Hardware Podcasts

36. How To Reinvent Construction Using Robotics

The Next Byte Podcast · 21 Sept 2021 · 23m

What this episode covers

Daniel Scott Mitchell and Farbod Moghaddam discuss University of Michigan, University of Florida, and Washington State University research into collaborative robotics for construction, aiming to reduce 150,000 annual injuries using VR digital twins and machine learning. They also cover ETH Zurich’s MyFlow software, developed by Sarah Messner and Mark Bachinger, which uses retinal image analysis to measure brain activity and optimize mental focus.

Most relevant to

early-stage companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
University of Michigan, University of Florida, Washington State University, ETH Zurich
Products
MyFlow
Also
NSF, Sarah Messner, Mark Bachinger

Related episodes from other shows

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • Robot Talk · 37m

    Episode Thirty-Eight: Jonathan Aitken

    Dr. Jonathan Aitken, a Senior University Teacher in Robotics at the University of Sheffield, discusses his research on building usable, expandable robotic architectures for manufacturing and infrastructure. He explains how digital twins create a continuous feedback loop between virtual models and real-world collaborative robots to ensure safety and operator-agnostic control. Aitken also details the Pike Bots project, which uses computer vision for localization in GPS-denied sewer environments, and describes software architectures for autonomous reconfiguration in harsh nuclear settings.

    Robotics & autonomyEmbedded firmware
    8 chapters

  • The Robot Report Podcast · 1h 04m

    Baseball & robotics startups during COVID-19; ROS on Windows 10

    AJ Mayer, CEO of the Boston-based Pickle Robot Company, explains how his startup uses reinforcement learning and deep neural networks to automate loading and unloading trucks with their 'Dill' robot, targeting brownfield logistics facilities rather than fully automated warehouses. He details the 'supervisor ratio' business model, where human operators handle the 2% of edge cases the robot cannot manage, and discusses the challenges of selling to enterprise customers during the pandemic. The episode also features Dave Niewinski from Clearpath Robotics, who discusses the strategic benefits of supporting ROS on Windows 10 for their Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs), highlighting easier IT integration, cloud connectivity via Azure, and lower barriers to entry for corporate clients.

    Robotics & autonomyAI & machine learning
    8 chapters

  • Robot Talk · 38m

    Episode Twelve – Manufacturing Robotics: onto the factory floor

    Dr Gilbert Tang of Cranfield University, Dr Prasad Manorathna of Siemens, and Dr Paul Shepherd of the University of Bath discuss the evolution of manufacturing robotics. They cover applications ranging from food and aerospace to electronics and construction, highlighting the shift toward human-robot collaboration, in-house automation development, and the use of AI for assembly and sustainable building techniques.

    Robotics & autonomyAI & machine learning
    7 chapters

  • The Robot Report Podcast · 1h 12m

    Advancing the World of Construction Robotics

    Mike Pivac, CEO of FBR, explains how the Hadrian X autonomous bricklaying robot addresses the US housing shortage and skilled labor crisis by laying walls in a single day using a block-and-adhesive system. The episode details FBR's 'Wall on Call' service model, software-driven waste reduction, and current market trials in Florida. Additionally, Joe Martino of Maxon Group discusses the industry shift toward high-power-density robotic joints and complete motion solutions for warehouse automation.

    Robotics & autonomyScaling production
    6 chapters

  • Manufacturing Happy Hour · 52m

    BONUS: Hear what Investors, Educators, and High Growth Companies have to say about the future of Robotics, Automation, and AI, Pt. 1 of 2 (brought to you by Cascadia Capital)

    Chris Luecke interviews leaders from Creative Ventures, Advanced Construction Robotics, Hire Henry, Madrona Venture Group, and Cascadia Capital about the future of robotics, automation, and AI. The guests discuss the shift of automation into unstructured environments like construction, agriculture, and landscaping, driven by labor shortages and advances in AI. They highlight the importance of solving specific market problems before technology, the rise of 'structured autonomy,' and the critical role of software in scaling robotic hardware.

    Robotics & autonomyAI & machine learning
    8 chapters

The summary, chapters and topics are generated from the episode’s audio by this directory, not written by The Next Byte Podcast. The episode itself belongs to its publisher.