The International Federation of Robotics expects 93,800 professional service robots to be sold from 2012 through 2015, with the majority of them being used for defense and agriculture applications. (Source: International Federation of Robotics)
Elizabeth, if we put together the farm robots I've covered with the farm robots you've covered, I can easily visualize entirely automated farming operations.
Ann, Thanks for the links to the slide shows. I continue to be amaze at the volume of new robotic solutions that are being developed. And also the way that they are integrating technology beyond the robotic platform itself. Thanks again.
Chuck, these are worldwide figures. Graphs showing geographic distribution weren't included in the executive summary, but I'd bet the vast majority of those domestic 'bots are being sold in Asia, and to a lesser extent in Europe.
That's really incredible, naperlou. I did not know how sophisticated tractor technology had become with GPS, the ability to gather and access real-time info and even lasers! I wonder how far off a completely robotic and automated farm is, without the need for anyone in the fields or on the land to do the job that humans traditionally have done?
Naperlou, Your understanding of farmers using GPS technology to automatically cultivate fields is my understanding as well, but the driver is along for the ride. Thanks for your insights.
Elizaabeth, the tractors really do drive themselves. They could run without a driver. The people I know sit in the tractor and the main reasin is liability. If something went wrong, they are there to take over. It is a lot like the Space Shuttle.
The tractors use GPS for guidance. There are some that might use lasers. During harvest, the combines provide real time yield information. This is fed into a program that determines what to do at each point in the field. This could involve seed or fertilizer, for example. After last year's drought, the farmer may use drought resistant seed varieties in those areas that did not do well. This, of course, saves money since the drought resistant varieties are more expensive. It is the same with fertilizer. It not only saves money, it is better for the land.
We looked at a number of sources to determine this year's greenest cars, from KBB to automotive trade magazines to environmental organizations. These 14 cars emerged as being great at either stretching fuel or reducing carbon footprint.
Researchers at MIT and Sandia National Labs have observed a reaction in lithium-air batteries that could help improve the design of these cells for electric vehicles and other applications.
Healthcare might seem to be an unlikely target application for the Internet of Things technology, but recent developments show small ways that big-data is going to make an impact on patient care moving into the future.
As energy efficiency becomes more and more a concern for makers of electronics devices, researchers are coming up with new ways to harvest energy from sound vibration, footsteps, and even electromagnetic fields in the air.
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A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
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