Bench Talk

IoT relies on actuators and sensors to interface with the physical world. This blog discusses some common actuator and sensor types, the control systems that link them, calibration, fault tolerance, security, power efficiency, and related topics. A real-world example of a tea-brewing robot is given.

Successful robotics connectivity only happens by design. Read on to explore some of the critical design considerations that engineers should account for when developing industrial or commercial robotic applications and some of the products designed to ensure long-lasting, stable connections.

In a promising example of how robots are replacing manual labor in unsafe places, a startup has built a state-of-the art machine that cleans drains efficiently.

Arduino microcontrollers are playing a major role in the development of prosthetics and devices for human augmentation. Once aimed at students and hobbyists, today Arduino technologies offer numerous advantages typical of open source software and hardware that significantly accelerate development and reduce costs.

Many people harbor concerns about the role AI will play in the future. Though we do not yet have to fear machines rising up to completely replace humanity, we must change and adapt to meet the reality of a future in which AI technology emerges as increasingly more integral to the world in which we live.

As industrial machinery becomes more and more automated, engineers and IT personnel must take security into account. Engineers must also design hardware with security in mind, a task made easier with Maxim’s DeepCover Security Reference Design.

Using TOF camera technology, engineers are creating intelligent solutions for a broad spectrum of problems—from landing spaceships on Mars to monitoring the health of centuries-old vineyards. As revolutionary as flash lidar is, it’s extraordinary when used in tandem with other sensor technology.

BattleBots is back, and one team has made a HUGE impact using a unique design. Sponsored by Mouser Electronics, Team HUGE is currently undefeated, with angry-robot-eyes set on the prize! We interviewed the team to learn about HUGE’s design, then added a miniature HUGE papercraft for you to build.

Using their analog expertise, ROHM Semiconductor has developed a new product line, the Nano Series, to achieve more compact parts that require less energy to operate.

Electronics, motors, motion control, and grips get most of the attention in robotic-arm discussions, but it’s the routing of mundane power and data cables that largely affects long-term reliability.