The Rundown Robotics

Posted on July 5, 2025 by michelleclarke2015
 MIT’s new sensor gives robots X-ray vision
Image source: Ideogram/The Rundown
The Rundown: MIT researchers unveiled a breakthrough wireless sensor, dubbed mmNorm, that could give warehouse robots a kind of “X-ray vision,” letting them spot hidden damage before a box is ever opened, ensuring ultimate quality control.
The details:
The system uses millimeter wave signals, like those in Wi-Fi, that can penetrate common shipping materials to create detailed 3D images of objects out of view. This means a robot can “see” through a cardboard box, detecting if an item buried under packing is damaged without opening the package, even a bit. The tech could be mounted on mobile robots in fulfillment centers, automating quality control and reducing the need for manual package checks. It is designed to work with cluttered or even densely packed boxes, distinguishing between multiple overlapping objects.
Why it matters: The breakthrough tech spots hidden flaws — like a broken mug handle or a cracked circuit — that would normally go unnoticed until a box is opened. If adopted, it could streamline warehouse checks, slash returns from damaged goods, and raise the bar for automated quality control in logistics.
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About michelleclarke2015

Life event that changes all: Horse riding accident in Zimbabwe in 1993, a fractured skull et al including bipolar anxiety, chronic fatigue …. co-morbidities (Nietzche 'He who has the reason why can deal with any how' details my health history from 1993 to date). 17th 2017 August operation for breast cancer (no indications just an appointment came from BreastCheck through the Post). Trinity College Dublin Business Economics and Social Studies (but no degree) 1997-2003; UCD 1997/1998 night classes) essays, projects, writings. Trinity Horizon Programme 1997/98 (Centre for Women Studies Trinity College Dublin/St. Patrick's Foundation (Professor McKeon) EU Horizon funded: research study of 15 women (I was one of this group and it became the cornerstone of my journey to now 2017) over 9 mth period diagnosed with depression and their reintegration into society, with special emphasis on work, arts, further education; Notes from time at Trinity Horizon Project 1997/98; Articles written for Irishhealth.com 2003/2004; St Patricks Foundation monthly lecture notes for a specific period in time; Selection of Poetry including poems written by people I know; Quotations 1998-2017; other writings mainly with theme of social justice under the heading Citizen Journalism Ireland. Letters written to friends about life in Zimbabwe; Family history including Michael Comyn KC, my grandfather, my grandmother's family, the O'Donnellan ffrench Blake-Forsters; Moral wrong: An acrimonious divorce but the real injustice was the Catholic Church granting an annulment – you can read it and make your own judgment, I have mine. Topics I have written about include annual Brain Awareness week, Mashonaland Irish Associataion in Zimbabwe, Suicide (a life sentence to those left behind); Nostalgia: Tara Hill, Co. Meath.
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