The SUGV meets IP67 ratings, can operate in all environmental conditions, and has increased capabilities thanks to its ability to integrate various sensors and hardware.
The SUGV can also climb and descend stairs, and it provides “dexterous and robust manipulation and lift/inspection capabilities,” while also having the ability to extend “operational range through mesh networking” with other Endeavor systems that are deployed.
South Florida tech industry receives boost with launch of new AUVSI Miami Chapter
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug 8, 2017
Contact: Tom McMahon, tmcmahon@auvsi.org, (571) 255-7786
Weekend Roundup
This Week in the Unmanned Systems and Robotics World
LORD Corporation, which develops wireless and embedded sensing systems, has introduced its LXRS+ wireless networking protocol, which features a bandwidth of 16,000 samples per second per channel, and an aggregate system bandwidth of 256,000 samples per second over 16 channels. According to LORD, “the wireless sensor nodes that operate using LXRS+ protocol are designed to operate at incredibly low-power,” which allows battery powered networks to operate for long periods of time, and “makes the use of energy harvesting systems a viable option for permanent installations.”
Miami Satellite Chapter Kickoff
The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) is coming to South Florida, and we are having a party to celebrate! If you are into drones, robots, rovers, or other unmanned or autonomous systems, this is one event you will not want to miss.
Come join members of AUVSI's Florida Peninsula Chapter as we formally dedicate the new Miami Satellite Chapter representing everything unmanned throughout all of South Florida, Latin America, the Caribbean, and beyond!
We've picked the legendary 94th Aero Squadron next to Miami International Airport as the backdrop for this historic event, and we pay hommage to past and current aviation, as we chart a new course into the future.
Weekend Roundup
This Week in the Unmanned Systems and Robotics World
Simlat, which is a provider of training and simulation systems for UAS, has announced that it will provide its existing and new customers with a high-fidelity maritime simulation, which includes an enhanced dynamic wave model that takes into account the sea state and the weather conditions, along with the characteristics of simulated vessels such as length, weight, drought and center of mass. Applications such as search and rescue operations, security and marine life exploration will benefit from the improved visuals.
The 2017 Bridger Cup
BridgerCup 2017 from Digital Aerial Media on Vimeo.
The 3rd Annual Bridger Cup is a fun event for all, to be held this Sunday, July 23rd at 1:00 pm at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds in Bozeman, Montana -- gateway to Yellowstone Park. The event will take place during the fair itself, so attendees will enjoy access to all of the attractions, rides, exhibits and other amenities of this excellent county fair.
Autonomous robots approved for operation in Concord, California
The city of Concord, California is preparing to welcome Starship Technologies’ autonomous delivery robots to its sidewalks and streets, after the city’s leaders agreed to make Concord a testing ground for the technology.
This announcement comes after Starship Technologies approached the city of Concord last month and asked for permission to conduct a 12-month pilot program.
“Concord, as a city, is a great candidate for robot deliveries with the layout, pedestrian density and number of potential partners,” says Starship Technologies spokesman Henry Harris-Burland, via the East Bay Times.
