This week, our eye was caught by some surprising new materials, and of course who can resist Spot, the Boston Dynamics robot that enamored so many? Let’s take a closer look at these subjects, and more along the same vein.

Material innovations that will change manufacturing

Kristin Manganello shares information about three material innovations that carry a lot of potential. Firstly, a new type of nickel: this metal is light, strong, and could be described as ‘metallic wood’ because of how porous it is, which facilitates the inclusion of other materials in the structure. Secondly, there’s a new fiber which is as strong as metal, and as elastic and flexible as rubber. The demand for this material lies in robotics development and smart clothing. Lastly, we’re always looking for plastic alternatives, and it’s been found in a surprising place: squid tentacles. This could be an environmentally safe, sustainable, biodegradable solution! Find out the details on Thomasnet.

What Spot can teach us about AI and robotics

Spot, the infamous robot by Boston Dynamics that wowed us all by its impressive dance moves, will be finding its use in construction sites. Ben Dickson took this opportunity to talk about the evolution of robotics and AI, and their applications in both industries and the real world. Where deep learning falters, namely dealing with new situations, Spot won’t be challenged yet as it isn’t autonomous. Currently, its uses are contained in industrial environments, which may seem limited, but that is how it will be the most productive. As this technology continues to grow, applying it in more uncontrolled environments in a more autonomous way will become possible. In any case, Spot is an interesting little robot to keep track of. Read more about it on TechTalks.

Increasing flexibility for robots

While we’re on the subject of robots, MIT Professor David Mindell, founder of the startup “Humatics”, aims to revolutionize the collaboration between humans and machines. It’s not a new idea, but this collaboration is currently limited. Robots and people safely sharing a workspace, while both are able to move freely, is still not possible. Mindell has pinpointed the lack of precise location data as a crucial problem in this equation. Different technologies don’t offer a full solution to ensure robots can move in a new environment, because they can’t completely track it, which is obviously unsafe. So Humatics is working on a microlocation system, which uses all data currently being captured in a warehouse already to complete a location picture. IndustryWeek shares the full story.

How 5G is already changing manufacturing

It’s still not widespread, but it’s already impactful: 5G, the network that will allow more automation and innovation. In a world of Industry 4.0, networks have to keep up with technological demands, and 5G will meet those needs. Interconnectivity, data management, deep learning, … all already crucial parts of a modern manufacturing business, but as performance needs to rise, so does your network capabilities. Upgrading to 5G will be no small task, but a necessary one for those companies that want to stay at the top. Read more about the 5G future on Manufacturing Technology Insights.

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