The Evolution of Robotics: Challenges and Excitement Ahead

What will it take to get humanoid robots out of the experimental phase and into our daily lives? A lot of us always dreamed of having our own C-3PO at the ready, but how close are we really?

Well, it’s a little more complicated than simply getting them on a production line. If we want robots to make an appearance not just in the manufacturing space, but also in healthcare, construction, public spaces, and even at home, there’s a whole lot more work to do.

In this episode, we bring you a two-part conversation, recorded live at the Robotics Summit & Expo in Boston. First up, Aaron Prather, Director of Robotics & Autonomous Systems Program at ASTM, sits down with Jake Hall, the Manufacturing Millennial, to talk about the number one important thing shaping robotics – safety standards. We talk about how safety standards have a long way to go and will need to look a bit different in different industries.

Next, we speak to Spencer Krause, the President and CEO of SKA Robotics, about the best use cases for robots right now and where they could end up in the future. We look at healthcare and hospitals, mining and construction, and break down what will need to happen to increase robotics use and make it a buyer’s market one day.

In this episode, find out:

• Aaron explains his work at ASTM and the importance of pairing standards with new technology
• The biggest hurdles to improving standards for humanoid robots
• Why we’ll need different standards for different scenarios if we want robots in the home, in healthcare, and industry
• The most exciting use cases for humanoids and why there’s still a lot of work to do to make it feasible 
• How interest in robotics is growing, as shown by increased talk outside of technical fields in social science, law, and more
• Spencer explains his work at SKA Robotics and how robotics is evolving
• Where the biggest current use cases for robotics are now
• How robotics is branching out into industries like mining and construction
• What will it take to push robot use in areas like healthcare from the current 3% in the US
• Why safety, use, and productivity are the keys to making robotics a buyer’s market

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Tweetable Quotes:

• “More people will embrace the idea of robotics and look for those solutions, and ultimately that's what we need. We need more problem solvers at the table because not all of these are technical.” – Aaron Prather
• “In the last five years, what we've been able to see with the ability to run perception on the edge and some of these AI algorithms has been incredible.” – Spencer Krause
• ”We're going to see more and more different types of niche surgical robots coming out in the hospital logistics space. That's a market that's only penetrated 3% of hospitals so far in the US. I think we'll see more of that.” – Spencer Krause

Links & mentions:

• Robotics Summit & Expo, robotics convention that brings together over 5,000 developers focused on building robots for various industries including aerospace, defense, healthcare, and logistics
• SKA Robotics, robotics hardware, software, and systems engineering developer
• MassRobotics, the largest independent robotics hub representing entrepreneurs and innovators around the world
• Tatum Robotics, a robotic system that translates English into tactile fingerspelling for great accessibility
• LiftLabs, fast and user-friendly ropeless gear for local lobstermen
• Nexterity, faster, safer, and better flange bolting
• P!ng, a fast drive-through experience powered by automation and AI
• Haystack, cost-effective and accurate soil carbon measurement
• Redifine Surgery, surgical training with AI and immersive 3D technology
• Revolute Robotics, autonomous ground and aerial robots for challenging environments  
• ReviMo, smart devices to help people with limited mobility
• ASTM, Advancing Standards Transforming Markets – one of the world’s largest standards creating organizations

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.