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Sensing and Illumination in Humanoid Robotics by ams OSRAM

William Attardi on July 21, 2026

Humanoid robots are designed for direct interaction with humans in real‑world environments such as industrial production, logistics, healthcare and services. They rely on advanced sensing to detect people, objects and motion, enabling safe navigation and collaboration. High‑precision sensing and active illumination are key building blocks, providing real‑time environmental awareness and supporting safe physical interaction through technologies such as infrared sensing, 3D depth sensing and optical force sensing. Beyond functionality, light‑based visualization helps humanoid robots communicate status and intent in an intuitive, non‑verbal way, improving user understanding and supporting safe coexistence with humans. Lighting also plays a key role in human–robot interaction (HRI) by signaling status, intent and presence. Visible LEDs increase recognizability and trust, while projection systems provide intuitive, nonverbal communication. Humanoid Robots – 3D Sensing, LiDAR & Safe Human Interaction | ams OSRAM   VIDEO: Optical Technologies Behind Humanoid Robots

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Humanoid Robots in the Construction Industry: A Future Vision

William Attardi on November 21, 2025

General-purpose robots could be useful in a range of construction activities, from moving heavy concrete blocks to welding and plumbing. Although these robots come in various forms, humanoids—those that resemble people in size and shape—attract the most attention. Humanoids are still relatively early in development, but they could potentially transform industries if developers and other stakeholders can overcome technological, regulatory, financial, and operational hurdles. Although humanoids are not yet a fixture at construction sites, they represent a potentially transformative solution to the productivity crisis. Their power comes from embodied AI, a technology that enables real-time decision-making. Rather than waiting for full-scale deployment to become a reality, forward-looking construction leaders should begin preparing now for a future in which humanoids and humans work together.Those who prepare now will be best positioned to seize the opportunities ahead. Humanoid robots involved in multiple4 construction sites at: Humanoid robots in the construction industry | McKinsey

Remembering the Solemn Purpose of Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States observed on the last Monday in May to honor and mourn U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the armed forces. The holiday traces its roots to the years immediately following the American Civil War (1861–1865), which caused massive casualties—roughly 620,000 soldiers dead, about 2% of the U.S. population at the time. Communities across the North and South began spontaneously decorating the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers, wreaths, and flags, a practice that gave rise to the original name: Decoration Day. On May 5, 1868, Major General John A. Logan, commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR)—a powerful Union veterans’ organization—issued General Order No. 11. This proclaimed May 30, 1868, as a nationwide “Decoration Day” to honor those who died in the Civil War. After World War I, the holiday expanded to honor all American service members who died in any war, not just the Civil War.  In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act to create more three-day weekends for federal employees. This moved Memorial Day to the last Monday in May, effective in 1971, when it was also officially named “Memorial Day.” As one 1868 quote put it: “That Nation which respects and honors its dead, shall ever be respected and honored itself.”