Tag: robot

Why Stryker Sees Talent as the Foundation of Innovation

In today’s MedTech landscape, where technological breakthroughs are redefining what’s possible in-patient care, it’s easy to focus solely on the machines, data, and devices driving that change. Mag O’Keeffe, Vice President of Global Additive Technologies at Stryker explains more

But behind every innovation – whether it’s a surgical robot, a smart implant, or a predictive algorithm – are the people who imagine, build, and continuously improve them. It’s this human engine of progress that often determines whether innovation scales, sustains, and ultimately succeeds.

At a time when competition for talent is intensifying and industries face increasing disruption, how we develop, support, and continuously upskill our people is no longer a ‘nice to have’ – it is a defining strategy.

Ireland’s MedTech leadership has always been grounded in talent, but today, the challenge is evolving. This demands a shift in how we think about talent. It’s no longer enough to hire for existing roles. Instead, it is vital to build adaptable and diverse workforces capable of evolving with new tools, technologies, and expectations.

Diverse pathways into MedTech

Creating a future-ready workforce starts with opening up multiple, accessible routes into the sector – regardless of someone’s background, education, or starting point. Not everyone follows a traditional path into a career, which is why flexibility and inclusivity in attracting and developing talent are so important.

Apprenticeship models are a powerful example. They offer individuals – including school leavers, career changers, and those re-entering the workforce – the opportunity to gain formal qualifications while contributing directly to real-world projects. At Stryker, we’ve seen apprentices progress into engineering, operations, and leadership roles. This is proof that talent can emerge from many directions when given the right support and structure.

Our programme enables participants to pursue degrees in manufacturing engineering while rotating between academic study and on-site learning. It’s not just about gaining a qualification—it’s about reshaping career trajectories and unlocking potential that might otherwise go untapped.

Equally important are graduate entry pathways, which bring fresh energy and new perspectives into the organisation. Each year, we welcome graduates from a range of disciplines to our nine sites across the island of Ireland. Stryker’s graduate programme rotates participants across engineering, finance, and other core functions, giving them exposure to the breadth of the business. It’s not just an onboarding tool—it’s a way to build a pipeline of future leaders who bring curiosity, adaptability, and cross-functional collaboration to their roles.

Together, these pathways – whether through apprenticeships, graduate programmes, or internal mobility – reflect a broader commitment to inclusive growth. By creating multiple entry points into MedTech, including for those coming straight from school or those seeking a new direction mid-career, organisations can tap into a wider talent pool, foster diversity of thought, and build teams that are equipped to lead the future of healthcare.

A learning culture

Offering training and upskilling opportunities is one thing; embedding a culture of continuous learning is another. That means creating systems, time, and initiatives that make development part of the everyday.

Our Training Centre of Excellence in Tullagreen, developed in partnership with IDA Ireland, has been designed to make upskilling a key aspect of transformation.

The three-year training initiative, developed with the support of IDA Ireland, will equip employees at Stryker’s Tullagreen facility with the agility and skills for the future of work, promote innovative thinking, and embed a culture of continuous improvement, and advance sustainability.

But it also reflects something more fundamental: when people feel supported to grow, they stay engaged, motivated, and committed.

That support extends beyond formal programmes. Every employee in Stryker Ireland has access to a LinkedIn Learning licence, providing on-demand access to a wide range of training and development resources. It’s one more way we ensure that learning is not just encouraged—but embedded into how we work, lead, and grow.

Growing talent through opportunity

One of the most pressing challenges for business leaders today is retention. Employees, particularly early career professionals, are seeking to find a workplace that nurture their strengths, provide opportunities to grow and are driven by purpose.

At Stryker, our purpose lies in making innovative products and solutions that make healthcare better for more than 150m patients annually across the globe. It is what drives our employees each day and encourages them to come up with new ideas and find creative solutions to complex medical and surgical problems.

But retention isn’t only about formal programmes. It’s also about creating cultures where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to explore new directions. Our education assistance scheme, for example, has enabled hundreds of employees to pursue new career opportunities, many of them in fields they may never have imagined accessing before.

People powering innovation

The success of any MedTech organisation depends not only on the technologies it develops, but on the people who bring those innovations to life. At Stryker, the commitment to developing talent – through apprenticeships, graduate programmes, continuous learning, and leadership development – isn’t just a cultural value. It’s a business strategy.

These initiatives have helped build and invest in a workforce that is skilled, diverse, and passionate about achieving our mission of making healthcare better. They’ve driven innovation, improved retention, and strengthened our ability to adapt in a fast-changing industry.

But more than that, this investment is creating opportunities for employees – opening doors for individuals to grow, lead, and make a meaningful impact.

Handy octopus robot can adapt to its surroundings

Scientists inspired by the octopus’s nervous system have developed a robot that can decide how to move or grip objects by sensing its environment.

The team from the University of Bristol’s Faculty of Science and Engineering designed a simple yet smart robot which uses fluid flows of air or water to coordinate suction and movement as octopuses do with hundreds of suckers and multiple arms.

The study, published today in the journal Science Robotics, shows how a soft robot can use suction flow not just to stick to things, but also to sense its environment and control its own actions—just like an octopus. A single suction system enables the robot to grab delicate items, sense whether it’s touching air, water, or a rough surface, and even predict how hard something is pulling on it—all at once, without needing a central computer.

Lead author Tianqi Yue explained: “Last year, we developed an artificial suction cup that mimicked how octopuses stick to rocks using soft materials and water sealing.

“This research brings that work on, from using a suction cup like an octopus sucker to connect to objects to using ‘embodied suction intelligence’ – mimicking key aspects of the neuromuscular structure of the octopus in soft robotic systems.”

The suction intelligence works at two levels: by coupling suction flow with local fluidic circuitry, soft robots can achieve octopus-like low-level embodied intelligence, including gently grasping delicate objects, adaptive curling and encapsulating objects of unknown geometries. By decoding the pressure response from a suction cup, robots can achieve high-level perception including contact detection, classification of environment and surface roughness, as well as prediction of interactive pulling force.

This simple and low-cost suction intelligence could lead to a new generation of soft robots that are safer, smarter and more energy-efficient. Potential uses include picking fruit gently in agriculture, handling fragile items in factories, anchoring medical tools inside the human body, or creating soft toys and wearable tools that can interact safely with people.

The team are currently working on making the system smaller and more robust for real-world use. They also aim to combine it with smart materials and AI to improve its adaptability and decision-making in complex environments.

“It’s fascinating how a simple suction cup, with no electronics inside, can feel, think and act—just like an octopus arm,” concluded Tianqi. “This could help robots become more natural, soft and intuitive to use.”

Paper:

‘Embodying soft robots with octopus-inspired hierarchical suction intelligence’ by Tianqi Yue, Chenghua Lu, Kailuan Tang, Qiukai Qi, Zhenyu Lu, Loong Yi Lee, Hermes Bloomfield-Gadȇlha, and Jonathan Rossiter in Science Robotics.

Floki Partners with Rice Robotics to Launch AI Companion Robot

Rice Robotics, a Hong Kong-based robotics startup, has announced the launch of an AI-powered companion robot, the Minibot M1, developed in partnership with Floki. The robot will operate on the decentralized RICE AI protocol and integrate features designed to support everyday tasks and foster emotional interaction with users.

“Rice Robotics Unveils Minibot M1, the Only Friend That Pays You in crypto to Hang Out”

The Minibot M1, branded in collaboration with Floki, will function as a personal assistant capable of managing household schedules, retrieving online information, and offering companionship through interactive features like music, storytelling, and conversational engagement. Users interacting with the robot will earn $RICE tokens in return, forming part of a data collection and training ecosystem for robotic intelligence.

The launch of the robot will be accompanied by the introduction of the $RICE token, which will serve as the utility token of the RICE AI protocol. The token will debut on TokenFi Launchpad, with staking opportunities available for holders of $TOKEN, the native token of TokenFi. Airdrops of $RICE will also be issued to holders and stakers of both $FLOKI and $TOKEN.

Rice Robotics has partnerships with several major corporations including SoftBank, Nvidia, Dubai Future Foundation, NTT Japan, and Mitsui Fudosan. Its robots are currently deployed in commercial delivery settings across Japan, including unmanned indoor delivery for 7-Eleven Japan and office services at SoftBank headquarters.

Floki’s involvement marks another step in its broader strategy to expand into tokenized AI and blockchain-enabled services. Through its sister project TokenFi, Floki aims to facilitate the tokenization of real-world assets and data, including AI-generated content and robotic learning models.

Earlier this year, Rice Robotics secured over $7 million in a pre-Series A funding round led by Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund, Soul Capital, and Audacy Ventures. The company is working toward a decentralized data-sharing model where robots can autonomously exchange training data to improve performance without centralized oversight.

The AI robotics sector is currently valued at approximately $22 billion and is projected to exceed $100 billion by 2030, according to industry estimates.

Xiaomi Introduces Xiaomi 15 Series in Ireland

Xiaomi has announced the release of its latest flagship smartphone lineup, Xiaomi 15  Series, at an exclusive launch event held in Barcelona, Spain. Positioned as the ultimate professional imagery flagship, Xiaomi  15 Series empowers users worldwide to capture stunning photos and videos in any scenario with Leica Summilux optical  lens. Powered by the latest Xiaomi HyperOS 2, Xiaomi 15 Series introduces a comprehensive upgraded system experience,  optimizing performance, connectivity, and AI capabilities for a seamless next-generation mobile experience. 

Xiaomi 15 Ultra: Pinnacle photography, incredible visuals 

Drawing inspiration from classic camera design, Xiaomi 15 Ultra combines supreme build quality with a sense of refined  sophistication. Available in three captivating finishes – Black, White, and Silver Chrome – each variant exudes a unique blend  of strength and elegance.  The Silver Chrome model seamlessly blends aerospace-grade glass fiber and PU leather, further  enhancing material strength. Its PU leather finish and retro image stitching further elevate the classic aesthetic of this iconic  camera – a design that has defined a generation. 

Xiaomi 15 Ultra boasts a stunning WQHD+ 6.73-inch AMOLED display, delivering a crystal-clear resolution of 3200 x 1440  and an impressive pixel density of 522 ppi. With an impressive 3200 nits multi-scenario peak brightness, the display ensures  crystal-clear visuals in any lighting condition, from bright sunlight to dim environments. The 1Hz Always-active Display keeps  essential information like time, date, and notifications visible at a glance, combining convenience with efficiency. For  enhanced security and convenience, Xiaomi 15 Ultra introduces an upgraded ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, which enables  faster and more reliable unlocking, even with wet or dirty fingers, and performs exceptionally well in low-light conditions.  Durability is at the core of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra’s design. The device incorporates the advanced Xiaomi Guardian Structure,  which includes the latest Xiaomi Shield Glass 2.0 for up to 16 times better drop resistance.² The high-strength CNC-crafted  aluminum frame ensures a lightweight yet robust build, while Corning® Gorilla® Glass 7i protects the camera deco with  improved resistance to drops and scratches. 

Designed for creative professionals who aspire to elevate their mobile photography, Xiaomi 15 Ultra is equipped with all  focal lengths ranging from 14mm to 200mm optical-level zoom. Its pinnacle optical design features a main camera equipped  with Leica Summilux lenses and an 8P aspherical high-transmittance lens, enhanced with dual anti-reflection (AR) coating to  bring users a pure optical performance. 

At the heart of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra camera system is the industry-leading 23mm Leica 1-inch main camera, equipped with a  50MP Sony LYT-900 image sensor for exceptional clarity and detail. Paired with a Leica Summilux optical lens, it features a  large ƒ/1.63 aperture, variable focal lengths of 23mm, 28mm, and 35mm, and an impressive 14EV high dynamic range.  Together, these elements ensure stunning performance in low-light and night-time scenarios, capturing vivid and true-to-life  images. 

For portrait and street photography, a 70mm Leica floating telephoto camera operates at the golden focal length, delivering 

natural and flattering shots. Its large sensor also excels in macro photography, allowing users to capture intricate details from  as close as 10cm. An industry-leading 100mm Leica 200MP ultra telephoto camera makes it easy to capture shots of distant  objects with a focal length of 100mm, extendable to 200mm using in-sensor zoom technology. The 1/1.4″ large sensor,  combined with ƒ/2.6 aperture, captures 136% more light than Xiaomi 14 Ultra. Completing the quad camera system is the  14mm Leica ultra-wide camera, offering expansive perspectives for capturing breathtaking landscapes and group shots. 

Xiaomi 15 Ultra is set to push the boundaries of videography standards, allowing users to enjoy exceptional cinematic slow motion videography with both main and periscope telephoto cameras capable of shooting 4K video at 120fps. Equipped  with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS), the main camera effectively minimizes shake,  ensuring that videos maintain a professional quality, even in challenging environments.

Beyond its impressive video  capabilities, Xiaomi 15 Ultra supports Dolby Vision® video recording at 4K 60fps and 10-bit Log video recording across all  focal lengths. As an Android’s first ACES Product Partner, it further enhances professional videography, ensuring industry grade color accuracy and cinematic-quality footage.

A 4-Mic array offers immersive audio recording with omni-directional,  forward, rear and trajectory recording modes available. These features provide users with the tools necessary for high quality editing and color grading, facilitating a more creative approach to video production. 

Launched alongside Xiaomi 15 Ultra, the classically styled Xiaomi 15 Ultra Photography Kit Legend Edition is a treat for  photography enthusiasts. Inspired by the timeless design of cameras, it features a signature red decorative ring, a custom designed UI under camera’s Fastshot mode, detachable thumb support and shutter buttons, a multifunctional 67mm filter  adapter ring, and an integrated 2000mAh battery for extended usability. 

Xiaomi 15: All-round flagship excellence in compact form 

Crafted for optimal convenience and portability, Xiaomi 15 is available in four colors – Black, White, and Green pure color  models, plus Liquid Silver, which boasts attractive shimmering curves from heat-bent glass.³ Featuring an integrated volcano shaped deco, Xiaomi 15 has a fluid design that feels solid and durable, with a micro-curved aluminum frame offering up to  33% improvement in strength. An impressive screen-to-body ratio of 94%, and ultra-thin bezels of only 1.38mm are made  possible with the latest LIPO technology, ensuring precise molding between body and frame. 

Xiaomi 15 boasts a versatile triple-camera system that delivers exceptional image quality. Spanning extended focal lengths  from 14mm to 120mm, it provides remarkable clarity and versatility for every shot. The main camera of Xiaomi 15 features  a Leica Summilux optical lens, incorporating a 7P aspherical high-transmittance with an anti-glare coating and a large ƒ/1.62  aperture for superior light capture and exceptional clarity in various lighting conditions. Equipped with the Light Fusion 900  high dynamic sensor, it delivers a professional-grade photography experience across three key focal lengths: 23mm, 28mm,  and 35mm.

For detailed telephoto shots, Xiaomi 15 features a Leica 60mm floating telephoto camera, utilizing a 50MP sensor,  capable of capturing intricate details from afar and delivering stunning macro shots at distances as close as 10cm.  Additionally, the Leica 14mm ultra-wide camera, with a 50MP resolution and a large ƒ/2.2 aperture, unlocks new creative  possibilities, enabling breathtaking wide-angle photography. 

Designed for speed and precision, Fastshot mode enables ultra-fast street photography with an impressive capture speed of  just 0.6 seconds across all focal lengths,¹ ensuring that every fleeting moment is preserved. Xiaomi Master Videography  empowers users with studio-quality video capabilities, with the main camera supporting 8K recording at 30fps and Dolby  Vision® video at 4K 60fps across all focal lengths. A 4-Mic array enhances the experience by delivering immersive, spatial  audio recording for a truly cinematic touch.

Xiaomi 15 incorporates a compact 6.36-inch CrystalRes AMOLED (2670 x 1200) display with a pixel density of 460 ppi. It  boasts an impressive 3200 nits multi-scenario peak brightness that covers 25% APL (Average Picture Level) to deliver a clear,  vivid viewing experience in the brightest of conditions. Leveraging a Xiaomi-custom M9 display panel, the screen gives a 10%  reduction in power consumption, resulting in more colorful and more vibrant visuals, enabling users to enjoy content  comfortably while enhancing overall efficiency. Additionally, Xiaomi 15 is TÜV Rheinland certified for Low Blue Light  (Hardware Solution), Flicker-Free and Circadian Friendly, featuring DC dimming across all brightness levels to ensure a  comfortable viewing experience even during extended use. 

Feel the full power of the latest high-performance hardware 

Xiaomi 15 Series enhances the mobile user experience by integrating a next-generation processor platform with advanced  cooling technology and cutting-edge battery optimizations. 

Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Ultra are both powered by the Snapdragon® 8 Elite Mobile Platform, delivering an impressive 45%  CPU performance boost and a 52% reduction in power consumption,¹ along with a remarkable 44% GPU performance boost  and a 46% power consumption decrease, compared to the previous generations. 

Equipped with the Xiaomi Ice Loop cooling system, both devices achieve an unmatched level of smoothness in challenging  tasks such as video recording, computational photography, real-time AI, and intensive gaming. Based on an innovative wing  structure design, the cooling array ensures improved contact with the frame, effectively reducing operating temperatures. 

In terms of battery and charging, both Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Ultra utilize the Xiaomi Surge Battery Management System  to ensure extended performance throughout the day and beyond. Xiaomi 15 Ultra features a 5410mAh (typ) Xiaomi Surge  Battery with ultra-high energy density, thanks to a 10% silicon carbide (SiC) content level, offering a larger capacity within  the same dimensions and weight. Xiaomi 15 Ultra supports HyperCharge at 90W, along with fast 80W wireless HyperCharge  charging. Meanwhile, Xiaomi 15 is equipped with a 5240mAh (typ) Xiaomi Surge Battery, supporting 90W HyperCharge and  50W wireless HyperCharge. 

Xiaomi 15 Series utilizes the latest LPDDR5X system memory, with Xiaomi 15 featuring UFS 4.0 storage technology, while  Xiaomi 15 Ultra is equipped with UFS 4.1 storage technology. Xiaomi 15 Ultra is available in 16GB+512GB and 16GB+1TB  configurations.⁹ Xiaomi 15 in both 12GB+256GB and 12GB+512GB models. 

Augment your life with upgraded Xiaomi HyperOS 2 

Xiaomi 15 Series is powered by the latest Xiaomi HyperOS 2, showcasing three key technological innovations: Xiaomi  HyperCore, Xiaomi HyperConnect,15 and Xiaomi HyperAI.10 These innovations give users an enhanced mobile experience in  functionality, system fluidity, cross-platform connectivity, security, privacy, and access to next-generation AI interactions and  AI-driven productivity tools. 

Xiaomi HyperAI enhances user productivity and creativity with a powerful suite of AI tools. This includes features such as AI Writing  and AI Speech Recognition, along with several other tools designed to boost efficiency. To help users unlock their  full creative potential, AI Creativity Assistant offers next-generation photographic and videography tools. These tools  include AI Image Enhancement,14 AI Image Expansion,14 AI Eraser Pro,14 AI Reflection Removal, AI Magic Sky, and AI Film,  enabling users to achieve professional-quality results swiftly and effortlessly. 

In collaboration between Google and Xiaomi, Google Gemini can now find and take actions across Xiaomi apps,30 giving users 

direct access to Xiaomi Notes, Xiaomi Calendar and Xiaomi Clock in Gemini, for the first time. 

At its foundational core, Xiaomi HyperOS 2 features Xiaomi HyperCore technology, a self-developed technology platform  that guarantees optimal system fluidity and performance, system-level application upgrades and more.15 Boasting new and  updated aesthetics, Xiaomi HyperCore boasts a new lock screen design with updated templates and styles that express  cinematic elements from the film world. With new motion effects that take advantage of an improved graphics subsystem,  an all-new home screen design gives users a more seamless, elegant experience. 

Xiaomi HyperConnect breaks down the barriers between devices, platforms, and ecosystems, including tablets and  iOS/macOS platforms.16 New features such as Cross-device Camera allow users to access another device’s camera while  retaining the exceptional image processing capability of Xiaomi 15 Series. Users can also use Combined Cameras to combine  and display video feeds from multiple devices – an advantage when shooting live events, lectures, or tutorial videos. 

Price and availability 

Xiaomi 15 is available in Black and Green, with a 12GB+512GB configuration, priced at €1,099.

  • Black can be purchased via Eir, Tesco Ireland, Vodafone Ireland, and Harvey Norman Ireland.
  • Green is also available at Harvey Norman Ireland.

Xiaomi 15 Ultra is available in Silver Chrome, with a 16GB+512GB configuration, priced at €1,599, and can be purchased via Harvey Norman Ireland and Tesco Ireland.

Exclusive offers are available from 2nd to 31st March 2025 to celebrate the arrival of Xiaomi 15 series in Ireland.

–          Buy a Xiaomi 15 and get a free Xiaomi Robot Vacuum Cleaner X20 Pro (€559).

–          Please note that this offer applies only to Xiaomi 15 purchases.

 

 

See our other Xiaomi reviews

Robot dog simulates heat stroke symptoms and warns of the dangers of a hot car

The Nordics’ leading petcare brand Musti Group launched a campaign warning dog owners to never leave their dog alone in a hot car. The campaign features a custom made robotic dog that simulates the symptoms of a heat stroke. The robot is placed inside a car and its movements are triggered by changes in temperature.

 

While Nordic summers are not always particularly hot, dogs with their fur coats are prone to heat strokes even in milder temperatures. Dogs should never be left alone in the car during summer, because the temperature inside a car can get dangerously high even on cloudy days. Even though awareness around the issue has increased, authorities in the Nordic countries still receive numerous reports of dogs left in hot cars every summer.

With their new campaign, the Nordic pet care specialist Musti Group wants to educate both dog owners and passers-by, who might come across dogs left in a car during summer. The campaign features a fully functioning robotic dog, which shows how fast a car turns into a death trap for pets. The robot simulates the symptoms of a heat stroke, and its movements are triggered by the temperature inside the car it’s placed in.

“When it comes to recognising dangerous situations, real life experience is the best form of education. By creating a tangible, cautionary example that people witness with their own eyes, we hope to increase awareness of how and when to act in these situations both as a dog owner and a passer-by,” Eveliina Rantahalvari, Musti Group’s Head of Nordic Marketing says.

Rantahalvari also states that dogs have a higher risk of suffering a heat stroke, because they are not able to regulate their body temperature by sweating through the skin.

“The temperature inside the car rises dangerously high faster than many people realise. Even leaving the car’s windows open is not enough to ensure the dog is not at risk,” Rantahalvari says and reminds that if passers-by notice a trapped dog, the animal might be in need of immediate help.

“If you notice a dog left in a hot car, the first thing you should do is try to get in contact with the owner. For example, in a store or shopping center, you can ask the staff to make an announcement to try and alert the owner,” Rantahalvari says.

The symptoms of a dog’s heat stroke include, among other things, severe lethargy, dark redness of the tongue and oral mucosa, convulsions and tremors. The situation might be very serious, if the dog is no longer panting or showing signs of restlessness, but instead lies still apathetically. If the owner of the car cannot be found quickly, the helper must contact the emergency centre and ask for instructions to help the dog.

“During summer, overheating is also a threat outside the car. It can be prevented by giving the dog enough water, staying in the shade, swimming and, for example, with ice cream made for dogs,” Rantahalvari reminds.

 

Read more at: www.mustigroup.com

Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute at St James’s Hospital becomes first in Ireland or UK to introduce robot to make chemotherapy drugs

The Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute at St James’s Hospital in Dublin has become the first hospital in the UK or Ireland to introduce a compounding robot to produce cytotoxic chemotherapy drugs for cancer patients. As part of the evolving robotic programme in the hospital, this new initiative has the potential to supply chemotherapy products more efficiently and safely, increasing productivity and leading to a better experience for cancer patients at the hospital.

Chemotherapy is traditionally produced using a highly manual process carried out in pharmacy departments. Overseen by pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, it is physically intensive, involving measurement of doses, reconstitution of commercially sourced drugs and dilution into patient specific doses. Therefore, there is a risk of human error and a need for high levels of quality assurances and verifications. Staff globally often report repetitive strain injuries due to the labour intensity of production, as well as burnout.

The Aseptic Compounding Unit at St James’s Hospital is the busiest in the country, producing 30,000 products annually. With cancer levels rising alongside a growing and ageing population, this demand will rise in coming years. Funds for the new robot were raised by the St James’s Hospital Foundation.

Gail Melanophy, Director of Pharmacy at St James’s Hospital said: “This is a major step forward for our staff and our cancer patients at the hospital. We  aim to produce up to 50% of the oncology/haematology day ward’s chemotherapy needs within weeks of introduction and we hope this will significantly increase when at full capacity, including inpatient needs. This will free up time for our pharmacists to produce other products that the robot does not make and ensure that our valued patients never have to wait for their treatments.”

Aleena Mary James, nurse, Liz Hogan, patient, and Brid Curran, Clinical Nurse Manager.

The first patient received their treatment made by the new robot at the Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute today (11th April) on the hospital campus. Liz Hogan from Ratoath, County Meath is being treated for cervical cancer at the hospital and was infused with a customised dose of the chemotherapy produced by the robot.

She said: “I noticed no difference at all when I received my dose of chemotherapy today at St James’s Hospital – but I am reassured by the wonderful staff here who have told me that the new robot will help to ensure the chemo for all the cancer patients like me will be of very high quality.”

13 of the most commonly used cytotoxic chemotherapy drugs used at St James’s Hospital have been initially selected to be produced by the robot. Trials at the hospital have demonstrated that the advance preparation of the drugs is readily achievable, meaning they are available in the clinics when patients arrive for their sessions.

For the pharmacy staff, the use of the robot protects them from repetitive strain injuries commonly associated with this type of manual process, as well as from exposure to hazardous drugs used in the compounding of chemotherapy. Patients can be assured of the quality of the chemotherapy produced due to the environment in which the robot is housed as well as the flexibility to use the range and scope of products previously produced in the pharmacy. There are also potential cost savings to be realised as the robot can store partially used drugs for use in the production of subsequent doses, thus optimising the use of expensive drugs.

Aisling Nolan, Director of Development at the St James’s Hospital Foundation, said: “I am delighted that the hard work of the Foundation supporters, from patients to families to our own staff, has paid off with the installation and use of this new robot. Cancer care is a core service at St James’s Hospital and this robot will help our cancer patients and the staff who care for them every day.”

The project was made possible due to a highly collaborative multidisciplinary team including pharmacists, technicians, engineers, electricians and ICT staff along with commercial partners to plan, implement and test the technology.

CEO of St James’s Hospital Prof Mary Day said: “The Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute aspires to being a comprehensive cancer centre where patient care, research, clinical trials and cutting edge treatments combine to lead to better patient outcomes and experiences. Being the first hospital in the UK or Ireland to use this new robot to make chemotherapy drugs is another example of how we are constantly striving to find new and better ways to serve our patients and assist our staff.”

First Look – AENO RC2S Robot Vacuum Cleaner

The AENO RC2S Robot Vacuum Cleaner is one of several models available from the brand and these are more common today in the home than they once where when they came on the scene some years ago and after reviewing several brands over the years we look forward to checking this model out from this company which has many household tech items on offer and one such recent product was their premium eco smart LED heater which has been popular.

 

We will today have a quick first look and tour of the device and see what you get and what to expect and later on a full review of course, yes a review not an our testers have opinions review with Zero context as we always do and go hands on show you the device in action and check out the app.

Any questions you might have while we test this over the next few weeks feel free to comment as always and check out the unboxing video linked below and comment there..

Features

Efficient wet cleaning

3 modes of electronic water flow provide effective and safe cleaning for different floor types and mess levels

Cleans of all types of surfaces

The vacuum cleaner works effectively with all types of surfaces: carpets, laminate, parquet, tiles and more. You won’t need other devices to complete your cleaning

Effective daily cleaning of pet hair

Save yourself the discomfort of a large amount of pet hair around the house

Up to 130 min of cleaning without recharging

5 hours charge will be enough to clean an area up to 150 m²

Modes for every need

Need to remove pet hair from carpet? Turbo mode will help you. Spread grain over the floor area? Use Spot mode. Child’s room requires daily cleaning? Single room mode is a good solution

Super powerful

The exceptional power 2500 Pa of the robot vacuum cleaner AENO can clean even long pile carpets, thoroughly collects any debris on the floor. Just use the Turbo mode for highly messed areas

Reliable Japanese Nidec motor

Nidec motor provides peak performance and long-lasting reliability

Up to 150 m² wet cleaning without water refill

Enlarged 350 ml water tank capacity makes it possible. Just fill the water tank before cleaning and don’t think about it anymore

High step overcoming – 18 mm Threshold, cable, high pile carpet – won’t be a hindrance to cleaning the whole home

All consumables always available

Regular cleaning in hard-to-reach places

Forget about inconvenient cleaning under dressers, beds, and other furniture

Includes:

  • HEPA 12 filter
  • Fabric mop
  • 2 x Side brushes

BUY

Unboxing

Student inspired by personal tragedy begins robot trial

From today, students at the University of Edinburgh’s Kings Buildings campus will be able to order takeaway food to be delivered piping hot to wherever they are…by a robot.

The system is being piloted by University of Edinburgh startup Pixconvey, whose founder, artificial intelligence and robotics PhD student Ebtehal Alotaibi, is on a mission to increase trust in autonomous vehicles since losing her aunt in a car accident caused by driver error.

Ms Alotaibi said: “I lost my aunt in 2014 in a car accident that also claimed her husband’s life. She was just 30 years old, and their three children are left without their parents.

“It was the fault of another driver, and I can’t accept that someone could pass away because of someone else’s behaviour when driving. I did some research and found that 94 per cent of car accidents are caused by human error, so there is a lot of potential for driverless vehicles to be safer.”

She wanted to create an autonomous taxi, but after receiving commercialisation advice, she decided to start with a “smaller prototype with a happy face”, which uses the same driverless technology.

Her custom-built robots, Pixie 1 and 2, adapted from the Bayes Centre’s HUSKY model, will deliver orders from the Kings Buildings’ Café in the library to students across campus in a pilot that she hopes could eventually be rolled out across the city.

The team is supported by Edinburgh Innovations, the University’s commercialisation service.

Alotaibi said:

“Getting takeaway food delivered is increasingly expensive, partly due to labour costs and shortages. Where cars are used, it also increases greenhouse gas emissions and, during the pandemic, there were hygiene concerns too. We think Pixconvey can address all these issues: electric vehicles have zero emissions, our business model is an affordable monthly subscription for the restaurant, and the robot sanitises the food cartons using LED rays.

“We hope that it will also create high quality jobs, for instance the technicians who operate and maintain the robots, or the insurers who will have to address this new field of activity.”

Although the Pixconvey robot can navigate roads, traffic lights and pedestrian crossings once it has mapped the terrain, current UK road regulations do not allow for autonomous vehicles without following specific protocols. A successful campus trial would pave the way for a road trial.

Alotaibi added:

“Our robots constantly map their surroundings and can navigate around people, traffic and dogs (who really don’t like them!). But regulation is not yet set up for autonomous vehicles, which is why we are trialling it in a campus environment.”

She will collaborate with Kings Building’s catering service, which will integrate the widely-used Upay takeaway app with Alotaibi’s Pixconvey app. When ordering, if the student choses ‘delivery’, they can specify the location and choose a timeslot. Once the order is ready, the catering staff loads the food into the robot’s cargo.

Using the Pixconvey dashboard, the staff dispatches the robot, which autonomously navigates to the delivery location. Upon arrival, indicated by a dashboard notification, the catering personnel remotely opens the robot’s cargo door. The customer retrieves their order and closes the door, and the robot takes itself back to the catering area.

Dr John Lonsdale, Head of Enterprise at Edinburgh Innovations, said:

“It’s great to see another of our student entrepreneurs showing their ingenuity and initiative to develop new technologies. We are delighted to be able to support Ebtehal in her innovation journey.”

The project also provides a digital twin – a simulation environment enabling researchers to test and refine their algorithms while the robots are operational, both for research and development purposes.

Alotaibi’s PhD supervisor at the University of Edinburgh’s School of Informatics, Dr Michael Herrmann, said:

“This project also provides a test bed for students and researchers to explore machine learning in multi-agent systems. This important research area includes the direct cooperation of humans and robots which will be an important feature of our future work environment.”

Researchers interested in taking part are encouraged to email admin@pixconvey.co

Tech Review – OMOTON SODI Bagel Robot BM330 Continuity Camera Mount

This little gadget can be used in more ways than one and is affordable and ideal for those who have an iPhone and macbook and can be used as webcam holder being your iPhone or just even for similar third party conferencing apps, it can also be used as a simple phone stand to to give you space and more flexibility whilst on the go or at home and in the office, the build quality is excellent and made with high grade materials and not only can it be with apple products you can use on any laptop in fact as you will see in the video review below.

Being portable is a key factor for me and anyone who travels between rooms or offices and like me who goes to hotels on a regular basis as this will easily fit in a pocket or tech bag making life nice a simple, you can also hook up your iPhone charger if required which tucks away nicely behind the holder itself.

This can be placed at multiple angles and better than a fixed one on your pc or laptop and they usually brutal anyway and this allows you to use your iPhone instead giving a better quality experience, it is simple to use gadget and check the video below for more.

CONTINUITY CAMERA INTEGRATION – Connect, capture, create.

The BM 330 Stand is the ultimate continuity camera mount, compatible with a wide range of PCs and laptops. Seamlessly connect your device and enjoy uninterrupted, high-resolution capture. An instant upgrade for your computer camera.

PERFECT VIDEO PERSPECTIVE – Your angle, your vision.

Unlock your ideal video angle, including Desk View, with versatile, multi-angle capabilities. Whether you’re recording, streaming, or presenting, this stand ensures that you find the most suitable perspective, allowing you to film like never before.

EFFORTLESS CHARGING – Power up and stay focused.

Simply place your MagSafe charging head onto the magnetic disc for convenient and efficient charging, ensuring your device stays powered up without any interruptions.

VERSATILE MOUNTING – Redefining tech compatibility.

The BM 330 Stand offers exceptional compatibility not only with iPhone 12 and above but also with the vast majority of monitors under 55 inches. Its remarkable flexibility even supports curved, irregularly shaped, or non-vertical screens, allowing you to effortlessly connect and expand your display.

 

  • Three Functions in One Stand. Gear up and protect your tech investment!
  • Optimize Your Computer. Effortlessly attach and mount your iPhone on your iMac or other desktop computer.
  • Get More From Your Tech. Use as a detachable continuity camera mount on your MacBook.
  • Solid Phone Stand. A sleek phone stand to keep your desk organized and easy on the eye.

BUY 

Video Review