Latest Robotics Tools and Innovations

Hello 👋 from the Automate Show in downtown Detroit. I’m excited to share with you what I’m learning. Robotics is undergoing a fundamental transformation, and NVIDIA is at the center of it all. I've been watching how leading manufacturers are deploying NVIDIA's Isaac platform, and the results are staggering: Universal Robotics & Machines UR15 Cobot now generates motion faster with AI. Vention is democratizing machine motion for businesses. KUKA has integrated AI directly into their controllers. But what's truly revolutionary is the approach: 1. Start with a digital twin In simulation, companies can deploy thousands of virtual robots to run experiments safely and efficiently. The majority of robotics innovation is happening in simulation right now, allowing for both single and multi-robot training before real-world deployment. 2. Implement "outside-in" perception Just as humans perceive the world from the inside out, robots need their own sensors. But the game-changer is adding "outside-in" perception - like an air traffic control system for robots. This dual approach is solving industrial automation's biggest challenges. 3. Leverage generative AI Factory operators can now use LLMs to manage operations with simple prompts: "Show me if there was a spill" or "Is the operator following the correct assembly steps?" Pegatron is already implementing this with just a single camera. They're creating an ecosystem where partners can integrate cutting-edge AI into existing systems, helping traditional manufacturers scale up through unprecedented ease of use. The most powerful insight? Just as ChatGPT reached 100 million users in 9 days, robotics adoption is about to experience its own inflection point. The barriers to entry are falling. The technology is becoming accessible even for mid-sized and smaller companies. And the future is being built in simulation before transforming our physical world. Michigan Software Labs Forbes Technology Council Fast Company Executive Board

The AI race just took a sharp turn—straight into the world of robots Google, OpenAI, Meta, and Amazon aren’t just building smarter chatbots anymore—they're quietly (and not-so-quietly) making massive moves in robotics. Not just software. Hardware too. We're talking robotic arms that can "think," household bots that learn your routines, and warehouse automation that adapts in real time—all powered by next-gen AI models. This isn’t theoretical. ➡️ Amazon is already deploying AI-powered robots across their fulfillment centers ➡️ Google DeepMind is training robots with reinforcement learning that mimics human behavior ➡️ Meta is exploring AI agents that understand and interact with physical environments ➡️ OpenAI, backed by Microsoft, is investing in robotics startups aiming to merge GPT-like intelligence with real-world machines The vision? Smart machines that see, learn, adapt, and execute—in homes, factories, and even the streets. Having worked closely with AI startups, I’ve seen firsthand how quickly the line between digital and physical intelligence is blurring. What felt like sci-fi just two years ago is now something founders are actively pitching—and building. This shift could be as transformational as the rise of the smartphone. Maybe even more. Curious to hear— Where do you think robotics will impact daily life first? Home, healthcare, manufacturing... or somewhere else? Drop your thoughts in the comments. 👇

🤖 𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐥? 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 For decades, warehouse robots have relied on vision and code. But in the real world, not everything goes as planned—boxes get dented, bottles slip, and no two items are exactly the same. That’s why touch is emerging as a game-changer in robotics. Amazon’s new Vulcan robot is equipped with force-sensitive grippers and joint sensors, enabling it to manipulate ~75% of warehouse items—not just by seeing them, but by feeling them. 🦾 Tactile sensing isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential for dexterity, adaptability, and safer human-robot collaboration. From MIT's GelSight to Shadow Robot’s tactile fingertips, the field is advancing fast—but there’s still a long road ahead. 🔍 Check out my latest article on why robotic touch is the missing piece in automation—and what breakthroughs like Vulcan signal for the future of human-machine interaction. Read it here: https://lnkd.in/ekNGJx8E Would you trust a robot that can feel what it’s holding?