Robots Cut Grass with Class

Robots Cut Grass with Class Robots Cut Grass with Class Its June, and with the dawn of summer begins the annual battle of the blades: rejuvenated blades of lush green grass in one corner, freshly sharpened lawn mower blades in the other. Some homeowners love the art and science of lawn care. Others are ok watching the dandelions grow from the comfort of a hammock. Both camps will find something to appreciate in the latest generation of cutting-edge robotic grass cutters. Autonomous mowers are a great way to show your neighbors your technological sophistication and lawn-keeping savvy at the same time. On the other hand, they free up summer weekends for those who cant or dont want to spend their leisure time pushing a gas-guzzling mower. Theyre energy-efficient, programmable, and cleaner-cutting than regular combustion-engine mowers. They start, steer, and recharge themselves and even put themselves away. They have something for everyone, except those (and you know who you are) who really, really like mowing the lawn. Robo-Basics Robotic mowers are the outdoor answer to the popular robotic vacuum cleaners such as the Roomba (iRobot, Bedford, MA). Just as the robovac dashes around the floor sucking up foreign particles, robot mowers crisscross their way around the yard, nibbling away at the grass within an area defined either by an installed perimeter wire or by their own sensations of where and where not to cut. Although made by nearly a dozen different manufacturers around the world, they look a lot alike (think of a giant beetle) and share many of the same operating principles. They vary by blade design and material, battery type (lead acid, nickel-cadmium, or lithium ion), user programmability, and capabilities for handling slopes, tight turns, and so forth. Their guidance systems also range in sophistication from GPS-controlled, fully autonomous navigation to the more conventional approach of pre-set mowing patterns executed within a perimeter. Bump and tilt sensors halt the robot when it approaches anything or anybody that should not be cut. Husqvarna’s line of robotic lawn mowers. Image: Husqvarna USA Since their debut a decade ago, robotic mowers have been cutting a swath to the top of the high-end mower market. The robo-mower field is growing like a weed in Europe, with a 30% sales increase last year and steady double-digit growth projected in the next several years, Bloomberg News reports. Customers are most receptive in nations where the window for summer leisure is the shortest, the cost of professional lawn service is the highest, and the economy has been the most resilient. Robots also are tending the greens in growing numbers across Australia and New Zealand. It remains a niche market in the lawn-care-crazy U.S., but early-adopting gear tekkies, green-power aficionados, and people with physical limitations are joining the ranks of fellow American robo-mower owners who have better things to do with their time than cut grass. Big-name mower makers like Bosch, John Deere, Honda, and Husqvarna which was first to market with an autonomous mower in 1995 share the field with robotics-focused specialists including Belrobotics (Wavre, Belgium), Friendly Robotics (Pardesiya, Israel), and Ambrogio Robot (Arezzo, Italy). Priced anywhere from $1,500 to more than $5,000, robotic mowers are selling mainly to businesses, universities, sports facilities, and other customers with heavy-duty landscaping needs. But innovation and competition are creating more options in the consumer price range. In fact, the market for bots that do dirty or dangerous household jobs like cleaning the pool, scrubbing the floors, and cleaning the gutters is a fast-growing robotics industry bright spot. The International Federation of Robotics projects that sales of home robots could reach $4.8 billion, or 11 million units sold, by 2015. Cutting to the Chase: Safety User safety has been an ongoing concern with lawn mowing since the task was first mechanized. In 2010, More than 235,000 adults and 17,000 children in the U.S. were injured by lawn mowers, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The robotic era has come with its own problems. In 2007, the USCPSC and Kyodo America voluntarily recalled about 530 LawnBott mowers sold between 2006 and 2007 because their cutting blades continued to rotate when the mower was lifted from the ground, creating a risk of a foot getting past the shielding and into their cutting path. LawnBotts manufacturer, Ambrogio, has redesigned the recalled mowers and remains a market leader, but the quest for greater safety is ongoing. Safety is more than a specification to Michael Letsky, its a mission. Founder of a robotics firm called RoboLabs (Pompano Beach, FL), Letsky invented his SmartMow robot mower to advance the robotics field while protecting kids like his own from lawn mower injuries. His first SmartMow, invented in 2007, sold about 300 units that year as a lower-priced alternative to the automated mowers then under scrutiny due to the recall. We validated that there actually was a market. We learned people wanted a mower that is safe to use and highly robust. Our state-of-the-art proximity detection technology is like a proximity force field around the mower that stops the blades in a fraction of a second if anything gets too close, he says. Along with Letsky, SmartMows three-person team also includes a mechanical engineer and electrical engineer, with support from interns. They have been working continually on system upgrades and are finalizing the next-generation, the SmartMow Racer, in anticipation of an August 2013 release. It all depends on the electronics we will be testing in June, he says. Many of the safety features reside in the mowers navigation capabilities, which do not rely on perimeter wire but rather on a slate of high-end guidance gears that learn the lay of the land after an initial walkthrough with the owner. The new model incorporates machine vision to identify obstacles and a compass, accelerometer, GPS, camera, and safety sensor for pinpoint positioning. It maps the yard and updates the map based on obstacles and cut status. He believes that all robots are not created equal when it comes to mower safety. As befits an engineer with a 15-year background in robotics and aerospace, Letsky is well-versed in Isaac Asimovs Three Laws of Robotics. He maintains that other automated mowers dont qualify under the first law as true robots because they can cause, or allow, harm to humans. Whatever you call this new generation of labor-savers, the future is sure to be sunny for any technology promising to relieve homeowners of the summertime chore they most love to hate. Michael MacRae is an independent writer. Our state-of-the-art proximity detection technology is like a proximity force field around the mower that stops the blades in a fraction of a second if anything gets too close.Michael Letsky, SmartMow founder

The science of jokes for kids Children laugh at the unexpected

The science of jokes for kids Children laugh at the unexpected The science of jokes for kids Children laugh at the unexpected Unlike sarcasm or irony,  jokes for kids  aren’t funny because of subtlety. Thankfully, the quality of laughter is largely unrelated to the sophistication of the joke teller. For children, humble  potty humor  has no less brain-boosting worth than  a clever pun. As long as the end result is laughter, kids will reap the benefits. But what about parents who are worried they can’t tell jokes at all? Happily, there are professionals who know exactly where a kid’s funny bone is located and can help parents get the laugh every time.Neuroscientist Robert Provine, author of  Laughter: A Scientific Investigation  has made a career of studying how and why people laugh. In his research, he found some important neurological factors to laughter that might help parents trying to get a kid to laugh. First off, laughter isn’t necessarily about what’s funny. Also, it occurs autonomously and without effort. And finally, it’s a behavior deeply rooted in relationships, which is also why it†™s contagious. Often laughter itself is all that’s needed to elicit laughter.“Laughter is the sound of play - physical and cognitive,” explains Provine. “And can be encouraged by engaging in more play.” But calling laughter the “the sound of play” isn’t just a metaphor. It is the literal evolutionary origin of laughter. The panting of our playful ancestors became the laughter of modern humans. No jokes were necessary.“Also, since laughter is highly social, occurring 30-times more often in social than solitary settings,” Provine says. “For more laughter in your kid’s life, they must be in the presence of others.”How to make a kid laugh every time  Laugh First:  Laughter is contagious. If your laughing your kid might just start laughing along with you.  The Jokes on You:  Kids love laughing at adults. It’s empowering and surprising. Make yourself the butt of the joke and laughter will follow.  Add a Twist:  The best jokes have an unexpected twist, lean into the surprise.  Add Poop:  Potty humor never fails. Just be prepared for the repercussions.  Repeat Yourself:  If a kid found a joke funny once, they’ll find it funny again, and long after you’ve tired of telling it. No one knows the reality of social kid laughter better than entertainers. After all, It’s their job to make kids laugh. Jack Bedell-Pearce is a father of two and a professional magician and member of the prestigious Magic Circle. He notes that one of the best ways to make a child laugh is to offer the unexpected, particularly if it’s at the expense of an adult. “Balloons popping, puppets misbehaving, props spontaneously breaking and things generally going missing are hilarious to kids,” he explains.Bedell-Pearce also notes that kids find it funny to have more information than adults. “Kids are rarely in the position of having more information than adults, so when the roles are reversed not only is it funny, it’s also empowering.”His experience is very much in line with research about what makes jokes funny. Consider the work of psychologist Richard Wiseman who spent a year looking for the funniest joke in the world through his LaughLab project. Based on his research, Wi seman found that while a person’s taste plays a small factor in whether or not someone finds a joke funny, the most hilarious jokes share a few distinct qualities. According to his final analysis, Wiseman found the best jokes “sometimes make us feel superior to others, reduce the emotional impact of anxiety-provoking situations, or surprise us because of some kind of incongruity.”A kid-friendly joke from Belgium is exemplary in those factors: Why do ducks have webbed feet? To stamp out fires. Why do elephants have flat feet? To stamp out burning ducks.The factors of a funny joke may also explain  what Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Katie Ziskindone considers one of the most hilarious subjects a parent can address with a kid. “Children laugh at jokes that have to do with poop,” she says. “Children are fascinated with their bodies and even adolescent will laugh at poop emojis and poop jokes.”Why is that? For kids, poop jokes hit at least two of the three factors that make a joke funny. For one, they address the anxiety-provoking topic of pooping. Also, poop jokes offer an incongruous surprise in that it’s a private subject being talked about in a public way - with adults. What’s not to laugh about?Sure, scatological humor is gross and cheap, but again, the social benefit of laughter is not dependent on whether or not the joke will pass muster with people who listen to NPR. “Laughing together directly improves family relationships,” Ziskindone explains. “Laughter can be used to help a child overcome a challenging situation and cheer them up. Laughing together increases bonding, trust, and attachment.”In other words, it’s a very good thing. And it’s not hard to keep a good thing going, according to  Bedell-Pearce. “Remember that a child’s appetite for repetition is not like that of an adult,” he says. Making a kid laugh is one place where variety may not particularly helpful. As long as adults don’t mind repetition, t hey can get they laugh as often as they’re willing to repeat the joke.Which means that parents might want to get ready to tell their best poop joke over and over (and over) again. And guess what: After you and your kid have been laughing at that poop joke for long enough, you might actually start to get it.This article first appeared on Fatherly.

Home Office Requirements for Virtual Call Centers

Home Office Requirements for Virtual Call Centers Home Office Requirements for Virtual Call Centers When setting up a virtual call center to work from home as a customer service rep, telemarketer or tech support agent, you will most likely need your own home office equipment to get started. Typically it is the responsibility of the employee or contractor to purchase and maintain all the equipment needed. Though, there are a few companies like Apple that provide some of the equipment. As you consider the issues of starting a virtual call center, the home office requirements will likely top your list of concerns. Companies hiring for virtual call center jobs  all have different requirements for office equipment, and so you will need to carefully check out the requirements for equipment in every job you apply to. But usually, the virtual call center agent must provide and maintain computer and phone equipment, software and phone and internet services. Technical/Office Requirements As a general guide, these are some of the technical requirements that may be expected for a home-based call center. Each companys specific requirements will differ. Desktop PC. Laptop PCs or Macintosh computers are sometimes not allowed. Some minimum requirements for computers often are:1Ghz-2Ghz processorWindows operating system - Which version varies but keep in mind that newer isnt always better; some companies are slow to adapt to changes.  1GB of RAMSound card, speakers15 to 17 monitorVirus and spyware protection software and a working firewall.  Software programs that may be required include Microsoft Office (Microsoft Word and Excel), and/or Adobe Acrobat reader. Broadband internet connection. DSL and cable are usually allowed but satellite, dial-up and wireless Internet connections are usually not. A wireless network inside the home is sometimes allowed, but many companies will require that computers are connected directly to the internet.Landline phone service. Cell, VOIP (i.e Vonage) and cable phone lines are not often not acceptable, though cable is becoming more common. However, there are some companies now who dont require any phone line because the connection is all done through the internet. Of the companies that do require a landline, many require it be a dedicated phone line separate from your home phone. Calling features on the phone line, such as call waiting, call blocking and voice mail, are often not allowed or must be disabled. Corded telephone (with buttons not on the handset) if a phone line is used.Corded (not wireless) telephone headset with a noise-canceling microphone.Instant message account.  Occasionally something like Yahoo Messenger is required but often companies have their own systems.Skype or another teleconferencing service. Occasionally this is required but it is free.Email account. A few companies require specific provider.Web browser.  Printer. Not all companies require printers.Quiet, private workspace. Most companies will require that your workspace is in a separate room with a door and even a lock. Some equipment that could be required but typically isnt: paper shredder, locked file cabinet, fax, and back-up battery power supply.?

How To Write A Resume Summary With No Experience

How To Write A Resume Summary With No Experience How To Write A Resume Summary With No Experience This is a step-by-step resume writing article will walk you through how to write a resume summary. This article is intended for new job seekers, teens, students, and recent graduates. Knowing how show off your skills and abilities in a professional summary is an advantage that will help you get hired faster. This article will cover: Where a resume summary belongs in a resume?How long your professional summary should beWhat job seekers should list in a summaryResume summary FAQ WhereDoesAResumeSummaryGoInAResume? Your resume summary should be the first thing hiring managers read when looking at your resume. To make your resume summary the center of attention, it needs to be placed directly below your name and contact information. Try using the true red resume template which has a clearly defined resume summary section already in place. HowLongShouldAResumeSummaryBe? There is no hard and fast rule for resume summary length. But most HR experts agree that it should be between one to four sentences. What To List In A Professional Summary Now that we know how long your resume summary should be and where to place it, let’s discuss the content your resume summary should contain. If you need more summary inspiration, check out this list of 30 realistic resume summary examples if you have no experience or limited work experience here! Sentence #1 The first sentence of your resume summary will include a strong adjective to describe yourself, the position you are applying for, and your level of education. Let’s check out these examples: Personable entry-level restaurant hostess currently pursuing a bachelor of science degree in biology from EdgeWater University. Passionate entry-level cashier possessing an associate of arts degree from EdgeWater Community College. Hardworking entry-level landscaper who recently obtained a GED certification. Sentence #2 The second sentence of your resume summary will dive into the hard and soft skills you possess. Here are some examples: Strong verbal and written communication skills combined with a hardworking attitude. Strong computer skills, including experience with MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and Adobe Creative Suite. Strong time management and organization skills. Sentences #3 #4 After describing your skills, the next one or two sentences will focus on your achievements, volunteer work, certifications, or interests. Check out these examples: Previous experience volunteering in local homeless shelters practicing food service and customer service. Possesses a CPR and first aid certification. See alsoBest List of Action Verbs For Resumes Passionate about aeronautics, technology and science. Resume Summary FAQ Let’s answer the most common resume summary questions that job seekers ask. Q: What is a resume summary? A: A resume summary, also known as a professional summary, is the section of your resume that gives the hiring manager a brief overview of who you are professionally, what you have done in the past, and what your relevant skills are. Q: How long should a resume summary be? A: A resume summary is written in paragraph form and should be 1 to 4 sentences in length. Q: Where does a resume summary go on a resume? A: The resume summary should come directly after your name and contact information. Q: Should a resume summary be written in first or third person? A: Your entire resume, including the resume summary, should always be written in third person. Avoid writing ‘I’, ‘My’ or ‘We’. Q: What should you include in your resume summary? A: Your resume summary should include a descriptive adjective, your desired job title, and your level of education. Your achievements, certifications, and interests are also optional. Q: Should you always use the same resume summary? A: No! A resume summary should be tailored for each job application. Q: Can I include my personal hobbies in my resume summary? A: Avoid writing your personal hobbies in your resume summary unless they are relevant to the job you are applying for. In most cases, the hiring manager doesn’t need to know that you love riding your bicycle or that you love playing video games. unless you are applying for a video game tester or to the circus, of course. Dont miss our related article on what to list on your resume when you have no work experience or limited work experience here!

Video AskME Theory Success

Video AskME Theory Success Video AskME Theory Success Video: AskME Theory = Success The ASME FutureME Video Contest 1st Place Winner (2015), Irene Garcia shares her perspective on What I Wish Id Known about Engineering When I Entered the Workforce. Irene talks about the AskME theory that describes the essential competence to be successful in the workplace and to reach ones highest potential. Irene Garcia is a Mechanical and Materials Engineer, working in REPSOL since 1998. She has 15+ years of design experience in pressure vessel and piping. She is a specialist in fabrication and quality control of pressure vessels. Her expertise with the specifications and codes and the application of inspection technics add value to the execution of new projects in REPSOL. Since 2007, she attended ASME PVP Conferences, where she was an active member in ASME PVP Materials and Fabrication Committee for 5 years. From 2012, she attends ASME Code Weeks, and she has recently become a Member of the Resource Development Group (BPV VIII). She has authored and co-authored several technical papers in ASME and CESOL (Spanish Welding Association). She teaches engineering courses at REPSOL and CESOL. Meet our other FutureME Video Contest Winners: 2nd Place winner (Video): Be an Expert in Your Field, by Harsh Dilipkumar Vyas 3rd Place winner (Video): Developing Competency in Business Fundamentals, by Nishant Rajeshkumar Trivedi

Customize this Outstanding Plumber Resume Sample

Customize this Outstanding Plumber Resume Sample Customize this Outstanding Plumber Resume Sample As a plumber, you know you need the right tools; all the knowledge and experience in the world are of no help you if you don’t have the wrench or adhesive you need to do the job. Similarly, when looking for your next plumbing job, experience alone is not enough. You have to quickly and clearly demonstrate your qualifications and showcase your specific strengths so a manager or recruiter keeps reading to find out more. Our guide and example resume give you the tools necessary to succeed at this stage of your job search. Use our plumber resume sample as a guideline to be sure you include all necessary components in your own document. You can also use our resume builder if you need more inspiration after reviewing our example.Create Resume Simon Greenleaf, Jr.100 Broadway LaneNew Parkland, CA, 91010Cell: (555) 987-1234example-email@example.comProfessional SummaryExperienced Master Plumber with a background working for contractors and construction companies on mid- and large-scale pr ojects. Using verbal instructions or blueprints, will incorporate building codes and plan specifications in the creation of safe and workable systems.Core QualificationsCertified Master PlumberInterpret blueprints and drawingsHistory on construction sitesStructure inspectionHand and power tools, advanced equipmentRepair and plumbing maintenanceExperienceMarch 2007 to PresentAmble Construction Co., New Cityland, CAMaster Plumber Review designs and blueprints for proper placement of piping for toilets, faucets, urinals, drains and hose bibbs.Via blueprint interpretation, provided plumbing dimensions and sketches for subcontractor work.Install or update hot water heat pumps, sewage pumps, sump pumps and chilled water pumps.Inspect existing plumbing systems before major renovations to assess cost analysis.Arrange clean up and any repair.March 2002 to February 2007Masterson Improvements, New Cityland, CAJourneyman Plumber Reviewed blueprints and plans to assess time and material requirem ents within cost effective means.Inspected water lines pneumatic steam and radiator valves and condensation pipes for cracks, leaks and other defects.Worked with electricians to avoid safety conflicts.Education2002 California Vocational Studies, New Cityland, CAPlumber’s licenseCustomize ResumeWhy Is This a Good Plumber Resume Sample?A professional summary makes a strong introduction to your resume by providing a snapshot of your professional identity. The writer of this plumber resume sample uses the summary to showcase relevant skills and particular background, such as “working for contractors and construction companies” on both “mid- and large-scale projects.” These specific phrases let employers know the candidate has worked on a variety of projects and with different types of crews and companies, assuring them that this jobseeker has the relevant background. As you can see, this jobseeker includes a succinct, bulleted list of six core qualifications. We advise y ou include between six and eight items in this area of your resume so the section isn’t overwhelming. Look at the job posting you’re responding to and take care to include any applicable qualifications mentioned there. Also note that this writer includes “Certified Master Plumber” as a core qualification, even though the resume mentions coursework towards certification later in the education section. Making this core competency clear from the beginning of the document helps readers quickly see this applicant’s relevant certifications. In this plumber resume sample, the applicant showcases specific experience using to-the-point, action-oriented bullet points. Instead of writing “responsible for checking defects,” the writer uses stronger, more vivid verbs like “inspected.” The applicant also follows best practices by demonstrating progression in his or her field, emphasizing the move from “journeyman plumber” to “master plumber” over time. Finally, the educa tion section is clear and avoids extraneous detail. Since licensing and certification are critical within the plumbing field, courses towards licensing certainly count and should appear on a resume. If you have completed coursework at a vocational school or center, include the most relevant details, such as the course or program, location, year, and certification or license obtained.Why You Need a Strong Plumber ResumeThe job outlook for plumbers is bright. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects better-than-average growth of 12 percent by 2024. Despite this anticipated growth, job availability and average wages for plumbers can vary widely by region and industry, so it’s important to showcase your specific background, qualifications, and expertise when creating your resume. Managers and recruiters typically spend about six seconds scanning a resume before they decide whether to read further or move on to the next applicant. That’s why it’s vital to create an easy-to-skim prof essional document that emphasizes your greatest assets and accomplishments at a glance. Our plumber resume sample and writing guide help you showcase your industry-specific background and key qualifications so you can land the job of your dreams.Costly Plumber Resume Mistakes To AvoidMost jobseekers already know to avoid errors and blatant lies in their resumes, but there are other, less obvious mistakes that can also cost you a shot at a position. Many applicants neglect the professional summary and core qualifications sections, but these resume areas quickly convey you have the skills an employer seeks. If you neglect to point out necessary certifications and licenses, for instance, an employer might not keep reading to find out more about you. You must tread a fine line, however, since it’s important to avoid overwhelming readers with too much information. Finally, note that our plumber resume sample also follows recommended practices by keeping the overall document short. W e recommend not going over one page for most resumes. If you have extensive experience spanning decades that you need to include to demonstrate specific experience, you might need to list only locations and dates for your earliest jobs. You can always give more specifics when you land an interview.ConclusionDrafting a strong resume can be a serious challenge, but with our guide and sample resume, you have the tools you need to succeed. Using our plumber resume sample for inspiration, you can showcase your key qualifications in a succinct, compelling document that emphasizes what you can bring to the job.

ASME E-Fests Team Introduces ASME EFx Events in India, Sets Tw...

ASME E-Fests Team Introduces ASME EFx Events in India, Sets Tw... ASME E-Fests Team Introduces ASME EFx Events in India, Sets Tw... ASME E-Fests Team Introduces ASME EFx Events in India, Sets Two ASME E-Fest Dates for 2019 ASMEs newest program for engineering students, ASME EFx, kicked off last week with the first in a series of seven events that are scheduled to take place at various universities throughout India over the next several weeks. In related news, the dates and locations for two of the Societys flagship Engineering Festivals (ASME E-Fests), on which the new ASME EFx events are based, have been selected for next years program. The one-day ASME EFx events, which are planned and administered by local organizers with the assistance of ASME staff, have been conceived as smaller-scale versions of the ASME E-Fests that can be easily presented by local colleges and universities across the globe. The events can incorporate a number of ASME E-Fest activities including keynote sessions, professional development and skills training workshops, impromptu competitions and entertainment that provide students with a feel for the larger ASME E-Fests experience, without the cost associated with traveling to and attending one of the regular festivals. After launching an ASME EFx event on Aug. 31 at Marwadi University in Rajkot that drew nearly 600 registrants, the ASME EFx series will continue in India with an event on Sept. 8 at the National Institute of Technology Rourkela (NITR) in Odisha and a third event at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Jalandhar on Sept. 14. Four additional ASME EFx events have also been scheduled to take place including G. H. Raisoni College of Engineering (GHRCE) in Nagpur on Sept. 22; the Anurag Group of Institutions (AGI) in Telangana on Sept. 29; the Institute of Engineering Management (IEM) in West Bengal on Oct. 6; and the Federal Institute of Science And Technology (FISAT) in Cochin on Oct. 13. For information on a specific ASME EFx event in India, visit https://efests.asme.org, choose EFx in the navigation bar at the top of the page and select one of the ASME EFx events from the drop-down menu. The dates and locations for two of the full-fledged ASME E-Fests to take place in 2019 have been selected. ASME E-Fest Asia Pacific will take place from Feb. 1 to 3 at Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) in Vellore, India. ASME E-Fest South America will be held from Aug. 8 to 10 at Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru in Lima, Peru. The dates and venues for ASME E-Fest East and ASME E-Fest West, to be held in the United States, have yet to be determined. To learn more about the ASME EFx events, visit https://efests.asme.org/efx. For more information on the ASME E-Fests, visit https://efests.asme.org.