The only thing missing from my Blackjack nights with my buddies is a robot dealer dishing out the cards. Fortunately, Yaskawa Motoman Robotics heard my pleas for robotic card distribution, and has demoed SDA10F, a robot dealer who holds all the cards, literally.
SDA10F was shown at the Chicago Automate 2013 convention and was a big hit, no pun intended. The robot dealer uses a vision guidance system called Cognex 2D to identify and distribute cards around the table. The arms distribute the cards around the table using equipped suction cups. The eventual goal is to replace human dealers at casinos because robots don't need breaks, wages or rest. I imagine some employed blackjack dealers would have some issues with being replaced by an automated robot, especially with a game so heavily focused on human interaction like Blackjack is, but this is a great invention, especially if prices can come down for home use.
Robotic Blackjack Dealers
This Robot Dealer Can Read Cards and Won't Hit on 21
Trend Themes
1. Robotic Card Dealers - The development of robotic card dealers for use in the gaming industry could disrupt the traditional human dealer model and provide cost savings for casinos.
2. Vision Guidance Systems - Vision guidance systems, like Cognex 2D, could be implemented in other industries to improve automation and increase efficiency.
3. Home Use Robots - As prices come down for robotic card dealers, they may become more accessible for home use, enabling individuals to recreate a casino experience in their own homes.
Industry Implications
1. Gaming - The gaming industry could use robotic card dealers to save on labor costs and make their operations more efficient.
2. Manufacturing - Vision guidance systems could benefit the manufacturing industry by improving automation and increasing accuracy in production processes.
3. Home Entertainment - Robotic card dealers could be marketed towards consumers as a way to enhance their at-home entertainment experiences.