Mechanical Engineering Robotics Development

PaTS-Wheel is a passively-transformable single-part #wheel for #mobile #robot navigation. Most mobile robots use wheels that perform well on even and structured ground, like in factories and warehouses. However, they face challenges traversing unstructured terrain such as stepped obstacles. This paper presents the design and testing of the PaTS-Wheel that can transform to render hooks when presented with obstacles. The passive rendering of this useful morphological feature is guided purely by the geometry of the obstacle. The energy consumption and vibrational profile of the PaTS-Wheel on flat ground is comparable to a standard wheel of the same size. In addition, the novel wheel design was tested traversing different terrains with stepped obstacles of incremental heights. The PaTS-Wheel achieved 100~% success rate at traversing stepped obstacles with heights ≈70 % its diameter, higher than the results obtained for an equivalent wheel ( ≈25 % its diameter) and an equivalent wheg (≈61 % its diameter). This achieves the design objectives of combining the #energy #efficiency and ride smoothness of wheels with the obstacle traversal capabilities of legged robots, all without requiring any sensors, actuators, or controllers. #research #paper: https://lnkd.in/dZTggxyG #authors: Thomas Godden, Barry Mulvey, Ellen Redgrave, Thrishantha Nanayakkara Imperial College London #robotics #design #creativity #engineering #innovation #technology #future

Octopus-Inspired Robots: Nature's Design Solves Industry's Toughest Challenges Fascinating developments in soft robotics are revolutionizing how machines interact with complex environments. Tentacle-inspired robots - with their flexible, adaptable appendages - are solving challenges traditional rigid robots cannot. These biomimetic systems excel at: Handling delicate objects without damage Navigating tight or irregular spaces Working safely alongside humans Just visited a manufacturing facility implementing octopus-inspired grippers that can handle everything from microchips to produce. The precision is remarkable! Engineers are finding inspiration in nature's designs that evolved over millions of years. These flexible systems represent not just technological advancement, but a fundamental shift in how we think about machine-environment interaction. What applications do you see for tentacle-based robotics in your industry? The possibilities seem endless. #FutureOfRobotics #BiomimeticDesign #TechInnovation #SoftRobotics

Here's my latest published by the World Economic Forum and it seems like an extremely relevant topic after humanoid robots just ran the marathon in China and the unveiling of Google's XR glasses at TED 2025. We’re moving into the next frontier of computing: Where intelligence doesn’t just live in the cloud. It lives around us and expands into the physical world. On our faces, in our ears, in our pockets, walking next to us, and soon… maybe even working for us. This is the era of: 🔹 On-device AI: fast, hopefully private, and context-aware 🔹 Spatial computing: blending physical and digital realities and expanding computing into the physical world while enabling the spatial web. 🔹 Smartglasses & wearables: interfaces you wear, not just touch 🔹 Agentic AI systems that act, decide, and adapt 🔹 Vision-action models: the brain behind embodied AI And it’s not just about smartglasses like the ones Google XR, Meta, OpenAI or Meta are working on. It’s about the rise of Physical AI, where robots and spatially aware machines use spatial intelligence to understand and operate in the physical world. Think AI that can see, move, and collaborate in physical space... not just generate words. Our current LLMs are truly revolutionary, but vision action models will have an even bigger impact on our daily lives. This convergence of AI + XR + robotics is reshaping business: From how we access information… To how we work, care, learn, create, and connect. If you’re a founder, leader, designer, or investor...this is your moment to build and design for what’s next. It's never been easier to build And if you’re curious to go deeper, I’m working on a course with one of the top minds in AI to help leaders get ready for what’s coming. This quote in the article from Boston Consulting Group (BCG)'s Kristi Woolsey sums it up well: “AI has put us on the hunt for a new device that will let us move AI collaboration off-screen and into the world. Hands-free XR devices do that. AI is also hungry for data, and the cameras, location sensors and voice inputs of XR devices can feed that need.” This hardware shift makes AI more accessible and integrated into daily life, not just as a tool on a screen, but of use to use in the physical world. 👀 Check out the article here and feel free to share with your communities: https://lnkd.in/eSHWJdpR Would love to hear — which of these frontier tech shifts are you tracking most closely right now? #PhysicalAI #AI #SpatialComputing #OnDeviceAI #AgenticAI #Technology #TED2025 #Smartglasses #SpatialIntelligence

From Agentic AI to Embodied AI Agents: The Future in Motion AI agents today exist mostly in digital form. These systems can plan, reason, and adapt, but they remain confined to software. Meanwhile, robotics has advanced in parallel, with humanoids demonstrating increasingly fluid motion, dexterous control, and real-world interaction. The intersection of these two trajectories, Agentic AI and robotics, is where embodied AI agents will emerge. When AI systems gain physical autonomy and the ability to perceive, reason, and act in the real world, they will become more than tools; they will be true agents, capable of navigating and executing complex real-world tasks. In this video, ENGINEAI’s PM01 humanoid robot is learning to dance. This may seem like a simple demonstration, but it represents something much bigger: the increasing ability of robots to learn, refine movements, and execute tasks with dynamic adaptability. The Convergence of AI and Robotics ⭐ Agentic AI: Advanced decision-making, planning, and adaptability in digital environments. ⭐ Humanoid Robotics: High-degree-of-freedom motion, real-world interaction, and dexterity. ⭐ Embodied AI Agents (The Future): AI that doesn’t just process information but moves, interacts, and autonomously operates in physical space. PM01: A Glimpse into the Future At $12K, ENGINEAI’s PM01 is pushing the boundaries of motion learning, autonomy, and real-time adaptability. While not yet an AI agent, it showcases the building blocks of embodied intelligence, the ability to move fluidly, respond to changing inputs, and execute precise physical tasks. As robotics continue to advance and AI agents grow more autonomous, the gap between intelligence and embodiment will close. Soon, AI won’t just be something we talk to, it will be something that moves, collaborates, and coexists in the real world. This future is taking shape (literally). How do we prepare for it?

Form and function are not always inseparable—while nature provides an incredible foundation for design, true progress comes from refining and improving function rather than simply replicating biological forms. In prosthetics, the goal isn’t just to mimic human anatomy but to enhance usability, efficiency, and adaptability for the wearer. At the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), researchers led by Manuel Giuseppe Catalano are applying soft robotics to rethink prosthetic design. Their SoftFoot Pro doesn’t just imitate a human foot—it improves upon it. Weighing only 450 grams, this experimental prosthesis requires no power while supporting up to 100 kilograms. Its dynamic arch mechanism mirrors the role of the plantar fascia, not for the sake of mimicry, but to optimise walking efficiency. This video demonstrates what’s possible when the focus is on function-first innovation rather than mere replication. What are your thoughts on the role of soft robotics in redefining prosthetics? #robotics #innovation #technology

The Convergence of Intelligent Technologies: Shaping the Autonomous Future pt.1 We are at the dawn of a technological revolution where the convergence of intelligent technologies is reshaping industries and societies. In a 2023 Forbes article I co-authored with Sarwant Singh, we explored the rise of the ‘Autonomous World’—a world powered by hyper-connectivity, intelligent machines, and continuous innovation. Today, these shifts are accelerating, driven by advances in AI, robotics, edge computing, and interconnected networks. FROM HARDWARE TO SOFTWARE INTEGRATION IN ROBOTICS Historically, robotics innovation has been centered around hardware improvements in motors, sensors, and physical components. However, as hardware matures and becomes commoditised, the future of robotics is moving toward software-driven intelligence. AI, machine vision, and multi-agent orchestration platforms now empower fleets of diverse robots—ranging from drones to forklifts—to navigate unpredictable environments and collaborate in real time. While software is leading this new wave, custom hardware remains critical for high-stakes industries such as healthcare, defense, and advanced manufacturing, where performance, reliability, and durability cannot be compromised. EDGE AI: BRINGING INTELLIGENCE CLOSER TO THE SOURCE AI is also evolving from cloud-reliant systems to intelligent, edge-based operations. As NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang highlighted at GTC 2025, the future of AI is not just about generating data—it’s about enabling physical AI, where embodied machines learn, reason, and act autonomously. Edge AI brings these capabilities closer to the source, improving data security, reducing costs, and enabling real-time decision-making without relying on the cloud. This shift is crucial as enterprises strive to scale AI securely and efficiently across various industries, including logistics, mining, healthcare, and finance. THE HUMAN FACTOR: AUGMENTING, NOT REPLACING A key misconception is that autonomous technologies will replace humans. In reality, they are designed to augment human capabilities, reduce operational risks, and create new opportunities for reskilling and higher-value work. As these technologies take over hazardous or repetitive tasks, they can extend the working life of an aging workforce, support diversity, and improve work-life balance. However, this requires ethical foresight and leadership that embraces system thinking—integrating AI, robotics, human capital, and sustainability into a holistic strategy. Part 2 of this post series will explore the power of converging S-curves, which illustrate how various technological advancements interlink and complement one another to create connected ecosystems and drive further innovation. #autonomy #intelligenttech #convergence

As we step into 2025, NVIDIA's foray into humanoid robotics marks a pivotal moment in the convergence of AI, robotics & computing. It isn't just about creating advanced machines; it's about reshaping the very fabric of our technological landscape & redefining human-machine interaction. NVIDIA's introduction of NIM micro-services & the OSMO orchestration service represents a significant leap forward in robotics development. By reducing deployment times from weeks to minutes & streamlining complex workflows, these tools are set to accelerate innovation in the field exponentially. The AI-enabled teleoperation workflow, which generates synthetic datasets from minimal human demonstrations, addresses one of the most pressing challenges in robotics: the need for vast amounts of training data. This advancement aligns closely with the vision of companies like CynLr, which aims to create universal factories capable of manufacturing diverse products using versatile robots. CynLr's recent $10M Series A underscores the growing interest & investment in this sector. Their focus on visual object intelligence for industrial robotics complements NVIDIA's efforts, potentially leading to a synergistic relationship between AI-powered vision systems and advanced humanoid robots. The implications of these developments extend far beyond the tech sector. As humanoid robots become more sophisticated & versatile, they have the potential to transform industries ranging from manufacturing to healthcare and education. However, this rapid advancement also raises important questions about the future of work, ethical considerations in human-robot interactions and the need for robust regulatory frameworks. As we witness this technological revolution unfold, it's crucial to consider both the immense potential & the challenges that lie ahead. The convergence of NVIDIA's computing prowess with the innovative approaches of companies like CynLr could pave the way for a future where humanoid robots are not just tools, but collaborative partners in various aspects of our lives. This evolution promises to bring about unprecedented changes in how we work, live, & interact with technology, making 2025 a truly transformative year in the field of robotics and AI. #Technology #Robotics #AI #Venture #Perspective #NVIDIA

🚀 The Importance of Kinematics in Robotics Software 🤖 (Open Source Robots for learning Robotics: https://lnkd.in/ec44NKQe) Kinematics is a fundamental aspect of robotics that deals with the motion of objects without considering the forces that cause that motion. Understanding kinematics is crucial for developing effective robotic systems. Here’s why it matters: 1️⃣ Understanding Robot Motion 🦾 Robot Movement: Kinematics helps describe how robots move, including positions, velocities, and accelerations 🚗 📐 Path Planning: Essential for determining how to move from point A to point B while avoiding obstacles 🔄 2️⃣ Forward and Inverse Kinematics ➡️ Forward Kinematics: Calculates the position of the robot's end effector (e.g., a robotic arm) based on joint angles and configurations. 🖱️ 🔄 Inverse Kinematics: Determines the required joint angles to achieve a desired position for the end effector. This is vital for tasks like grasping and manipulation. 🤲 3️⃣ Motion Control and Planning 🎯 Trajectory Generation: Kinematic equations are used to generate smooth trajectories for robotic motion, ensuring efficient and precise movements. 🚦 Real-Time Control: Helps implement control algorithms that enable robots to follow paths accurately in dynamic environments. 4️⃣ Simulation and Testing 🛠️ Robotic Simulators: Kinematics plays a key role in simulating robot behavior, allowing developers to test algorithms and strategies before deploying them to physical robots. 🌍 🔍 Visualization: Tools like RViz provide visual feedback on kinematic models, aiding in debugging and development. 5️⃣ Applications Across Industries ⚙️ Manufacturing: Used in robotic arms for assembly, welding, and painting, ensuring precise operations. 🏥 Healthcare: Robotics in surgery relies on kinematic models to guide instruments with high accuracy. 🚗 Autonomous Vehicles: Kinematics is essential for motion planning and navigation, enabling safe and efficient driving. 6️⃣ Foundation for Advanced Robotics 📚 Building Blocks for Dynamics: Kinematics is the first step toward understanding more complex concepts like dynamics, control theory, and robot learning. 🧠 Interdisciplinary Knowledge: Combines concepts from geometry, physics, and engineering, providing a comprehensive foundation for robotics development. Understanding kinematics is not just about math; it’s about bringing robots to life and making them function in the real world. Embrace kinematics as a key skill in your robotics journey! 🌟 hashtag #Robotics hashtag #Kinematics hashtag #SoftwareEngineering hashtag #MotionPlanning hashtag #RoboticSystems (Open Source Robots for learning Robotics: https://lnkd.in/ec44NKQe) Image Source: https://lnkd.in/eutUhgSw

Deforestation still ranks among the most pressing environmental issues, with around 13 million hectares of forest disappearing each year. One idea to tackle this challenge is a robot known as “Erodium Copy,” which plants seeds in a manner inspired by nature itself. Here’s why it’s catching attention: - Biomimetic Planting Method: The robot uses three “anchor points” to position and plant seeds, much like seeds in the wild would anchor and drill into the soil naturally. - Impressive Success Rates: On flat ground, it achieves about an 80% rate of successful seed germination - higher than what occurs without human or technological help. - Built for the Long Haul: Crafted largely from oakwood, it can place not just seeds but also sensors or fertilizer to help heal overworked land. - Aerial Deployment: By coordinating with drones, the success rate can rise even further, boosting efficiency on projects that cover vast areas. As we explore more ways to restore damaged ecosystems, technology like this could truly shift the pace of reforestation - seed by seed. What do you think of deploying robotics for environmental regeneration? #innovation #technology #future #management #startups

The Erodium Copy robot, featured in a compelling video by Interesting Engineering, is a groundbreaking bio-inspired innovation developed by the visionary researchers at Morphing Matter Lab. Designed to mimic the seed dispersal mechanism of the Erodium plant, this robotic marvel harnesses the power of natural movement to aid in large-scale reforestation, conservation of endangered species, and ecological restoration. The core principle behind this #technology lies in hygroscopic actuation—a process where materials expand and contract in response to moisture, enabling the robot to drill into the soil autonomously and plant seeds with precision. Unlike conventional reforestation methods that rely on human intervention or drones, the Erodium Copy robot operates with remarkable simplicity, requiring no external energy source to function. This passive yet highly effective approach ensures that seeds can take root even in the most inhospitable environments, from arid deserts to mountainous terrains. By seamlessly integrating biomimicry with sustainable engineering, this #innovation not only addresses deforestation but also helps rebuild fragile ecosystems that are essential for biodiversity. Moreover, its low-cost and scalable design presents an opportunity for widespread deployment, making large-scale environmental rehabilitation a tangible reality. In an era where climate change and habitat destruction pose unprecedented threats, the Erodium Copy robot stands as a testament to the power of nature-inspired #engineering, offering a self-sufficient, scalable, and eco-friendly solution to one of humanity’s most pressing environmental crises. Feel free to share your thoughts 💭