How a Laser-Wielding Robot Will Help Fight Forgetfulness

Posted on August 8, 2016 by Steven Glover

What’s all the hype about Watchbot?

If you’re like me, perhaps you jot everything down in a pocket-sized notebook. Maybe you are the type to fill your phone with alarms and reminders. You may even have a calendar on your desk, filled with important dates and events.

Whatever your method is, there is no shortage in ways people have attempted to overcome forgetfulness. It may seem like the premise of a sci-fi comedy, but researchers at Cornell and Stanford Universities have developed a new way to keep your habits and routines in check. That method? A laser-equipped robot made from some surprisingly simple materials.

The robot (known as WatchBot) is designed to help keep daily routines in check by pointing out forgotten steps with a small, low powered laser. This calls attention to the missed step in a minimally invasive, yet noticeable manner.

Image: Watch-Bot Project

Watchbot made its debut at the International Conference on Robotics and Automation earlier this year. Crafted using a Kinect sensor, a tripod-mounted camera, a laptop, and a laser pointer, the robot is designed to silently observe routines. While observing, Watchbot learns the routine, everyday actions. When those patterns are broken, WatchBot points in the direction of the missed step.

Initial tests placed WatchBot in environments like kitchens and offices, observing routine, step-by-step based tasks, like cooking. If someone failed to put something away, such as a carton of milk, after pouring a glass, WatchBot would focus its laser on the carton until the action was corrected.

In the study, the researchers noted WatchBot’s potential for use in assisted living scenarios, rather than simply treating it like a futuristic personal assistant. Some speculate that WatchBot or similar mechanisms can be used to help those with degenerative diseases and conditions like Alzheimer’s, allowing patients higher levels of independence.

WatchBot is also a potential candidate for applications in the workplace, where skipped routines can lead to dangerous mistakes. A non-invasive monitor of safety might prove to be beneficial in manufacturing and other industries, where accidents and missed steps can lead to critical accidents and injuries.

For more on WatchBot, check out the original story here. Stay tuned to the Lasers Today blog for the latest WatchBot updates.

3D Scanning for Measurement On The Rise, Report Says

Posted on August 1, 2016 by Steven Glover

Following the trend of additive manufacturing methods, such as 3D printing, the utilization of 3D scanning for measurement is on the rise.

According to a new report by MarketsandMarkets, the market for 3D scanners is expected to grow to nearly six billion dollars by 2020, a significant increase from 2015’s $3.41 billion. A compound annual growth rate of 9.6 percent is also projected.

The public summary of the report suggests that the growth is driven by new developments in 3D scanner technology, the capacity for quality control with the devices, and the time saved by stronger quality control.

Laser-based 3D scanners are expected to take up the majority of the market share. This figure includes devices that use laser triangulation, phase shifting, time of flight, or a combination of all three as “laser 3D scanners.”

The Leica Absolute Scanner LAS-20-8. (Image courtesy of Hexagon MI.)

The report also reveals that the market is significantly concentrated in the Americas, followed closely by Asia and other Pacific regions, due to rising applications in fields such as automotive, healthcare, and construction industries.

The full report can be found through MarketsandMarkets here.

Weekly Wrap-Up – Week of July 25, 2016

Posted on July 29, 2016 by Steven Glover

Here’s What You May Have Missed This Week on Lasers Today, including Laser Safety Updates and more.

While you were busy innovating the latest in lasers, this week at Lasers Today, we continued the Laser Accident Series, where we share stories of real-life accidents, as reported by OSHA. In this week’s post, find out more about how a snagged pant leg led to a severe leg injury at a metal fabrication company, how a miscommunication led to a man having both his legs broke by a tortilla making machine, and how LIA and OSHA are working to prevent severe accidents like these here.

Researching laser safety training? Be sure to check out our post, 4 Hallmarks of Laser Safety Training. In this informative article, you will find valuable information regarding what to look for – and when – in choosing a laser safety course, such as what topics the course focuses on, what options are available to you, quality of instruction, and more! Learn more here.

Before starting a laser safety course, check out our Introduction to Online Laser Safety Coursework post. Online laser safety courses accommodate busy laser safety officers, so they are not distracted from important responsibility. Our online laser safety courses allow you to receive your education from your home or office, making it easier than ever to increase your laser safety knowledge. Read more about it, and check out our free online e-book Tackling Laser Safety Training in the Online Classroom, available here.

Throwback Thursday – LiDAR Helps to Uncover Lost Cities

In this week’s Throwback Thursday, we take a look at how lasers are being used to uncover lost cities. Using technology known as LiDAR, which uses lasers in place of radar’s radio waves, scans are able to see through the thick jungles and see long-forgotten cityscapes. These new scans revealed ancient cityscapes near Angkor Wat, in Cambodia that are much larger than previously assumed. Information from these scans will be used to simplify the research process for future digs performed by archeologists. Discover more about these exciting findings here.

Conference Updates

The advance program for ICALEO^® is available now! Plan ahead for your trip and see what is in store for you at this year’s event with complete information on highlighted sessions, scheduled events, plenary sessions and more! ICALEO^® will take place October 16–20, 2016 in San Diego, CA. View the advance program and sign up here.

The official program for the inaugural Industrial Laser Conference is also now available. The conference is scheduled to include sessions on topics such as. “Today’s Industrial Laser Opportunities,” “Advances in Additive Manufacturing,” and more! Register today for Industrial Laser Conference taking place September 13, 2016, at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL. Take a look at the program here.

Enjoy catching up and have a great weekend! For more information on conferences, laser safety training, or laser applications, please visit us at www.lia.org.

Major Change to OSHA Rules Stirs Controversy

Posted on July 22, 2016 by Steven Glover

New OSHA regulations going into effect August 10 are sending a ripple of controversy throughout manufacturing, construction, and other hazardous industries.

The new law requires that companies that operate in hazardous industries with a staff of fewer than 250 file OSHA form 300A in the event of work-related injury or illness. Those with more than 250 employees will file 300, 300A, and 301.

The new regulations require companies to file electronically with OSHA. Previously, these forms and reports were kept on hand by an employer, and only received by OSHA in the event of an investigation. Under the new law, not only will OSHA receive all reports, the reports will also be available to the public, online.

The transparency of the inner workings of these companies could positively impact the industries by highlighting areas of concern, leading to better work environments for employees. On the flip side, the public accessibility of the information could open the doors to unfavorable press and lawsuits.

Workers in hazardous industries are divided by the new rules. Those in favor of the changes suggest that OSHA’s accessibility to those records can help the administration better target their investigations. Believing that regularly occurring accidents may be symbolic of poor management or other company shortcomings, there is significant hope that the rules will inevitably lead to safer, well-operated workplaces.

Those who oppose the changes feel that the new rules “shame” those in hazardous industries. While few would argue against a push for greater transparency, it is the method and lack of employee and company privacy, that has many concerned. Others raise concerns about the ability to revise reports, after investigation. If the initial information is shared to the public, but is later revised for accuracy, it is easy for the information to be misinterpreted by anyone who comes across the report.

Although the law goes into effect this summer, the record keeping will change over beginning January 1, 2017. The mandatory submission of reports will begin July 2017. The records will be available online shortly after OSHA receives them.

For the latest updates, subscribe to Lasers Today and get OSHA news sent straight to your inbox. Visit LasersToday.com and navigate to the right-hand panel to sign up.

ICALEO® & Students: Where the Next Generation of Laser Professionals Expand Their Career Opportunities

Posted on July 21, 2016 by Steven Glover

How will you learn and grow at the 35^th Edition of ICALEO?

The 35^th International Congress on Applications of Lasers & Electro-Optics (ICALEO^®) will take place October 16–20, 2016 in San Diego, California, bringing together laser professionals from all over the world to discuss the latest developments in laser research. Considered by many to be one of the most important laser materials processing conferences in the world, it’s no surprise that hundreds of laser professionals make their way to the conference annually.

Why ICALEO Matters to Students Working With Lasers

ICALEO is a fantastic opportunity for students interested in laser applications. With opportunities to network with scientists, engineers and other industry leaders, combined with educational seminars in an array of laser applications, and a chance to have your own research and ideas published, there is no shortage of reasons for a full-time student to attend ICALEO. Student registration for ICALEO includes access to all technical sessions, plenary sessions, receptions, the awards luncheon – and a technical digest.

Last year, ICALEO brought in over 400 attendees from all over the world, with over 200 presentations and posters available for viewing. Have your eye on eventually building your own laser-related business? Last year, the event also featured a business forum for small businesses and entrepreneurs in the laser and optics fields, providing a new avenue for laser professionals to learn and share from one another outside of the academic setting.

How Can Students Make an Impact on This Year’s ICALEO?

Students can make just as much of a splash at ICALEO as the seasoned professionals. The 2016 Call for Papers is closed. If you already submitted a paper, make sure you apply for the contest by August 4. The papers will be reviewed by ICALEO conference chairs, with the winners announced during the closing plenary session on Thursday, October 20, 2016. There are even cash prizes for 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place winners!

Winning papers will also be submitted to LIA’s Journal of Laser Applications. The Student Paper Award gives a unique opportunity for students studying laser applications to have their ideas and research viewed by industry leaders, as well as published in a credible publication. For the official rules of entry, please visit the Student Paper Award page here.

Special Perks Available for LIA Student Members

If you’re an LIA member, you’ll receive special member rates on courses, conferences, and seminars, including ICALEO. In fact, we offer special rates for full-time students that come with a number of exciting perks that will supplement your budding career as a laser professional. LIA members receive an online subscription to Journal of Laser Applications as well as LIA Today, our newsletter publication. You can also get a leg up on your own laser safety training through discounted course rates. LIA membership gives you access to new industry connections, networking opportunities beyond ICALEO, as well as career and volunteer opportunities not available elsewhere.

Inspired by the opportunities at ICALEO? Do not delay! Registration for ICALEO is underway. Students must pre-register for ICALEO before September 7, 2016. Please note that online and onsite registration will not be accepted for students, so you’ll have to fill out and follow the instructions on the registration form available by clicking here.

Students have a unique opportunity to gain invaluable insight, industry contacts, and supplementary education through ICALEO. For students with their sights set on a future in laser applications, attending events like ICALEO, coupled with a student membership through LIA, could potentially put you way ahead of your peers when it comes to developing your professional career.

For complete information on ICALEO and LIA membership, please visit Laser Institute of America (LIA) at www.lia.org.

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