HackingTheUniverse

You are browsing the archives of Robotics.

Willow Garage produces open source software and hardware for personal robotic applications. In the course of their development efforts they found the need for telepresence collaboration and naturally looked to their robot resources. The result is their “Texas Robot” project. Think of a multimedia station, including display, camera, speaker, microphone and a [...]

The cradle is a modular “body support” system that is a hybrid of ideas found in the designs of an acceleration couch, exoskeleton frameworks, and nanotechnology spacesuits.

Acceleration couch - a couch designed to absorb acceleration forces and protect the human reclining in the couch. The most advanced forms use liquid gel nano-foams [...]

Rovio is a remote controlled car with a camera mounted on it, but instead of using a radio signal for the control channel, it uses Wifi and can be controlled over any internet connection. You can also control the camera and monitor its output over the internet. How many practical applications and modifications [...]

Japan robotics experts unveil sci-fi wheelchair - [physorg.com]
Users ride astride the four-wheeled Rodem — rather than sitting in it, as in a conventional wheelchair — steer it with a joystick and hold onto motorbike-style handles while the knees and chest rest on cushions.
The design allows users to slide more easily on and off the vehicle, [...]

Reading emotional and other states in human beings may become commonplace for automated devices. Interacting with a system that seems to “understand” your mood may make it easier to communicate well with the system, just as having a friend who shows some empathy can be helpful. It could make it possible for virtual [...]

The robots are here! From robo-rug-sweeper to autopilot to dishwasher to cruise control to car wash to bank teller and now to robo-chef. Automated devices are constantly making our lives easier by taking over menial chores. How well can an automated device perform at cooking? Will we soon be eating meals [...]

Spider bots placed inside an active volcano that can self-organize into a mesh network of wireless sensors may be providing a prototype for exploring harsh environments in both space and here on Earth.
‘Spiderbots’ talk amongst themselves inside active volcano - [newscientist.com]
Fifteen spiderbots, so-named because of the three spindly arms protruding from their suitcase-sized [...]

Willow Garage Personal Robot 2 (PR2) has successfully passed a benchmark test that included not just navigating around an office space and plugging itself into power outlets, but also negotiating some planned obstacles.
Milestone 2 Reached! Now You Can Watch It
This particular run had our PR2 alpha robot navigate through eight doors, and plug its power [...]

Modular robotics is about designing robotic systems that consist of simple modules that can adapt their configuration or change the way they combine to perform tasks. While adaptation can be limited to a specific range of tasks, many of the researchers in this field are working on systems that can “self-repair” and even “self-reconfigure”. [...]

Several companies are developing exoskeleton devices that can improve the physical abilities of a human body. This idea, that was once soley in the domain of science fiction and “IronMan” comics, is now coming to life in real products.
ROBOT SUIT HAL - [cyberdyne.jp]
“Robot Suit HAL” is a cyborg-type robot that can expand and improve physical [...]