Anyone with an irrational fear of a pending robot uprising may want to look away, because they have just taken one more step towards autonomy. Piaggio Fast Forward (PFF) and Trimble have announced a proof-of-concept collaboration to enable robots and machines to follow humans and other machines in industrial applications.
Many robots are currently controlled by joysticks operated in person or by telepresence from a remote location, but the new prototype eliminates the need for sole control via a joystick. The smart following technology allows humans to lead robots and machines in dynamic environments. “The follow-me technology by PFF provides an intuitive user experience and opens the door to collaborative robots that can augment the human workforce,” said Aviad Almagor, Division Vice President, Trimble’s Emerging Technologies, in a release.
PFF has componetized the smart following technology developed by PFF’s Gita robot into a stand-alone module called PFFtag. PFF and Trimble have integrated this patent-pending PFFtag smart following module prototype onto a Boston Dynamics Spot robot platform controlled by Trimble’s advanced positioning technology.
With the push of a button, a fused sensor array is activated and paired to a leader who navigates the robot or machine through construction or civil engineering spaces. PFFtag enables external partners to leverage its exclusive algorithms and allow their software to communicate with PFF’s software, enabling a human to control the robot via pairing and improving the robot’s ability to sense direction and velocity as it follows the leader. While on a site walk, waypoints can be dropped with the push of a button. Once trained by following, paths can be repeated by the robot autonomously with the ability to avoid obstacles and respond to a changing environment.
No app, tablet, or special training to operate a joystick is needed. Additionally, multiple robots or machines can be “linked” together like ducklings following their mother to create a platooning effect.
Trimble conducted testing using a Spot robot equipped with Trimble laser scanning or Global Navigation System sensors and PFFtag technology at one of its customer’s sites in Colorado over the course of two months as part of the proof-of-concept. In the future, PFF and Trimble envision robots with PFFtag having the ability to assist construction professionals in their daily workflow, carry heavy equipment, improve efficiency, and enhance worker safety.
Related Stories
Great Solutions | Sep 14, 2017
Hydraulic underground boardwalk and gangway system reunites the public with the coastline in Istanbul
The bespoke system is part of a master plan by Dror and Gensler that creates the world’s first underground cruise operation.
Great Solutions | Aug 14, 2017
Transmogrifying ‘E ink,’ energy-harvesting paint remove the ‘fiction’ from ‘science fiction’
These materials can turn an ordinary wall into dynamic real estate.
Great Solutions | Jul 12, 2017
The writing on the wall: Maker spaces encourage students to take an active role
Maker spaces, dry-erase walls, and flexible furniture highlight Kinkaid’s new Learning Center.
Great Solutions | Jun 6, 2017
Good vibrations: Portable tuned mass damper provides lightweight, cost-effective way to reduce structural vibrations
Developed by a team at Virginia Tech, the PTMD has been shown to reduce vibrations by as much as 75%.
Great Solutions | May 5, 2017
No nails necessary: Framing system comes together with steel zip ties and screws
Clemson University’s School of Architecture develops a patent-pending construction method that is gaining attention for its potential use in rapid, low-tech sustainable housing.
Great Solutions | Apr 6, 2017
Phone booths for the 21st century
Spotting a phone booth on a public street may not become any less rare, but they may soon become fixtures in the modern office.
Great Solutions | Mar 8, 2017
Pop-out balcony is a breath of fresh air for stuffy hotel rooms and apartments
In less than one minute, Bloomframe transforms from an insulated picture window to an open balcony.
Great Solutions | Feb 3, 2017
Drone-based hospitality concept looks to make nomads of us all
Driftscape could take the resort industry to places no hotel has ventured before.
AEC Tech | Sep 6, 2016
Innovation intervention: How AEC firms are driving growth through R&D programs
AEC firms are taking a page from the tech industry, by infusing a deep commitment to innovation and disruption into their cultural DNA.
Great Solutions | Aug 23, 2016
GBBN designers take on wellness research
In a new research paper, three healthcare specialists present factors that contribute to a psychological state that is receptive to healing.
