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In Chula Vista, Calif., Drones Now Respond to 911 Calls

Gustavo Solis

October 29, 2018 |

San Diego Union-Tribune |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Chula Vista

Police in Chula Vista, Calif., are using drones to respond to some emergency calls as part of a pilot program between the Federal Aviation Administration, Chula Vista and the city of San Diego. It’s an idea from Ensenada, Mexico, where use of drones prompted a 10 percent drop in crime, and on its first day in Chula Vista drones responded to 30 emergency calls that led to three arrests. The FAA is working with police to rewrite regulations as the program evolves to adapt to police needs.

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In Colorado Senior Homes, A Companion For Those With Dementia: A Robot Named Ryan

Andrea Dukakis

October 09, 2018 |

Colorado Public Radio |

Radio |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Lakewood, Colorado

Companion robots are making their way into Colorado senior living communities with the goal of providing meaningful company to residents. Equipped with a "soft human face," the companion robots mitigate against depression and isolation while also reminding community members to take their medications and interact with those around them.

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How to Rewrite a Region's Story

Dwyer Gunn

September 24, 2018 |

Pacific Standard |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Hazard, Kentucky

In Hazard, Kentucky, the future of coal remains uncertain. However, efforts by KVEC, or the Kentucky Valley Educational Cooperative, led to funding from the Department of Education. This grant is helping train students across eastern Kentucky in robotics, computer science, drone technology, and more. The goal is to build a qualified technical workforce, and hopefully some students will remain in the region to contribute to its economic development. Though this is just an initial investment, leaders are optimistic about the long term positive effects of this educational transformation.

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Germany launches world's first autonomous tram in Potsdam

Kate Connolly

September 23, 2018 |

The Guardian |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Germany, Potsdam, Brandenburg

Radar, lidar, and sensors guide the world’s first autonomous tram across Potsdam. While not yet commercially viable, the tram is an advancement in driverless technology. It can respond to road hazards faster than a human and runs on energy from wind and solar.

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How to get people into high-paying jobs? This robotic arm could hold an answer

Roberto Torres

September 20, 2018 |

Technical.ly Philly |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

RERAMP, or the Readiness for Employment in Robotics and Advanced Manufacturing Program, is providing a six-week training program to equip Philly residents with the skills needed to operate a robotic arm that could lead to job opportunities. Specifically, a local makerspace will provide the training and equipment to teach people to become CNC machinists, a specific type of robotics operator. Scholarships will be offered to cover the costs of training.

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Meet the robots and other contraptions making Colorado's recycling more efficient

Tamara Chuang

September 19, 2018 |

The Colorado Sun |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Colorado

Technological innovations are making single stream recycling more efficient. Allowing consumers to place their recyclable waste into a single container for disposal increases participation in recycling programs, but adds pressure on processing plants. Using AI vision technology allows machines to learn, identify, and sort materials efficiently.

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Ensenada shows U.S. police departments what drones can do to fight crime

Gustavo Solis

August 30, 2018 |

San Diego Union-Tribune |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: Mexico, Ensenada

Police in Ensenada, Mexico, have been using drones since October 2017 and it has led to more than 500 arrests and a 10 percent drop in crime. The drones have fostered faster response times and help police decide how to allocate resources appropriately, while highlighting risks before officers approach a property. Officials in Chula Vista, Calif., are working with the same drone company to start a similar program, which could prompt changes in federal policies on using drones in the U.S.

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Check the Back Seat! Alerts Remind Drivers About Children

Ellen Byron

July 28, 2018 |

Wall Street Journal |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States

Nissan and GM plan to make warning systems standard in many of their vehicles that alert drivers there are occupants in the back seat to address the persistent issue of children dying in hot cars. Other new products, apps and education efforts are underway as well to tackle this problem. These potential solutions represent a societal shift that seems to acknowledge this can happen even to the most conscientious parents.

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Meet the robots teaching Singapore's kids tech

Jack Graham

July 04, 2018 |

Apolitical |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Singapore

Since Singapore introduced the "Play Maker" program for preschoolers in 2016, it has seen wide-ranging benefits. By integrating interactive robots into the school day, the curriculum increases students' exposure to technology and engineering skills without increasing the much feared screen time. On a small scale, the program has been proven to reshape engrained STEM gender stereotypes and help students master programming skills.

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A Single Drone Helped Mexican Police Drop Crime 10 Percent

Jack Stewart

June 11, 2018 |

Wired |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Mexico, Ensenada

Unmanned drones are increasingly providing valuable services in non-military situations such as rescue operations. In one city in Mexico, just one drone prompted 500 arrests and a drop in the crime rate of 10 percent, with a 30 percent drop in home burglaries. But drones also remain very controversial because of their start as weapons of war and unease over their surveillance capabilities, making careful regulations for their use essential.

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