MIT study says robot overlords could make for happier human workers

New research from MIT reckons that robots controlling human tasks in manufacturing is not only more efficient than flesh-and-blood middle-management, but preferred by people that do the work too. Automation in the manufacturing process has been around for decades, but the new study aimed to seek out the sweet spot where human workers were “both satisfied and productive.”

“We discovered that the answer is to actually give machines more autonomy, if it helps people to work together more fluently with robot teammates,” said project lead Matthew Gombolay. The study was composed of groups of two humans and one robot, working in three test conditions. One had all tasks allocated by a human, another where all tasks were allocated by the robot and the final scenario had one human allocating tasks to themselves, while the robot allocated tasks to the other meatsack. Researchers found that when the robot was on top, not only was the group most effective, but the human workers also preferred it, saying that the robot’s choices apparently “better understood them.”

Gombolay adds: “Instead of coming up with a plan by hand, it’s about developing tools to help create plans automatically,” he said. These algorithms could then adjust for and instantly develop alternate schedules when things go wrong. Future uses of these kinds of algorithms could be applied to things like search-and-rescue drones, and human-robot collaborative work like construction.

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Source: MIT

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Ralph Lauren is making a tech-infused polo shirt

US Open ball boys will be sporting the latest in wearable tech starting this Monday, according to the NYT: Ralph Lauren’s “Polo Tech” shirts. Of course, nearly everything the company makes is a “wearable,” but these particular shirts contain conductive silver threads and other sensors designed to measure performance. The apparel maker said it wanted to do something different from the usual sports bands while eliminating the complexity: “You’re just putting on a shirt.” It’ll still have the tech, though, measuring factors like your heart rate, breathing and movement, and relaying them to a smartphone or computer (though there’s no word yet on exactly how). It won’t be limited to athletic wear either, as Ralph Lauren plans to also launch sensor-equipped dress shirts later in the year. We’re not sure what you’d do with those — hanging out at the yacht club can’t burn that many calories.

[Image credit: AP/Ralph Lauren]

Filed under: Wearables

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Source: The New York Times

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Scientists grow whole organs inside animals for the first time

Researchers have had success growing organs in controlled lab environments, but repeating that feat inside a complex, messy animal body? That’s more than a little tricky. However, researchers at the University of Edinburgh have managed that daunting feat for the first time. They’ve grown thymus glands inside lab mice by “reprogramming” the genes in tissue-regenerating cells and partnering those with support cells. The team didn’t have to use scaffolds or other “cheats” to trigger the growth; it just injected the cells and waited. There weren’t even any obvious limitations. The organs were full size (unlike the baby-like results from some experiments), and they were just as efficient at producing virus-fighting T-cells as the real deal.

The catch, as you might have guessed, is the scale. Mice aren’t nearly as challenging to work on as humans, and the thymus is one of the simplest organs in any animal. It wouldn’t be nearly as easy to give you a new heart or lung. If the University keeps making progress, though, it could shake up the transplant process. Patients wouldn’t have to wait for donors whose tissues are good matches, and people who’ve lost much of their immune system (such as bone marrow transplant recipients) could rebuild faster. You won’t get on-demand organs any time soon, but the concept isn’t as far-fetched as it once was.

[Image credit: Rama, Wikimedia Commons]

Filed under: Science

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Via: BBC

Source: University of Edinburgh, Nature

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Smartwatch belt gives you wearable tech without the convenience

Have you ever wanted smartwatch notifications without the convenience of having something on your wrist? No? Apparently, no one told that to the design team at Suzi Roher. The fashion outfit’s new Urban Tech Belt includes a “digital watch computer” that lets you check calls, play music and read messages without grabbing your smartphone… which is stored in a holster just a few inches away. Yes, you’re supposed to avoid reaching for a pocket or bag by reaching for your belt. Not much of a time-saver, really. And did I mention that this will cost a steep $725 when it arrives in January? Fashion and technology produce some beautiful things together, but this time you’re better off buying one of Roher’s usual belts and rolling the savings into a stylish smartwatch that will actually make your life easier.

Filed under: Cellphones, Wearables, Mobile

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Source: Suzi Roher

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Boy gets the first 3D-printed vertebra implant

3D-printed implants just got one of their biggest real-world tests to date. Peking University Third Hospital has successfully implanted the first 3D-printed vertebra in a 12-year-old boy with cancer in his spinal cord. The bone substitute is made from titanium powder like many orthopedic implants, but promises to be both safer and longer-lasting than conventional replacements. Since it’s designed to mimic the shape of the child’s original vertebra, it doesn’t need cement or screws to stay in place; healing should go faster, too. The construct is full of small holes that let natural bone grow inside, so it should eventually become a permanent, stable part of the spine that won’t need adjustments at some point down the road.

CCTV notes that the full results of this surgery won’t be available for some time. He’ll have to wear gear that keeps his head and neck still for the next three months, and it will likely take much longer than that before we know how well the implant holds up in real-world conditions. If everything goes smoothly, though, the surgery will be proof that 3D-printed bones are useful virtually anywhere in the body — and, in some circumstances, might save your life.

[Image credit: Peking University Third Hospital]

Filed under: Science

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Source: Forbes

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