Torque sensor units are designed to operate in a wide temperature range of negative 452 degrees Fahrenheit to positive 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Though there are plenty of uses for these sensor items, in recent years, robotics have relied tremendously on torque sensors and other innovative technologies. Because while most people image robots like those featured on television shows and cartoons, the vast majority of robots exist in factories, particularly in the automotive industry.

According to Robotics Industry Insights, force and tactile sensors are enabling robots to manipulate objects in less-structured environments with greater accuracy and sensitivity.

Most robots designed for collaborative applications already have built-in force and torque sensing capabilities for safety, especially when working alongside humans. With the exploration of these force and tactile sensors, however, robots are better able to perform dangerous tasks that human workers should avoid.

Soon, thanks to this new sensing technology, robots will actually be able to “feel” what they come in contact with. As the robotics sector continues to innovate, more and more industries will start utilizing these machines than ever before. For instance, the construction industry currently has more than 650,000 employers and over 6 million employees, creating nearly $1 trillion worth of manmade structures each year. Since these powerful robots can now see, feel, and even adapt, they can make it much easier to build all sorts of structures and access otherwise impossible-to-reach areas.

“There aren’t many major manufacturing facilities in the world where you’re not going to find a vision system,” said Ian Stern, Product Manager of Force and Torque Sensors at ATI Industrial Automation Apex. “That’s where force sensing is headed. As we start to automate jobs that require that sense of touch, force sensing will become as prevalent as vision.”

Vision technology has already broken into the robotics industry, and it seems as though robotic touch sensing will soon follow suit.

Additionally, Robotics and Automation adds that Universal Robots is planning on showcasing its brand-new e-Series collaborative robot for the first time in the United States at the IMTS industrial technology event.

The new e-Series sets a new standard for collaborative robotics, adding in a built-in force and torque sensing capability, as well as innovative safety features and improved precision.

“As manufacturers increasingly embrace cobots (computer-controlled robot devices), we see the need to support even more demanding applications with the greater accuracy and tool integration of the e-Series,” added Stuart Shepherd, regional sales director for Universal Robots’ American region.

Whether it’s a smalltime shop or a large construction organization, the future will likely see many more robots across the commercial sector.

“The global cobot market is the fastest-growing segment of industrial automation,” added Shepherd.

Energy bills are something you can’t get rid of like a car payment or student loan debt, but you can decrease them. Here are some things you can do to decrease your monthly expenses on water.

Get a tankless water heater

Tankless water heaters allow for what is known as “on demand” hot water. They are much smaller than traditional water heaters. Cold water is piped through the heater and is quickly heated by either gas or electricity. This means you don’t have to let the water run for very long for it to get hot. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save $100 a year or more with a tankless heater.

Insulate your pipes

Insulating your water pipes can also save you money on your water bills. It’s generally the same concept as a tankless water heater in that you don’t have to let the water run as long before it gets hot. Insulating your hot water pipes can help raise your water temperature two to four degrees Fahrenheit, decreasing the water you waste down the drain.

Fix any leaks

A leak of one drip per second can cost you $1 every month. That may not seem like a lot, but this calculation helps you see the bigger picture. A drip rate of 60 drips per minute can waste 8.64 gallons a day, 259 gallons a month, and 3,153 gallons a year. That’s a lot of water. If you fix the leaks in a prompt manner, you don’t have to pay for all that wasted water.

Update your appliances

Finally, you can update your appliances if you want to save money on your water bills. While it may cost you more money up front, energy efficient appliances use much less water and energy in the long run. Replacing your washing machine, dishwasher, and other similar appliances can cut down your water bills shortly after you purchase them. Additionally, here are some tips for properly cleaning your exhaust filter!

Try out some of these tips so you can save money on your water bills every month. Not only will you be putting money back in your wallet, but water conservation is also great for the environment.

The size of the average American home may have tripled over the past 50 years, but that doesn’t mean everyone can take on an expansive renovation to increase square footage or spend a lot of time and money on room upgrades. Fortunately, you don’t necessarily have to. Something as simple as giving your floor a facelift can be incredibly effective — not to mention incredibly affordable and fast. We’re here to offer a few great ideas to give your floor a makeover and make sure it stays in excellent condition.

Try Layering Some Rugs

If you aren’t particularly handy or don’t have the energy to devote to a total floor change, never fear. You can switch up the feel of a whole room just by being a bit clever with floor coverings. Buy a couple of rugs that differ in size, texture, and pattern to create something unique in your main living space. You can even do this if you’re stuck with wall-to-wall carpeting for the time being. Not only will it make the room more visually interesting, but it will make it a warm and welcoming place to be as well.

Add a Stencil Pattern

Have some existing tile in your bathroom or kitchen but feel bored with the look? You don’t have to gut the entire thing. Clean off the tile, paint the base color (chalked paint in a bold color or neutral works well) and allow to dry. Then, lay your chosen stencil and use a contrasting color paint, being sure to line up all the edges. Finally, touch up and seal with a protective finish. Since the four key factors in the floor protection industry are water resistance, durability, simpler maintenance, and improved color, you’ll want to make sure not to skip this step — particularly in high-traffic areas and ones prone to water use!

Spruce Things Up With Stickers

If you’re wary to mess up your tile with paint, there’s an even easier route to take: stickers! You can find vinyl tile floor stickers on Etsy and other stores (sometimes you can even find a seller who will customize a design for you). Installing them is pretty self-explanatory, as you simply peel off part of the backing, line up the sticker with the floor, and fit as needed. The transformation is pretty incredible though, especially in small spaces (like half-baths or laundry rooms). And it’s a no-muss, no-fuss DIY that just about anyone can handle.

Of course, once you give your flooring a makeover, you need to ensure it stays in great shape. Experts recommend that families enforce a “no-shoe rule” to prevent dirt and damage and to perform preventative maintenance on a regular basis. You should also take care to protect your floor from sun damage and to clean up spills quickly to prevent permanent deterioration. And once it’s clear that your floors need a more substantial replacement (particularly if you’re looking to sell your home), you may want to bite the bullet and invest in it. But if you’ve only got a weekend and a limited budget — and your home is in overall good shape — these DIY ideas will spice things up and allow you to love these rooms again.

Chicago’s LGBTQ Pride festivities are officially underway, culminating in the Chicago Pride Parade on June 24. Between Uptown and Lincoln Park, there’s a whole lot to do and celebrate all month long.

While June is National Pride Month, Pride is more than a time for fun in the sun. It’s a month rooted in the LGBTQ Rights Movement.

The first Pride Parade took place a year after the Stonewall uprising, a series of spontaneous riots in protest of police raids on New York City’s Stonewall Inn. The leaders of the uprising were largely drag queens and transgender women of color including historical figures Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera.

A month after the riots, bisexual activist Brenda Howard organized one of the country’s first public LGBTQ marches: The Christopher Street Liberation Day March. A year later, on June 28, 1970, Howard organized another march to mark the one-year anniversary of the Christopher Street Liberation Day and the Stonewall uprising.

“You needed some kind of help organizing some type of protest or something in social justice? All you had to do was call her and she’ll just say when and where,” said Larry Nelson, Howard’s partner, in an interview with The Advocate.

Today, LGBTQ Pride parades take place all across the country including Chicago, which is celebrating Pride for the 49th year in a row. If you’re one of the 1.97 billion active monthly Facebook users, you can learn more about the Chicago Festival and Parade from the Chicago Pride Facebook page.

Fittingly, Chicago’s theme for the parade this year looks back on Pride month’s history: “Remember the past, create the future.”

Foot traffic during the Chicago Pride parade is often significant for local businesses, so expect bars and restaurants to be busy. The Pride Festival, which takes place between June 16 and 17, begins at 11 AM and goes on until 10 PM.

The Chicago Pride parade begins at noon on June 24, but the earliest people arrive between 7 AM and 9 AM.

“For the liveliest viewing spots head to the Boystown section of North Halsted Street, between Belmont Avenue and Grace Street,” recommends the official Chicago Pride website.

“If you are seeking a less crowded area to view the parade,” the site says, “look for your viewing spots near the beginning of the route along Broadway between Montrose Avenue and Sheridan Road or further along Broadway between Belmont Avenue and Diversey Parkway.”

Given the growing cost of gasoline and the popularity of eco-conscious consumer decisions, it’s no wonder that electric vehicles have become more commonplace. With more than two dozen models now commercially available, some 800,000 Americans have made the switch to driving EVs. But no matter what you drive, that won’t always make the commute from downtown Chicago to O’Hare International Airport any more bearable. The so-called expressway is usually slow and congested; the only other option is to take the L train, which isn’t much better. But now, Elon Musk and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel say they might have an appealing, high-tech solution that could change everything.

As one of the nation’s busiest airports, O’Hare is no stranger to overcrowding. It offers direct flights to 217 destinations throughout the world and serves as a major hub for both United and American Airlines. While the global aviation industry transported approximately $6.4 trillion worth of cargo in 2017, O’Hare alone shipped over 1.9 million tonnes of cargo in 2017 — coming in third among major U.S. airports. O’Hate is also the sixth-busiest airport and served 79.8 million passengers last year.

But getting there has historically been a real pain. Taking the L train from downtown to the airport takes anywhere from 40 to 50 minutes. Despite the fact the distance between the two is only 16 miles, it can take even longer if you travel via car. That could all change, though, if Musk is able to develop his plans to bring large electric vehicle transport to the area.

According to Mayor Emanuel and the proposal from Musk’s Boring Company, the transport alternative would involve new underground tunnels and large EVs (known as “skates”) that could transport 16 riders and their luggage in about 12 minutes. These zero-emission vehicles would be battery powered and could depart every 30 seconds, traveling at 100 to 150 miles per hour to reach their destination in record time. They’d also offer WiFi and be climate controlled. Musk’s company proposal indicated to the city of Chicago that the fares would likely be more than the $5 passengers pay to ride the L (though they could be as low as $1 per person) but would be less than the $40 it typically takes to take a taxi.

Although early estimates guessed the undertaking would cost close to $1 billion, Mayor Emanuel promised in a statement that no taxpayer money would be used for the development of the transportation alternative, noting: “This transformative project will help Chicago write the next chapter in our legacy of innovation and invention.”

Reportedly, Musk would actually front the construction costs but would then rake in the revenue from transit fees and ad-generated profits (including shopping opportunities during the 12-minute ride that would likely use vehicle touch screens).

Still, the project looks like it could be in line with other expansions related to O’Hare. The airport itself is expected to undergo a gate capacity increase of 25%, and nearly $500 has already been allotted to modernize the L line train.

If the project ends up going forward, it could mean big things for Chicago travelers and for the city itself. But whether Musk will be able to deliver remains to be seen.

Owning a car is still considered to be a rite of passage for many Americans. It represents autonomy, freedom, and adventure. And considering that 35% of U.S. households own three or more cars, it’s clear that we still value the idea of being able to provide our own transportation. But that may be changing — at least in some U.S. cities — due to the rising costs of car ownership compared to ride-hailing. One recent study found that in four major metropolises, including Chicago, it’s actually cheaper to call an Uber every day than it is to own a car.

According to Mary Meeker’s 2018 annual internet trends report, it’s more economical to use Uber than it is to own a car in four of the nation’s five largest cities — a list that includes Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, and Washington, D.C. This report takes into account the cost of parking, gas, car insurance, and maintenance. It might not surprise most consumers that NYC residents incur the highest weekly rates of car ownership; it costs owners there an average of $218 per week just to own a car. But when New Yorkers switch to taking an Uber everywhere, costs decrease by as much as 35% to only $142 a week. And given the mess that MTA regularly causes for those living and working in the city, it’s not a shock that many are putting these numbers to the test.

In Chicago, the savings might be a bit more on the conservative side. But it’s likely to be intriguing news for many locals, particularly because Uber’s new Express Pool car service just launched in the Windy City. In basic terms, the service is similar to their carpooling feature, UberPool, but the express option actually allows drivers to pick up their riders in an organized manner to make a shared route more efficient. It organizes riders who are all traveling in the same direction, saving both time and money for travelers. So for those who want to pay even less for more convenience — unlike a bus route, there are no specific pick-up locations for Express Pool — this may be an interesting option.

But even without opting for carpooling, ditching a car in favor of Ubering everywhere may actually be preferable for many folks. Since owning a car is not typically seen as a great investment, as a vehicle depreciates in value the moment you drive it off the lot, it may simply not be worth the cost of city parking, upkeep, and rising gas prices. Of course, there are trade-offs to consider, like the lack of independence and fare hikes during peak travel times. But if you’re sick of paying through the nose just to own a vehicle you don’t get to use very often, you may want to crunch the numbers and see whether you might want to become a full-time ride hailer.