International

Relay Robotics, leading manufacturer of autonomous service robots to the hospitality industry, introduced its newest hotel robot, Relay2, at the NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference. This announcement comes at a key economic time. More than 402,000 jobs remain unfilled in leisure and hospitality, leaving 87% of hotels short-staffed, according to the recent AHLA Survey on hotel staff shortages.

Yesterday Apple has unveiled the Vision Pro, a so called ‘spatial computer’ that blends digital content with the physical world. This device introduces a three-dimensional user interface controlled by natural and intuitive inputs such as eye movements, hand gestures, and voice commands.

The qualities that make a knitted sweater comfortable and easy to wear are the same things that might allow robots to better interact with humans. RobotSweater, developed by a research team from Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Institute, is a machine-knitted textile “skin” that can sense contact and pressure.

Simplifai, provider of AI automation solutions, has announced the release of Simplifai InsuranceGPT, a generative AI tool specifically built for the insurance industry. This custom-built generative AI tool automates claims management while prioritizing data security and privacy.

United Robotics Group, a European provider of service robotics, presents an extensive portfolio of robotics solutions for various industrial sectors, including CobiotX, the new generation of service robots. By incorporating products from its recent acquired Spanish subsidiary Robotnik Automation, the company debuts application showcases for the inspection and maintenance sector.

Sheffield is poised to welcome the first robotics company within its borders. Universal Robots, the Danish collaborative robot (cobot) company, has announced the opening of its UK hub in Sheffield. Scheduled to open its doors on Thursday, 8th June, the new hub will serve as a dedicated space for UK manufacturers to explore the benefits of collaborative automation.

AI experts, journalists and policymakers are raising concerns about the risks associated with advanced artificial intelligence (AI). In an effort to overcome the difficulties in discussing some of the most severe risks posed by AI, a group of prominent figures from the AI industry has issued a succinct statement. This statement aims to promote discussion and increase awareness of the experts and public figures who take the risks of advanced AI seriously.

Italy’s robot and automation industry is making its mark as one of the European leaders. With a total of 655 robot and automation companies, the Italian industry is the largest in Europe by number of businesses, ahead of France and Germany. This is established in a new market report from automation marketplace HowToRobot made in collaboration with the Italian Packaging Machinery Manufacturers’ Association, UCIMA.

Today Matthijs Smakman will defend his doctoral thesis titled “Robots in Education: The Morally Responsible Deployment of Robot Assistants”. Conducted under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Elly Konijn, his empirically grounded research represents a significant milestone in achieving a morally responsible integration of social robots as educational assistants in primary schools. Previous studies have already indicated that the utilization of social robots yields better outcomes compared to traditional educational technologies.

Waymo and Uber Technologies have announced a new strategic partnership aimed at making Waymo’s autonomous driving technology available to a wider audience through the Uber platform. The collaboration will initially launch in Phoenix.