Featured Image

AMT Tech Report: Issue #321

Humanoid robots can fly now. Overrated: The cycle of hype. Robotics job postings. Meld goes mil-spec.
Aug 30, 2024

“You know... You can give everything you got to a thing. Yeah, you can give it all you got. And it's still just gonna do what it's gonna do.”

– Johnny Davis, “The Bikeriders”


1. Humanoid Robots Can Fly Now

It’s a magical, beautiful feat of Italian engineering – that will work temporarily. Researchers at the Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia unveiled iRonCub3, the first humanoid robot capable of flight, designed for disaster relief. Resembling Iron Man's suit, it features arm-mounted jet thrusters that generate over 1,000 N of thrust and 600 C exhaust temperatures. The robot combines aerial and contact locomotion with manipulation abilities, allowing it to perform advanced missions like inspections and opening doors.

Read more here.


2. Overrated: The Cycle of Hype

While the Gartner Hype Cycle is a handy tool for getting a broad sense of where things might be headed, taking it with a grain of salt is important. It's not a crystal ball, and the real-world impact of technologies often plays out differently than predicted. If you find it overrated, you're not alone – many people feel it can be too speculative. I’m biased, though, as I have property at the summit of Mount Stupid. So get off my lawn.

Read more here.


3. Robotics Job Postings

So, robots are taking jobs, huh? Well, this TechCrunch list begs to differ. The robotics industry is rapidly expanding, with 74 companies (not jobs – companies) actively hiring across diverse sectors like space, climate, and pet care, showcasing a high demand for talent in automation and exciting possibilities for human-robot collaboration. If you're in robotics, now is an excellent time to explore job opportunities. Among these 74 companies, there are more than 1,200 open positions as of this publication date.

Read more here.


4. Meld Goes Mil-Spec

Meld Manufacturing is one of 67 companies receiving part of a $975-million contract from the U.S. Air Force to enhance operational readiness through advanced technologies. Meld’s solid-state metal additive manufacturing technology plays a key role in this effort, particularly in producing large-scale aerospace components. The contract is part of broader investments by the Department of Defense to integrate emerging technologies like AI, robotics, and additive manufacturing into defense operations.

Read more here.

To get the latest tech developments delivered directly to your inbox, subscribe to the weekly Tech Report here.

To access Tech Trends, log in to or register for an MTInsight account at https://www.mtinsight.org/ 

PicturePicture
Author
Stephen LaMarca
Technology Analyst
Recent technology News
Come on - do more. What to fix first? The future of computing. They can open doors. Do digital twins take smoke breaks?
How an F1 piston is manufactured. Need Prime delivery for manufacturing tech? Lab to fab. Robots aren't afraid of heights. New institute for advanced manufacturing R&D.
AMD powers up with ZT systems. AI risk repository. The FAA needs to modernize safety. Don't print these at home. Craftsman: A reshoring failure.
Hurco + Kawasaki Robotics. Google's Ping Pong Robot. CNC giveaway. Slow is smooth; smooth is fast.
Nvidia humanoid robotics. Harder, better, faster, stronger. 3D printed lattice water filtration. The next buzzword: OpenUSD. Compact PCBs are charming.
Similar News
undefined
Technology
By Douglas K. Woods | Oct 07, 2024

6 min
undefined
Technology
By Bonnie Gurney | Oct 03, 2024

Throughout the six days of IMTS 2024, the IMTS+ Main Stage hosted more than 85 speakers and produced more than 50 live shows.

4 min
undefined
Technology
By Michelle Edmonson, CEM | Oct 04, 2024

Solutions for higher productivity fostered positivity among 89,020 registrants and 1,737 exhibitors.

5 min