Actuator: Stop Making Sense - Exploring the World of Actuators

A New Identity for Robotics Coverage: Introducing Actuator

Initially, our publication was known as “Robotics Roundup.” While accurate in a technical sense, this name lacked the vibrancy desired for a collection of robotics news. Actuator, conversely, signifies dynamism and progress.

This name is poised for success, and to commemorate this significant change, we enlisted the talents of our graphic designer, Bryce, to create a visual identity reflecting our rebrand.

Announcing the Actuator Newsletter

We are also pleased to announce the upcoming launch of Actuator as a complimentary TechCrunch newsletter delivered directly to your inbox. This transformation feels particularly appropriate, coinciding with the 25th edition of this roundup. Previous editions can be found under the Actuator tag if you wish to review them.

For those who have followed our work, the newsletter’s purpose remains consistent: a concise overview of the week’s robotics developments. We will continue to cover emerging startups, established industry leaders, and groundbreaking robotic research, alongside discussions of labor implications and ethical considerations related to automation and artificial intelligence.

If this sounds appealing, you can subscribe here to receive Actuator in your inbox upon the release of the first issue. You may be required to verify you are not a robot, and we apologize for any inconvenience to our robotic readers. However, if you’ve reached this point, you’re well-equipped to handle it.

Industry Updates: Intel Discontinues RealSense

Following an initial report by CRN, Intel has confirmed to TechCrunch its decision to discontinue its 3D imaging platform, RealSense. It is regrettable to witness the cessation of such innovative projects.

Intel had prominently featured the division as a key indicator of its ongoing efforts to maintain relevance within the evolving technology landscape. We have previously reported on RealSense’s applications in drones, robotics, and AR/VR, including its integration with 5G connectivity in June of last year.

“We are winding down our RealSense business and transitioning our computer vision talent, technology and products to focus on advancing innovative technologies that better support our core businesses and IDM 2.0 strategy,” stated the company in a communication to TechCrunch. “We will continue to meet our commitments to our current customers and are working with our employees and customers to ensure a smooth transition.”

Essentially, the company is prioritizing its core strengths. IDM 2.0 refers to the new chipmaking strategy receiving a $20 billion investment from the company. While understandable, it remains encouraging to see major corporations like Intel, Nvidia, and Qualcomm invest in forward-looking technologies.

Boston Dynamics Shares Behind-the-Scenes Footage

Boston Dynamics garnered attention this week, largely due to another compelling viral video showcasing its humanoid Atlas robot. The company is well-known for creating impressive robots and generating engaging YouTube content that sparks discussions about science fiction themes.

Having observed Atlas’s capabilities firsthand at Boston Dynamics’ headquarters, I am familiar with its current limitations. While the recent parkour video is impressive, it wasn’t particularly surprising. However, the company’s simultaneous release of outtakes from the video was unexpected.

A six-minute behind-the-scenes video displayed a montage of Atlas experiencing falls. Similar to a skateboarding video, it included shots demonstrating that even advanced systems are prone to failures, resulting in impacts and fluid leaks. The company noted:

Funding Rounds and Robotic Pizza

This concludes the news regarding discontinued projects and robot mishaps for this week. Several fundraising rounds are noteworthy.

Rapid Robotics has been actively securing funding. The recent $36.7 million Series B values the manufacturing robotics company at $192.5 million and represents its third fundraising round this year, beginning with a seed raise.

CEO Jordan Kretchmer attributes increased interest to pandemic-related manufacturing disruptions:

Rapid Robotics will offer its systems through the increasingly popular RaaS (robotics as a service) model, also utilized by Diamond Age. The Bay Area-based firm announced an $8 million seed round for a combination of robotics and 3D printing aimed at accelerating house construction. While still in its early stages, the company claims its technology can significantly reduce manual labor and shorten construction time from nine months to 30 days.

Following its own funding in May, Picnic announced the sale of its modular robotic pizza maker. Pizza is a popular target for food robotics companies due to its high consumption rate in the United States—reportedly 100 acres daily as of 2015—and its relatively standardized construction, making it easier to automate.

Finally, regarding pizza robots, a quote from Domino’s chief innovation officer offers a relevant observation applicable to the broader robotics field: