The 3 next big things in robotics and automation for 2024

Cars still can’t drive themselves everywhere a human can. Robots can’t replace every human manufacturing worker. But those stubborn facts should not distract us from the interesting and creative work being done to expand the ability of robots and drones to help humans do their jobs. 

Flock Safety
For putting drones into a public safety role
In October 2024, Flock acquired Aerodome to build out a platform that combines eyes in the skies with sensors on the ground to speed up public safety responses. First, one of the company’s cameras or sensors detects a sign of a crime in progress, then a drone swoops in for a closer look while police follow. Flock’s next planned step: introducing a line of U.S.-built drones compliant with National Defense Authorization Act requirements for civil and military use. 

Luminar
For making lidar that stands out, but not visually
Lidar technology can detect pedestrians and cyclists much better than cameras, but it has usually required bulbous sensors that make vehicles look like they’re growing science experiments on their hoods or windshields. But for Volvo’s upcoming EX90, an electric SUV, Luminar has built a lidar sensor that takes the form of a trim bump on the roof—and can “see” almost a thousand feet down the road. 

Machina Labs
For getting a robot to do a blacksmith’s job
“Roboforming” is what Machina Labs calls its first step in distributed robotic manufacturing. It uses robots to turn sheet metal stock into needed parts on the spot, much as a blacksmith might have picked up a hammer and tongs to get that job done. The company has won an early endorsement from the Defense Department, which awarded it a contract to build aircraft parts on short notice at an Air Force base in Georgia. 

The companies behind these technologies are among the honorees in Fast Company’s Next Big Things in Tech awards for 2024. See a full list of all the winners across all categories and read more about the methodology behind the selection process.

https://www.fastcompany.com/91212800/fast-company-next-big-things-robotics-automation-2024?partner=rss&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss+fastcompany&utm_content=rss

Created 5mo | Nov 19, 2024, 4:10:08 PM


Login to add comment

Other posts in this group

Apple just made it much easier to get a handle on your inbox. Here’s how

Keeping our inboxes organized often feels like an overwhelming task.

If you’r

Apr 5, 2025, 11:10:05 AM | Fast company - tech
‘The White Lotus’ star Aimee Lou Wood’s smile is inspiring to fans—and a dangerous TikTok trend

The breakout star of this season of The White Lotus? Aimee Lou Wood—and her distinctive real-life smile. “I mean, I can’t believe the impact my teeth are having,” the English actress told

Apr 5, 2025, 6:30:04 AM | Fast company - tech
Trump extends TikTok sale deadline again—this time by 75 days

President Donald Trump on Friday said is signing an executive order to

Apr 4, 2025, 9:20:02 PM | Fast company - tech
Nintendo delays Switch 2 preorders because of Trump’s tariffs

Nintendo is pushing back preorders for its upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 while it figures out the implications of President Donald Trump’s

Apr 4, 2025, 6:50:05 PM | Fast company - tech
$2,300 for an iPhone? Trump’s tariffs could make that a reality

Your favorite iPhone could soon become much pricier, thanks to tariffs.

Apr 4, 2025, 4:30:07 PM | Fast company - tech
My dog recognizes the sounds a Waymo car makes

Most of us know the general (albeit simplified) story: Russian physiologist Ivan Pavlov used a stimulus—like a metronome—around the dogs he was studying, and soon, the hounds would start to saliva

Apr 4, 2025, 4:30:07 PM | Fast company - tech
How I wrote the notes app of my dreams (no coding required)

For years, I’ve had a secret ambition tucked away somewhere near the back of my brain. It was to write a simple note-taking app—one that wouldn’t be overwhelmed with features and that would reflec

Apr 4, 2025, 2:20:04 PM | Fast company - tech