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.
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