U.S.-based advanced technology firm Rethink Robotics recently unveiled its latest one-handed robotic technology called Sawyer.

Sawyer is capable of learning precise automated tasks, including machine tending and circuit board testing. It's designed to be used by electronics manufacturers for automating processes.

Like Us on Facebook

"With Sawyer, we have taken that relationship to the next level, with a high performance robot that opens the door for many new applications that have never been good candidates for automation." said Scott Eckert, chief executive officer and president of Rethink Robotics.

"There's a huge need for a robot that can do tasks like these," said Rodney Brooks, founder of Rethink Robotics. "We're moving into mass electronics manufacturing."

Brooks founded Rethink Robotics with the aim of providing manufacturers with a completely new type of automation.

He also took part in the production of the autonomous robotic vacuum cleaner called Roomba, sold by another advanced technology firm, iRobot Corporation.

Before Sawyer, Brooks' company introduced its first industrial robot named Baxter in 2012.

Sawyer weighs about 42 lbs and has the ability to maneuver in narrow spaces. It uses Intera, a software system that allows the robot to learn by demonstration.

It uses a camera for its vision and its head for precision vision applications. Unlike Baxter, which was designed to be used as an industrial robot, Sawyer is collaborative and will work side by side with people.

"It's a proven strategy to maximize resources, gain efficiencies, and provide a competitive advantage for your business." said Rethink Robotics on its official website.

Earlier this year, researchers from the University of Maryland in the U.S. along with the National Information Communications Technology Research Centre of Excellence in Australia introduced concepts that aim to develop robots capable of learning how to cook by watching YouTube videos.

To achieve their goal, these researchers combined three key research areas: Artificial Intelligence (AI), computer vision and natural language.

TagsRethink Robotics, Rodney Brooks, Sawyer, Baxter, iRobot Corporation, Automated Tasks, Roomba