Robots That Can Plug Themselves In To Recharge

uary 14th, 2010 :: 4 Comments

An Intel robot that can plug itself into a wall socket.

Robotics news site Hizook has an article showcasing robots that are able to find wall sockets and plug themselves in to recharge.  This has been an overlooked part of autonomous robotics, but it is a very important concept.  As robots are continuously being built with more autonomy and less human control, the need to recharge internal batteries on the fly becomes more and more important.  Depending on a person to charge a robot is a tether to true autonomous robotics, but projects at Intel Research Labs and Willow Garage are looking to cut that tether and give robots freedom.  I personally think it is a terrible idea -- but more on that later.

The robots from both companies are able to effectively find an outlet and plug itself in.  The Intel Labs robot includes a scanner that searches for electric fields that surround an active power outlet.  It closely scans the area around the outlet to determine the exact location of the plug.  The Willow Garage robot looked for visual clues on the plug itself, such as a certain plug color or pattern.  Videos of both robots are below:

Intel Labs Marvin

Willow Garage PR2

Although the process of finding an outlet is currently on the slow side, these projects could become very important to autonomous and mobile robotics used in healthcare, in-home care, customer service and more.  Many projects developing the next generation of robots could benefit greatly from a self-charging robot.  Along with artificial intelligence and mobility systems, the ability to recharge itself is what a robot needs to become truly autonomous and self sufficient.

It is also a terrifying concept -- when the Robot Armageddon begins, should we make sure their is no power to make sure the attacking robots will eventually run out of juice?  Doing so would make life remarkably more difficult for any human survivors, but it could be the only option.  Unless robots start using nuclear power or put every human into the Matrix, this technology and the ability to produce electricity could become very important.

Anyway, the article at Hizook is far more scientific and much less paranoid.  There are more pictures and videos too, so check it out for yourself.

CES 2010 Robots and Robotics in Video

CES 2010 has come and gone, and if your are an avid technology news reader you are probably overloaded with all kinds of great information to impress everybody with.  While 3D dominated coverage and was the unofficial focus of the show this year, there were still a few robotics companies showing off their latest and greatest.  No demos seemed to give out an immediate sense of doom -- maybe just a hint of creepiness.

The main idea that many of the demonstrations showed was just how far robotics has come and how fast it is moving.   In the past, updates on the  Honda ASIMO or Sony AIBO would occasionally surface but were few and far between.  CES 2010 had a plethora of new and updated robotics demos, so check them out after the break.

So far the most successful home robot has been the Roomba.  The robotic vacuum has been a hit, and has spawned off other robotic cleaners for pools, gutter and floor washing.  Two new competitors in automatic vacuuming were shown at CES 2010 -- the Evolution Robotics Mint and the Neato Robotics XV-11.

Evolution Robotics Mint

Popular Mechanics gave this robotic vacuum a CES 2010 Editor’s Choice Award for two new innovations and improvements over the Roomba.  It uses Swiffer wet and dry pads, which makes the Mint quieter, better at cleaning the corners of a room and up to 5 times faster.  It also add ceiling scanning infrared system called NorthStar to help it map a room more accurately.

Neato Robotics XV-11

The other entrant looking to take the Roomba’s crown is the XV-11.  This robotic vacuum aims to improve on the Roomba by using a system of lasers to map a room and navigate.  The main advantage to using lasers is that they allow the vacuum to adapt its path should someone walk into a room or place an object on the floor.

Robot vacuums don’t seem to be much of a threat to humanity -- unless their infrared and laser mapping/guidance systems make it into attack bots.  The rest of the robots at CES 2010 show advancements in humanoid robots and robots designed to interact with people.  These could be slightly more troubling.

I-FAIRY

The I-FAIRY is a humanoid robot that is able to use preprogrammed voices and gestures to became a robot presenter.  A person records a voice clip of what they want the robot to say, or types a message to be spoken.   Gestures are able to be programmed alongside the voice recording, allowing the I-FAIRY to become a presenter, museum guide, receptionist and more.  It relies entirely on preprogrammed actions and cannot adapt, therefore should not be a threat to a group of tourists in a museum.

Also, check out the website of the company behind I-FAIRY -- Kokoro -- if you like robots and dinosaurs.

Parrot AR Drone

The AR Drone is a quadricopter -- a helicopter with four rotors -- that is remote controlled by an iPhone or iPod Touch.  It has two cameras onboard, one pointing to the ground to verify flying height, speed and to allow for stationary hovering.  The other camera is facing forwards and streams video to the iPhone or iPod Touch.  The AR in Parrot AR Drone name stands for augmented reality and opens up a whole new remote controlled vehicle experience.  Items can be tagged with bar codes, which the drone will recognize as a variety of objects such as enemies or obstacles.  A picture can then be superimposed over the video, showing the bar coded object as that enemy or obstacle.

There are 2 videos below -- a demo from CES 2010 and a promotional video from Parrot.

Does this mean that eventually we will all have our own predator drones that use cell phones as remote controls?

Paro

The Paro is seal looking robot that is meant to be a companion for the elderly, disabled or dementia patients.  Paro has sensors for touch, temperature, sound and more that allow it to interact with a user in a therapeutic way.  A Paro can also replace a pet, if the owner is not able to care for a normal pet.  Hopefully it won’t be trying to smother anyone in their sleep anytime soon.

Don't let cuteness fool you, it is a robot.

There is also a good video from the Guardian.  The first half is about the Paro and is more in depth than the video above.

BeatBots Keepon

The BeatBots are not brand new, but were shown at CES 2010 to demonstrate how they can work in the medical field as tools for measuring social development and autism therapy.  Much like the Paro, the Keepon is meant to be a therapeutic robot.

TalkingRobo

The TalkingRobo is a language learning tool, where the robot teaches the user a language in its natural form in an easy to learn way.  TalkingRobo has voice and face recognition that allows it to distinguish a user and load a specific learning plan.  A user can also hold up a picture and the TalkingRobo will identify it, allowing a user to learn the specific words they want.  It also has a creepy looking face on the display that is meant to be the teacher.

TrueCompanion Roxxxy Sex Robot

Roxxxy wasn’t shown at CES 2010, but rather at the Adult Entertainment Expo that was happening in Las Vegas at the same time.  Roxxxy is the worlds first sexbot, and is able to hold a conversation as well as have different personalities such as shy, wild and dominatrix.  A user can upload different traits and personalities into the robot  allowing for a different, uh, experience every time.  Sex with robots isnot a good idea.

The video may be NSFW.  There is no nudity, but there is a lingerie clad, anatomically correct robot in it.  Be warned.

Finally, there is a video from Gamma Two Robotics.  They brought a unit that is meant to act like a servant robot -- it is able to move items for someone or help the elderly and disabled.  Unfortunately for the presenters, nothing went as planned.

Although the robot on stage didn’t short circuit and start attacking the presenters, it is a good demonstration on how tricky it can be to make robots do what you want.  Instead of awkward excuses from a man on stage, it could have ended with a murderous rampage of cold steel and circuitry.

http://robotarmageddon.com

Robotic Honda ASIMO Conducts The Detroit Symphony Orchestra

ASIMO conducts the Detroit Symphony Orchestra to raise awareness for music education. Contribute to The Power of Dreams Music Education Fund. 

THE HULC ROBOTIC EXOSKELETON - Martin

ockheed Martin is putting an updated, ruggedized version to its HULC Robotic Exoskeleton through lab evaluation tests. The hydraulic “power-suit” now boasts better protection from the elements, improved fitting and easier adjustment, increased run-time and new control software. One of several exoskeletons in development for both military and civilian applications, the HULC (short for Human Universal Load Carrier) is designed to augment soldiers’ strength and mobility over rough terrain. It’s a modular system made up of an over-the-shoulder backpack unit which transfers weight of up to 200 lbs (combined front and back) through a titanium lower-body exoskeleton. On foot, soldiers wearing the device can run at 7 mph with 10 mph bursts and at slower speeds, a range of around 12 miles is possible. Unlike the Raytheon XOS 2 full-body exoskeleton, the HULC uses power-assisted straps as “arms” to lift-weight in front of the body. It’s big advantage is that it’s untethered and in In the revised version, Lockheed Martin says increased operational run time has been achieved using military-standard rechargeable batteries. The form and fit of the exoskeleton has also been improved to make it easier for wearers to make adjustments and swap components. Along with treadmill and dynamic load testing, the ruggedized HULC is being exposed to a range of simulated environments and battlefield conditions. The company also has an eye on the obvious potential of the technology in industrial applications and other areas such a healthcare.

http://robohightech.blogspot.com

CARE-O-BOT® - IPA

or more than ten years, Fraunhofer IPA is working on the development of a mobile robot assistant Care-O-bot® able to assist humans in their daily life. The meanwhile third generation of this successful development series is characterized by a product like system design and for the first time provides the potential to apply manipulating mobile service robots in everyday environments. By using industrial components approved in daily practice the dependability of the system can be ensured. As an interactive butler Care-O-bot® 3 is able to move safely among humans, to detect and grasp typical household objects, and to safely exchange them with humans. Why don’t you surprise your customers and visitors by installing an interactive Care-O-bot® 3 with individual design and application specific programming in your company building or at the next trade fair? Or you can use Care-O-bot® 3 to test and present your latest products and technologies.

Also at your institute Care-O-bot® 3 can be used as a robust, close-to-product research and development platform. Care-O-bot® 3 has an Omni directional platform, with four steered and driven wheels. This kinematic system enables the robot to move in any desired direction and therefore also safely to negotiate narrow passages. In doing so, Care-O-bot® 3 is also able to autonomously plan and follow an optimal, collision free path to a given target. Dynamic obstacles such as persons are detected by sensors and avoided automatically. The robot is equipped with a highly flexible, commercial arm with seven degrees of freedom as well as with a three-finger hand. This makes it capable of gripping and operating a large number of different everyday objects. 

Using tactile sensors in the fingers, he is able to adjust the grasping force. In order to grasp an object,  approaches tables or cupboards with its backside. The arm is long enough to grasp objects even from the floor or to reach high shelves. The seventh degree of freedom allows the robot to reach around obstacles. In addition, the arm is used to position objects on the tray. By synchronizing arm and platform movements and is additionally able to autonomously open doors that block its way to the target. Care-O-bot® is a development of the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation (IPA) in Stuttgart, department robot systems. For more information just visit  the link below.

www.robohightech.blogspot.com

CRB100: the module that turns ordinary machines into robots

f the US Navy’s sociable Octavia robot is looking for a little synthetic companionship in the future, all she may have to do is plug a newly-developed electronic brain into the nearest vacuum cleaner, floor waxer, or other cleaning appliance. The CRB100 module, designed by researchers from Spain’s Universitat Jaume I (UJI), is intended to convert ordinary mobile machines into robots. The UJI research team, known as Cognition for Robotics Research (C4R2), decided to focus its efforts on industrial cleaning machinery. While the technology could also be applied to robots that do things such as factory work or caring for the elderly, the team decided that cleaning is the field where autonomous tools are currently in the highest demand. According to C4R2’s Prof. Juan Carlos Peris Broch, other manufacturers have tried and failed to create robot janitors. He points to one example that used sonar for sensing its environment, but that ended up being a poor judge of distances. “We, however, have created a ‘brain’ [which joins together] a computer, a scanning laser which detects distances and a series of sensors and actuators controlled by microcontrollers spread along the machine,” stated Broch.

“The other difference is that, in addition to the traditional techniques of robotics navigation, we have integrated qualitative reasoning techniques into the computer.” Besides the laser, the module also utilizes sonar and infrared sensors. Using all these feelers and braininess, the CRB100 can build a map of its environment, and proceed to navigate through it. If people should step into its path, it can detect and avoid them. The module is currently being tested on industrial scrubbers, but could also find its way onto machines such as lawn mowers, fork lifts and security robots. C4R2 has formed a spin-off company, Cognitive Robotics, which markets the CRB100.

ROBOTAXI

he concept of Robot taxis include two seats and three wheels and have designed to ensure smooth public transportation system forever. This slick and compact robot taxis are very much look like a crane driver’s cab with only one uplifting door for passenger entry. These taxis will be available over the city and all of them will be always synchronized and aware of each other’s position. Passengers can jump in any of them at any place or pick the phone and order one, and reach their desired destination in no time. Other key features of this concept are ever-evolving, fully-optimized, always-self-adjusting, and superfluous public traffic system.

THE HEALTHCARE ROBOTICS

hile many movies and TV shows would have us believe that hospital sponge baths are only carried out by nurses at either end of the attractiveness spectrum, the reality is no doubt generally somewhere in between. In fact, I’m sure a lot of patients and even more nurses would prefer such tasks were handled by a robot. Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology seem to have reached the same conclusion and have developed a robot that can autonomously perform bed baths to keep bedridden patients clean. For their work the researchers took Cody, a humanoid robot developed at Georgia Tech’s Healthcare Robotics Lab that comprises a Segway omnidirectional mobile base, two anthropomorphic arms with seven degrees of freedom and wrists equipped with 6-axis force/torque sensors. The end of the robot’s right arm is fitted with a specialized “bath mitt” and the robot gathers laser range data and images from a laser range finder and camera mounted above the robot’s torso. After the robot scans the patient, the operator is presented with an image overlaid with a point cloud. Using a mouse, the operator selects two points that form the diagonal corners of a rectangular bounding box that the operator wishes to clean. After the robot transforms the points to 3D Cartesian points the robot autonomously executes the wiping behavior sequence using the right arm.

To test the robot the researchers commanded the it to wipe off a 1-inch square area of debris placed on the surface of a human subject’s upper arm, forearm, thigh, and shank. Using image processing the team determined the robot removed over 96 percent of the debris on four parts of the limbs and accomplished this using relatively low force. Since the robot is making direct physical contact with a person, the team built in a number of safety features. The first is a run stop button that terminates the robot’s motion during the experiment in the event it makes “undesirable contact with the subject.” Secondly, the low stiffness of the robot’s joints was designed to soften the impact of the contact. Lastly, the robot’s controller attempts to maintain a downward force of three Newton against the subject’s body. If magnitude of the total force measured by the wrist force/torque sensor exceeds 30 Newton, the robot is commanded to stop.

The team says that currently an estimated 10.8 million Americans need personal assistance for normal daily activities and the rapidly aging population will see this number increase substantially in the coming decades. With the increasing need for more nursing and home-care services from the healthcare industry but studies have shown that there is a growing shortage of nurses. Robots are seen as a key part of the solution to this looming problem with their ability to supplement or replace humans in tasks like lifting, fetching objects and general home-care. For those with motor impairments, assistive robots that can perform hygiene tasks has also been identified as a high priority. The Georgia Tech researchers believe that the development of such robots could relieve the workload of nurses and provide greater independence and a better quality of life for those that need assistance. The Georgia Tech team presented a paper on its assistive robot at the  International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems