Robotics has always been an interdisciplinary field – one that integrates knowledge from computer science, mechanical, electrical, controls, and other areas of engineering. But as robots move out of factories and research labs, and into our homes and workplaces, another breed of robotics expert is emerging – and an engineering or computer science degree is not necessarily part of their resume.

If you drive a car, it makes little difference what brand it is: all cars are driven in essentially the same way. The same applies to computers. If you have a Windows PC, the user interfaces won’t be affected by your computer hardware. But this is definitely not the case for industrial robots.

In episode twenty one we talk with Quaid Morris of the University of Toronto, who is using machine learning to find a better way to treat cancers.

Launched in 2009 by a group of Waterloo engineering students, Clearpath’s unmistakeable bright yellow and black robots have become synonymous with unmanned vehicle research in university research labs around the world. Now, as the field of robotics matures, Clearpath is forging into industrial applications, too. We caught up with Clearpath’s CTO Ryan Gariepy at the 2015 Field and Service Robotics conference (FSR), to talk about their roots in research, the role of ROS and open source in their business model, and the challenges and opportunities of launching a robotics startup in Canada.

Nothing proves a robot’s mettle like a live demonstration in front of a discerning crowd. Check out these photos and videos from Demo Day at the recent Field and Service Robotics conference (FSR) in Toronto. 

The Jade Robot is a fully-developed educational robot designed to engage and excite the next generation of scientists and engineers. It has just completed six months of in-classroom testing with students ranging from Grade 5 to 11, teaching them about robotics and programming while changing their attitudes towards Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (aka “STEM”). Having tested the robot and classroom materials, we are now crowdfunding to help bring the Jade Robot to more students.

Later this month, the world’s top experts on field and service robotics will meet to discuss their latest accomplishments at the bi-annual Field and Service Robotics (FSR) conference.

On May 28^th, Transport Canada released a Notice of Proposed Amendment (NPA) outlining proposed changes to the regulatory framework governing small UAVs. If adopted, the changes would take effect in 2016. The deadline to submit comments is August 28^th.

Should drones with remote control be considered autonomous? In Canada, apparently not.

Here is a breakdown of the Canadian approach to risk management for nighttime flights…

In Canada, BVLOS operations are not yet mainstream, however they are attainable under the Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) system.

In November, Transport Canada issued Staff Instruction 623-001, which provides guidance on the review and processing of Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) applications. Among the issues addressed are whether an SFOC is required for indoor and tethered drone operations. Below is a summary of Transport Canada’s position…

Canada’s relatively favorable framework for commercial UAV operations is attracting interest among foreign operators who are frustrated with restrictions in their home jurisdictions. The following provides a breakdown of Canadian regulations affecting foreign commercial operators…

Earlier this month, Transport Canada announced that commercial operators will soon be able to benefit from two exemptions from the general Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) requirement. Today, Transport Canada published an infographic on its site detailing the new exemptions. Here’s a breakdown of the new framework …

Transport Canada’s new exemption notification simultaneously signals a relaxation of commercial drone regulations and an increased focus on academic use.