The Computing Community Consortium (CCC) is pleased to share that council member Holly Yanco and a team of researchers are leading an ambitious project called Collaborative Open-source Manipulation Performance Assessment for Robotics Enhancement (COMPARE), funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), aimed at revolutionizing robot manipulation through a standardized ecosystem.  In an article from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, Yanco said, “The inability to reliably grasp and manipulate objects in unstructured environments is a major limitation preventing fully assistive robot systems in the home for our growing elderly population, flexible manufacturing to improve the supply chain, and many other applications.” COMPARE has already engaged the robot manipulation community through workshops […]

Are you curious about where computational advancements will be in four decades? The Computing Community Consortium’s (CCC) council member Bill Gropp and The Computing Research Association’s Widening Participation (CRA-WP) board member Nancy Amato along with four other faculty members from the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign (UIUC) shared their knowledge on how developments in computer science and robotics will impact society by 2067.  In an article from Illinois Alumni at the UIUC, these experts see a future of innovation and optimism despite possible challenges.  Computer Science In the future, Gropp explained that computing advancements won’t rely on faster hardware alone. Instead, compute speedups will depend on making processes more efficient […]

In today’s rapidly advancing technological landscape, robots are seen as a potential tool for childhood education and development. From educational resources to companionship, experts such as roboticist Henrik Christensen believe robots can mentor children.  “There are companies who have created robots to help children with autism. They have found that kids like to interact with them rather than other kids,” Christensen said. “It can be helpful for all children, especially with learning how to read or develop math skills. Kids can get mentorship individually at home.” Now let’s explore how robots can benefit children in various aspects of their growth and learning journey. Making learning engaging One of the primary […]

In recent years, industries have been struggling with a significant challenge: a shortage of skilled labor. This issue spans various fields, from manufacturing to healthcare, and is increased by factors such as demographic shifts, skill gaps, and economic fluctuations.  However, amidst these challenges, research such as the 2024 Robotics Roadmap see robotics and automation as a possible solution. Here’s how: Revolutionizing Manufacturing One of the most prominent areas where robotics is making a transformative impact is manufacturing. Traditionally labor-intensive processes have increasingly been automated, not to replace human workers, but to complement their efforts. Robots excel in tasks requiring precision, consistency, and repetition, allowing human workers to focus on more […]

The 2024 Robotics Roadmap, released on April 26, states that the United States, once a frontrunner in robotics innovation, now faces a critical juncture as it lags behind global counterparts in adoption and investment.  But there is hope if we fully leverage the transformative potential of robotics technology. A cohesive national strategy is essential, requiring coordinated efforts across industry, academia, and government.  Here are four ways robotics can ease long-term challenges in the US. Supporting the Aging Population With the aging population in the US, robotics can play a significant role in providing assistance and care for the elderly. Robotic companions, exoskeletons for mobility support, and automated home systems can […]

A recent roadmap document organized by over 90 individuals, including CCC council members Holly Yanco and Ufuk Topcu, notes that the field of robotics, which was once pioneered in the United States, has seen a significant shift in global leadership over the past few decades. While the country initially excelled in industrial applications, such as automotive and aerospace, it has now fallen behind, ranking 10th worldwide in robotics adoption. Meanwhile, China has surged ahead, purchasing the majority of robots sold globally. This decline in US robotics dominance comes at a crucial point in the field’s development. Advances in component technologies like materials, embedded systems, and AI are driving exponential growth […]