Lost Robot Can Ask for Directions
May 19th, 2009 by admin
Researchers at the Technical University of Munich have developed the ACE (Autonomous City Explorer) robot, which “uses cameras and software to detect humans nearby, based on their motion and upright posture.” Continue reading to see just how it uses that information to find its way.
After 5 hours and 38 interactions, ACE reached its destination. I have to wonder, though, if we really want robots to be asking people for directions.
Pole-Climbing Robot
May 17th, 2009 by admin
Boston
Dynamics’ RiSE v3 is essentially a “28-inch long quadruped robot [that] can make its way up vertical terrains at a rate of 21cm (a little more than 8 inches) per second.”
Created for use in search and rescue missions, reconnaissance and surveillance, the four-legged robot has claws crafted from surgical needles, letting it grip vertical surfaces.
Roomba Mod Adds Robotic Grasping System
May 13th, 2009 by admin
This nifty Roomba mod adds a robotic grasping system to the device, allowing it to “pick up foreign objects and deliver them to you at about waist height.”
The system was 95 percent effective in picking up objects of all sizes and shapes during trials, and it was apparently quite simple to build and code.
SOBEaR v02:The Responsible Bartender
May 13th, 2009 by admin
Put simply, the SOBEaR V02 is “a DIY teddy bear with a built-in breathalyzer that’ll only dispense liquor depending on how drunk you are.”
In order to put him to work, patrons must press the “breathe + pour” button on his foot, which will then prompt the user to blow into his face.
Roomba’s Path Mapped Out Using Long Exposure
May 13th, 2009 by admin
Despite being autonomous, the Roombo cleaning robot manages to keep most rooms nice and tidy. However, its vacuuming path has been a mystery until now. This long-exposure shot, shot in a span of 30-minutes, reveals just hat.
You can see the initial spiral path in the center, but after that it’s a free-for-all that somehow manages to cover the entire room.
Air-Controlled Robotic Hand
May 12th, 2009 by admin
Called RAPHaEL, this compressed air-controlled robotic hand boasts elastic ligaments, enabling it to “hold heavier, solid objects, as well as light or delicate ones such as a light bulb or an egg.”
It uses no other motors, and the strength of the grasp is controlled by a change in air pressure, making the hand quite dextrous.