Frank Tobe, The Robot Report in Network World by Sandra Gittlen

Frank Tobe, The Robot Report in Network World by Sandra Gittlen!

“As robots themselves evolve, so do their controllers. Tobe [Frank Tobe, The Robot Report] predicts that tablets, smartphones and other handhelds will become a common mechanism for training and manipulating robots.”
By Sandra Gittlen, Network World

http://www.networkworld.com/news/2012/022012-robots-256123.html

The Industrial Robot Revolution

Stand-alone and embedded industrial robots are taking their place alongside humans
By Sandra Gittlen, Network World
February 20, 2012 06:09 AM ET

Frank Tobe, owner and publisher of “The Robot Report” has observed growing interest in robotics around the globe and across vertical markets. “Robots appeal to an array of businesses, including agricultural, packaging and distribution, and medical,” he says.

He believes a dramatic shift in how robots are made and perceived has sparked their broad acceptance. “People used to think of robots as expensive, monstrous, dangerous, clunky machines that had to have a cage around them. Today’s robots are nothing like that – they are cheaper, lighter, agile, and equipped with sensors to make them safer so they can work alongside humans,” he says.

For instance, robots now handle accuracy-dependent tasks such as polishing and sanding on consumer device assembly lines and automatically fill orders at fast-food chains.

“Some are even embedded into other form factors such as automobiles so they are essentially transparent.” He points to the robotics used to power self-park features in newer cars as an example.

As robots themselves evolve, so do their controllers. Tobe predicts that tablets, smartphones and other handhelds will become a common mechanism for training and manipulating robots.

He also believes that although nowadays robotics technology is incredibly proprietary, it will soon open up. “As the marketplace broadens, robotic operating systems will become more open source and more capable,” Tobe says.

THOMAS PR WEB SITE http://www.thomas-pr.com