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Welcome to Episode 104 of The Robot Report Podcast, which brings conversations with robotics innovators straight to you. Join us each week for discussions with leading roboticists, innovative robotics companies and other key members of the robotics community.

In this episode, we discuss a new Soft robotic wearable that restores arm function for people with ALS. The device was prototyped by a team of researchers from the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) and Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH).

The device uses air pressure-driven, soft actuators to help assist in the movement of patients’ arms. The team developed a sensor system that detects the residual activity of the arm and calibrates the appropriate pressurization of the balloon actuator to move the person’s arm smoothly and naturally. The device promises to help restore ALS patient autonomy.

They also discuss a recent story where hoppers at GIANT Food Stores in Hellertown, Pennsylvania were surprised earlier this week, when Marty, an autonomous mobile robot that scans inventory on shelves, was spotted wandering the store’s parking lot. Videos of the rogue robot were posted on social media before it was ushered inside by employees.

Our guest on the podcast this week is Aaron Prather. Aaron is a well-known speaker and evangelist for the robotics industry. Prior to his current role at ASTM as Director, Robotics & Autonomous Systems Programs, he was senior technical advisor for FedEx.

Aaron discusses the current state of robotic standards at ASTM, specifically with the F45 committee work. Aaron also talks about some of the pitfalls that young robotics companies can trip over when attempting to sell their solutions to a large fortune 500 company like FedEx.

Robotics Summit & Expo (May 10-11) returns to Boston

Links from today’s show:

• Soft robotic wearable restores arm function for people with ALS
• Watch a Badger Technologies robot wander out of a grocery store
• The Robotics Summit registration link

If you want to be a guest on an upcoming episode of the podcast, or if you have recommendations for future guests or segment ideas, contact Steve Crowe or Mike Oitzman.

For sponsorship opportunities of The Robot Report Podcast, contact Courtney Nagle for more information.