Robotics In Industry Issue 8 - April 2015
John O'Donnell
ISV, Dynamics 365, Startup, AppSource Marketplace and partnering with Microsoft Subject Matter Expert | Microsoft Founders Hub Mentor | Former Microsoft MVP (CRM)
From the sterile corridors of hospitals to the uncharted depths of the ocean, robots are no longer confined to factory floors or science fiction. In the UK, a fleet of 26 autonomous porters now navigates underground tunnels to deliver meals and medical supplies in a state-of-the-art NHS hospital—quietly transforming healthcare logistics. Meanwhile, in the kitchen, a robotic chef developed by Moley Robotics mimics the movements of a master cook, promising gourmet meals at the push of a button. Beneath the waves, Nissan’s automotive camera technology is being repurposed to help underwater robots explore the ocean floor with unprecedented precision. And across the globe, autonomous marine drones are patrolling Earth’s oceans, collecting vital data to help scientists understand and protect our planet’s most fragile ecosystems.
South Glasgow Hospital Deploys 26 Robot Porters to Revolutionize Logistics
The newly opened South Glasgow University Hospital has introduced a fleet of 26 automated guided vehicles (AGVs) to handle internal logistics, marking one of the most advanced uses of robotics in the NHS. Costing £1.3 million, these Swiss-made robots operate through a dedicated network of underground tunnels and have their own lift system to transport medical equipment, food, linen, and waste across the 14-story facility. Designed for efficiency and autonomy, the AGVs can navigate obstacles, return to charging stations when low on power, and even pause if a human enters their lift. Hospital staff, initially cautious, are now impressed by the precision and potential of these robotic helpers, which are expected to significantly streamline hospital operations
The Ultimate Kitchen Assistant: Robotic Chef Promises Gourmet Meals at Home
Take a look at the unveiling of a revolutionary kitchen robot developed by Moley Robotics, designed to fully automate home cooking. This robotic chef features articulated arms capable of mimicking human movements, allowing it to prepare complex meals from scratch using pre-programmed recipes. The system includes a smart kitchen setup with integrated appliances and sensors, enabling the robot to measure, stir, and clean up with minimal human intervention. The technology hints at a future where gourmet cooking could be as simple as pressing a button—raising questions about the evolving role of automation in everyday life.
Nissan’s 360° Camera Tech Dives into Deep-Sea Exploration
Nissan has partnered with the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) and Topy Industries to adapt its Around View Monitor (AVM) technology—originally developed for cars—for use in remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs). This collaboration, part of Japan’s Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP), aims to enhance deep-sea exploration by providing ROV operators with a real-time, bird’s-eye view of the ocean floor. The AVM system, enhanced with 3D processing, helps ROVs navigate complex underwater terrain more safely and efficiently, improving obstacle avoidance and spatial awareness. This initiative showcases how automotive innovations can be repurposed for scientific and environmental applications beyond the road
Ocean-Saving Robots: A New Frontier in Marine Conservation
Autonomous underwater robots are being deployed to monitor and protect the world’s oceans, which are increasingly threatened by climate change, pollution, and overfishing. These robots, equipped with advanced sensors and AI, can collect critical data on ocean temperatures, acidity, and marine life in real time—often in places too dangerous or remote for human researchers. By enabling continuous, large-scale environmental monitoring, these robotic systems are becoming essential tools in understanding and mitigating the impacts of human activity on marine ecosystems.