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“You really need to develop a whole product solution—hardware, software, UI, interfaces, and process redesign—with a consideration for what problem you are really trying to solve.” —Aldo Zini
Getting large teams of robots to collaborate is the work of Dr Regis Vincent, who envisions applications that include mapping nuclear contamination.
What obstacles remain for robots to work alongside humans in industrial settings, and how far have we come in eliminating those challenges? Dr. Roland Menassa answers these and other questions in his presentation at the RoboBusiness summit November 2-3 in Boston.
John Reid, director of Product Technology and Innovation at Moline Technology Innovation Center, a part of John Deere’s Global Technology Innovation Network, discusses how his company’s technologies will help feed the world’s billions.
Mark Ingebretsen
abreast of the latest news, research, and business
analysis in key areas of the fast-changing
robotics industry
Hospitals are currently facing significant staffing crises, especially a shortage of immediate care personnel, such as registered nurses (RNs). As a result of this shortage, the number of work-related injuries continues to increase primarily due to more shifts, mandatory overtime, and the aging nursing population. Among the increasing number of work-related injuries, back injuries pose the greatest impact. Today’s advances in robotic technology can provide health care workers with help in the labor intense hospital or clinical work place, augmenting human physical capabilities and performing some regular, repetitive tasks.
RE2’s concept combines a hospital-proven robotic platform, dexterous manipulators similar to human arms, and intuitive control interfaces to provide a practical implementation of the RNA. The resultant RNA will serve as an extension of the nurse when performing physically challenging maneuvers, such as helping a patient sit up in bed or moving a patient from a gurney to a hospital bed.
There is an undeniable need for technology to assist nurses and hospital staff with challenging physical tasks. We are extremely pleased to have the opportunity to leverage our dexterous manipulation and robotics expertise to benefit the healthcare market,stated Jorgen Pedersen, president and chief executive officer of RE2, Inc.
RE2 is leveraging its dexterous manipulation expertise to design the RNA’s manipulator arms. RE2 is partnering with proven robotics technology providers for the robotic platform and intuitive control components of this program.
About Aethon
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based Aethon, Inc. will provide the platform for the RNA. Aethon is a leader in providing low-cost solutions for automatically hauling materials indoors. Aethon’s Tug uses patented technology to navigate, avoid obstacles, continuously track and correct its positioning, and charge itself at docking stations. Aethon is pleased to support RE2 in the design and development of the Robotic Nursing Assistant, stated Spencer Allen, chief technology officer of Aethon, Inc. We are continually looking to apply our proven mobile robotics platform in new ways to meet the needs of the healthcare market. The RNA program will provide both civilian and VA hospitals with enhanced and affordable capabilities. For more information about Aethon, visit http://www.aethon.com.
About Anthrotronix
Anthrotronix, Inc., a biomedical and human factors engineering product development company based in Silver Springs, Maryland, will provide Human Control Interface (HCI) expertise to enable users of the RNA to intuitively control the dexterous manipulator arms. Anthrotronix has extensive experience in creating HCIs for the medical, aerospace, military, and education markets. To learn more about Anthrotronix, visit http://www.anthrotronix.com.
Contact
Jessica Jordan Pedersen
COO, RE2, Inc.
P: 412.681.6382
E:
W: http://www.resquared.com
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