RBR50 Introduction

policymakers to also promote the safe use of these robots and to prohibit their misuse.

MassRobotics, a nonprofit robotics innovation hub, accelerator and incubator based in Boston, ran the second iteration of its Jumpstart Fellowship Program in 2022. In the Massachusetts technology sector, only 5% of workers are Black, 7% are Latinx and only 33% are women, according to the Massachusetts Technology Leadership Council. With the Jumpstart Fellowship Program, MassRobotics is challenging the belief that there is a shortage of tech talent in Massachusetts. Rather, MassRobotics asserts that providing technical training, mentoring and access to professional networks will cultivate the talent and perspective that is currently lacking in the sector.

Tatum Robotics created a 3D-printed robotic hand that aims to help deaf-blind people communicate.

Tatum’s robotic hand works by placing a deaf-blind person’s hand over the robotic hand, which then spells words with American Sign Language using its fingers. The process works similarly to tactile fingerspelling, where a deafblind person feels the movements of another person’s hand to communicate. The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissions estimates there are between 70,000-100,000 deafblind people living in the U.S. today. Tatum’s robotic hand is a revolutionary technology for this community that can give deaf-blind people the ability to communicate with the people around them independently of an interpreter.

Startups to Watch

Spacee and Cionic are two robotics startups to keep an eye on. There have been other failed attempts at shelfscanning robots, but Spacee’s Deming o ers a simplified approach. Unlike other free-roaming mobile robots that can count inventory, the Deming ROVR is a mobile camera constrained to an enclosed track that runs the length of an aisle. While two ROVRs are required for 100% coverage of each aisle of a store, they’re faster to deploy and manage than mobile robot-based inventory management solutions.

And Cionic is developing bionic clothing to assist people with mobility issues. Cionic’s Neural Sleeve is a wearable device that analyzes, predicts and augments a person’s movements. The leg sleeve works by predicting intended movements using measurements of electrical signals from the brain and a dense array of sensors that measure how individual muscles fire during movements. Algorithms analyze this data in real time to decide optimal muscle activation patterns. RR

Superior encoders for position and motion control

TOOL-LESS ADJUSTMENT COMPONENTS

• Adjustable handles and knobs replace standard hardware and can be used to torque components without tools.

• Levers can be used with Ruland shaft collars for quick installation and adjustment.

All products available directly on RULAND.COM

Precision Couplings

• Beam couplings accommodate light weights and high misalignment.

• Zero-backlash jaw couplings for vibration dampening and a variety of performance options.

• Bellows couplings for high size to torque ratio.

Ruland Manufacturing is proud to support the FIRST Robotics Competition as a Gold Supplier of precision shaft collars & couplings.

Shaft Collars

• Thousands of size and style options.

• Proprietary manufacturing processes ensure superior fit and finish.

• 8 material options.

Vibration Isolating Components

• Rubber bumpers are ideal as end stops or mounting feet.

• Vibration isolation mounts can be sandwiched between components to dampen shock loads.

• Both types can have studs or tapped holes.

Modular Mounting Systems

• Assorted components allow you to build small assemblies for mounting sensors, conveyor rails, machine guards, and more.

• Optional pre-designed kits make it easier to select the right system for your application.

Quick Clamping Collars

• No tools required to install, remove, and adjust.

• Best suited for systems that require frequent adjustments.