Latest News:
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Osaro raises $16M Series B funding. Embark Technology raises $70M Series C funding for autonomous trucks. Diligent Robotics raises $3m for health care robots. Waycare raises $7.25M Series A for traffic management. Another Brain from France raises €32.5M for an alternative to deep learning for AI. Orbai raises an undisclosed amount of seed funding (which should probably go on improving their website).
Zoox says it will launch a robot taxi service in Las Vegas. NASA is hiring engineers to help develop the next generation humanoid robot. Formant launches platform to observe, analyze and operate robot fleets. Notice how everything is now a 'robot'? A chocolate-making robot is preparing to make world's best sweets from your kitchen counter
World's most headline grabbing robotics company (next to Sophia) is in headlines again for failing to connect the big red EMERGENCY button to any emergency services. If the only thing you want is bad headlines, then they're doing a good job. Paralysed man moves in exoskeleton using brain control. ReBooting AI is available to read now - from Gary Marcus, CEO and cofounder of the 'supergroup' Robust AI with Rodney Brooks, Henrik Christensen, Anthony Jules and Mohamed Amer. Fetch Robotics providing RAAS and a very blunt response to engineering douchebaggery.
"Women tend to leave engineering because they don’t want to deal with assholes. Actually, at Fetch Robotics, we have a strong no-asshole policy because engineering douchebaggery is actually the biggest thing to hurt engineering since the dawn of time, and this isn’t just particular to women who leave the field, it’s actually particular to all people who have no tolerance for working with assholes and douchebags." Melonee Wise in interview for Diginomica.
In other good reading...
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Silicon Valley Robotics Services:
We have new robotics white papers, reports and strategic plans on the SVR Reports & Publications page. We've just added a map/list of all the robotics research labs in the Bay Area - there are 50 just counting govt/academic labs! And finally, we're collecting resumes again so that SVR members will have access to talented roboticists.
Our 'Robotics 2.0 - thriving in the robot revolution' on O'Reilly, went very well and will be repeated again on November 22. (If you don't want to subscribe, you can sign up for a free 10 day trial to join me :)
Want to browse our resume database? SVR has an up to date database of people searching for work in robotics, in every career imaginable. Contact andra@svrobo.org for access (SVR members only).
Would you like Silicon Valley Robotics to host a Team Building event for you? Imagine your whole company having fun building and programming their own dancing, singing, sumo bots - racing self-driving cars on our track - experiencing the latest VR games - or doing wood or metalwork.
What's more, we can provide 'Design Thinking' and 'Future Forecasting' workshops too. Contact andra@svrobo.org re WORKSHOPS
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Other Discounted Events, Expos or Funding Deadlines:
AI, Robots, and the Future of Humans
Tuesday, October 15 • 8:00pm - 9:30pm
Co-presented by Craig Newmark Philanthropies and Silicon Valley Robotics
Award-winning science journalist and author David Ewing Duncan presents an evening devoted to considering our human-robot futures. What robot and AI systems are being built and imagined right now? What do they say about us, their creators? Will they usher in a fantastic new future—one that includes toy bots, polticial bots and sex bots—or destroy us? These possibilities are explored in Duncan’s new anthology of 24 stories, Talking to Robots: Tales From Our Human-Robot Futures, which Vanity Fair called "intensely readable, downright terrifying, and surprisingly uplifting.” Joining him will be anthology contributors Tim O’Reilly (author and founder of O’Reilly media), Jane Metcalfe (co-founder of Wired and NEO.LIFE magazines), UC Berkeley robotics professor Ken Goldberg, and filmmaker and Webbys founder Tiffany Shlain. What will our human-robot futures be like? Come learn—and fantasize. $10 adv / $15 door - Details here: https://sched.co/Shtx
More about Litquake: One of the West Coast’s most beloved annual literary festivals, this smart, eclectic, 80% free ten-day gathering draws booklovers of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy words and ideas, straight from the artists’ mouths. Now with 165 venues in its 20th year, the festival’s uniquely portable format provides even greater access to literature. Details here: https://sched.co/Shtx
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Bots & Beer at Arm TechCon Wednesday 9th October, 4:15pm – 6:30pm
- San Jose Convention Centre, Concourse Level 2, Expo Hall 1 & 2
- Located within Expo Hall 1, behind the Automotive & Infrastructure Zones
- For entry, please register for a free expo pass here.
- Beer & Snack Service to begin at 5:00pm
- For a 15% discount code on an All-Access Pass use: 19AINNOV15
Arm Innovator Program – Alessandro Grande, IoT Ecosystem Manager, Arm
- Arm Innovators:
- Forrest Iandola completed a PhD in EECS at UC Berkeley, where his research focused on deep neural networks. His best-known work includes deep learning infrastructure such as FireCaffe and deep models such as SqueezeNet and SqueezeDet. His advances in deep learning led to the founding of DeepScale, where he has been CEO since 2015. DeepScale develops AI perception software for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems and autonomous vehicle applications. The company focuses on implementing efficient deep neural networks on automotive-grade processors in order to bring more deep learning capability to embedded processors, helping to bridge the gap between accuracy and cost for commercially viable automotive perception systems.
- Kitty Yeung is a physicist, artist, maker, fashion designer and musician. Kitty’s early career was focused on hardcore scientific research and academic training, while pursuing artistic endeavors through painting, music and graphic novel creations. It has been her dream since childhood to work in the three intellectual fields: science, music and art. Being a scientist, she also experienced how arts influence people, culturally and how different fields inspire each other. After finishing her PhD in Applied Physics from Harvard University, Kitty found the perfect way to integrate art and design with science and technology via tech-fashion designs. Her work focuses on applying cutting-edge Arm technologies to both garments and manufacturing processes.
- Drones and unmanned aircraft have ushered in the largest wave of change in the history of aviation. They both provide huge amounts of aerial data and a platform for prototyping how to operate unique unmanned systems autonomously. Every aspect of unmanned aircraft are full of machine learning applications. Impossible Aerospace use machine learning for manufacturing, motor control, hardware failure detection, image stabilization, object tracking, and mission planning. Keenan will be giving an overview of his experience and how he sees the aircraft industry evolving with machine learning and AI.
- Machine Learning on Arm – Kate Kallot, Director of ML Ecosystem, Arm
- Open Mic
- Networking
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Retail Analytics Council Robotics Research Project
October 31, 2019, at the Hilton Orrington Hotel, Evanston, Illinois, from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Presentation of results from RAC Summer Research Project on robotic-generated data standards and robot-to-robot communication protocols. Get more info on participation and sponsorship.
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ROS-Industrial Training and Additional Events
ROS-Industrial Americas will be hosting the last training event of the year October 8-10, 2019, at the Southwest Research Institute campus in San Antonio, Texas. This training event will have an advanced option, focusing on ROS2, and how to work within ROS2, including some practices on porting, and leveraging the bridge. Registration will be open soon, and class sizes are always limited. The training is open to all, but non-members require a tuition to attend. Learn more here: https://rosindustrial.org/events/2019/10/8/ros-i-americas-training
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Sensors Expo & Conference - Call for Speakers
Sensors Expo & Conference brings together over 9,000 engineers and engineering professionals annually to San Jose. As the nation's largest event for sensors, connectivity and IoT, we are currently seeking qualified speakers to deliver presentations at the 2020 Conference Program, taking place June 9-11. Deadline to submit is Friday, October 11th. Visit our Call for Speakers page to learn more about topic areas, speaker benefits, submission process, and more.
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2020 East Bay Innovation Awards
East Bay Economic Development Authority is now accepting nominations for the 2020 East Bay Innovation Awards (iAwards). NOMINATE TODAY
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Manufacturer Workshop from Manex
Join Manex for a Manufacturer Workshop focused on R&D Tax Credits and Industry Benchmarking & Establishing Standard Work on Friday, October 11. REGISTER TODAY
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Key Trends in the Deployment of Visual AI - Free Webinar
With so much happening in visual AI and computer vision applications and technology, and happening so fast, it can be difficult to see the big picture. This webinar from the Embedded Vision Alliance, presented by Jeff Bier, Founder of the Alliance and Co-founder and President of BDTI, will examine the four most important trends that are fueling the proliferation of vision applications and influencing the future of the industry.
Bier will explain what's fueling each of these key trends, and will highlight key implications for technology suppliers, solution developers and end-users. He will also provide technology and application examples illustrating each of these trends, including spotlighting the winners of the Alliance's yearly Vision Product of the Year Awards. Two webinar sessions will be offered: the first will take place at 9 am PT (noon ET), timed for attendees in Europe and the Americas, while the second, at 6 pm PT (9 am CST on October 17), is schedule-tailored for attendees in Asia.
Register Now (9 am PT Session)
Register Now (6 pm PT Session)
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Space Robotics Challenge Phase 2 - Webinar
Hear more about NASA's Space Robotics Challenge Phase 2 on October 16 11-12pm EDT. You'll learn about the project details directly from NineSigma and representatives from NASA and Space Center Houston. A majority of the webinar is dedicated to a LIVE Q&A session where your specific questions about the project can be answered. Make sure to register today to learn the specifics of this project to aid in your submission. Register Today
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Making Industry 4.0 a Reality - Webinar
From SICK Sensors and DC Velocity
Time/Date: 11 am Wednesday, October 23
At the foundation of Industry 4.0 are the themes of data and connectivity. Purposeful data can be generated and collected from sensors, devices, machines, and PLCs. With this data, manufacturers can optimize automation processes to help companies achieve operational goals that are aligned with business strategies.
Join us in our webinar to learn how you can get data out of your processes. You'll see real examples of how to get started in the world of smart manufacturing and walk away with ideas to begin your Industry 4.0 journey.
REGISTER TODAY!
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Small Business Grants for R&D
The DoD invests up to $1 BILLION annually in funding and takes 0% equity for each investment. 100+ funding opportunities $300M+ available in funding for this round of SBIRs ALL Proposals Due by October 23, 2019 https://www.sbir.gov/node/1604627
AFWERX (a United States Air Force program that fosters innovation within the service) is looking to invest in innovative, mature technology and has opened two different programs. AFWERX will be making quick decisions with an eye to fund future commercialization efforts and federal contracts. The Open Topics refer to any technology that would help improve the Air Force's efficiency.
1. Open Topic: Phase I/II Program
- Program Details:
- Phase I: $50K (3 months)
- Phase II: $1.5M (27 months)
- Phase III: Commercialization/ Federal Contract
2. Open Topic: Direct to Phase II
- Program Details:
- Phase II: $750K (15 months)
- Phase III: Commercialization/ Federal Contract
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DOE Cohort of Innovator Applications
Three of the Department of Energy’s National laboratories are now accepting applications for their respective Cohort of Innovators through October 31st:
- Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) Chain Reaction Innovation,
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Innovation Crossroads, and
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBL) Cyclotron Road program.
Every year, each program recruits a cohort of entrepreneurial scientists and engineers from around the world for two years for the simple goal of allowing innovators to mature their ideas until they can align with the most suitable commercial partners to take their technology to scale. The participant in the programs will receive:
- A two-year fellowship – includes a stipend depending on education and experience, along with health insurance and travel allowance,
- Research funding and access to world-class research facilities – Access to facilities, equipment, and expertise and expertise,
- Startup curriculum and a community of peers – Intensive entrepreneurial training, mentorship, and networking opportunities to enable participants to build a viable business. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply by October 31st.
For more information, please go to: • ANL website: http://chainreaction.anl.gov/ ◦ Register for webinar and to apply: http://chainreaction.anl.gov/apply/ • ORNL website: https://innovationcrossroads.ornl.gov/application-information ◦ Contact: innvcrossrds@ornl.gov.
Register for webinar: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/d511104faf4948668c4c880b6d0c9163 • LBL website: https://www.cyclotronroad.org/program ◦ To apply: https://www.cyclotronroad.org/apply
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Embedded Technologies Expo & Conference - Call for Speakers
Embedded Technologies Expo & Conference is North America's premier event for embedded systems & technologies and will be returning to San Jose this June 9-11, 2020. The second annual event will draw over a thousand systems level engineers together for education, business, and networking. We are currently seeking qualified speakers to deliver presentations at the 2020 Conference Program. Deadline to submit is Friday, November 1st. Visit our Call for Speakers page to learn more about topic areas, speaker benefits, submission process, and more.
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Autonomous Vehicle Sensors Conference - Call for Speakers
Co located with Sensors Expo, Autonomous Vehicle Sensors Conference (AVSC), brings industry visionaries, rising start-ups, analysts, and the investment community together to discuss the strengths and challenges in the race to autonomy. With our newly expanded two-day program, we are looking for qualified industry experts to deliver presentations in the 2020 program, taking place June 9-10. Deadline to submit is November 15th.
Visit our Call for Speakers page to learn more about topic areas, speaker benefits, the submission process, and more.
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An Introduction to Developing Vision Applications Using Deep Learning and Google's TensorFlow Framework - On Demand Free Webinar
This webinar introduces deep learning for vision tasks and Google's TensorFlow framework. It is presented by Pete Warden, Google research engineer and the company's technology lead on the mobile and embedded TensorFlow team. The webinar begins with an overview of deep learning and its use for computer vision tasks. It then introduces Google's TensorFlow as a popular open source framework for deep learning development, training, and deployment, and provides an overview of the resources Google offers to enable you to kick-start your own deep learning project. Warden concludes with several case study design examples that showcase TensorFlow use and optimization on resource-constrained mobile and embedded devices.
Watch Now
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2020 World Robot Summit
The World Robot Summit WRS will be held in 2020 in Aichi/Fukushima of Japan in order to showcase the latest technologies and excellent ideas from around the world. It will feature: World Robot Challenge (WRC) where robots compete in simulated real-life scenarios such as industrial, retail store, home and disaster site settings in addition to a junior category; and World Robot Expo (WRE) where robotics companies, service providers, research institutions, and both national and regional governments from around the world exhibit their R&D efforts and integration of robots in real daily life/society/industry.
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Visit Silicon Valley Robotics or join Circuit Launch Cowork Space
Visit Silicon Valley Robotics at Circuit Launch in Oakland. You can also rent a desk or an office in the only hardware cowork space around. Top class mentors, prototyping equipment and great community.
Do you have news for me to feature on our sites? Are there other events you'd like to see on our calendar? Fill out our event form: https://svrobo.org/calendar/
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