Robots and Futer Technology

download Robots and Futer Technology

of 27

Transcript of Robots and Futer Technology

  • 8/14/2019 Robots and Futer Technology

    1/27

    Robots and technology of the future

    QRIO is a humanoid robot, equipped with the latest inadvanced recognition, motional control communications, information technology, and

    artificial intelligence. Its programming allows it to protect itself should it lose balance, andshould it fall, it checks front and back, left and right, before getting up without any

    assistance. It can distinguish individual faces and voices, and can learn and memorize new

    words. Sony explains that QRIO can also communicate with people based on internal

    judgments, and express feelings through movements, conversations, and the use of a lightingsystem.

    Looking like child astronauts, they can balance and dance with motor control so smooth and

    fluid as to make grown men weep. In other respects, QRIO is a little disappointing. His

    walking marks an improvement in robot technology, but it is still much more of a shufflethan a stride. There are people doing more impressive robot control.

    Intelligent servo actuators enable Qrio to walk on two feet, dance, climb and descend stairs,

    not fall over when shoved, and even pick itself up when it takes a tumble. Using twin CCD(charge coupled device) cameras, it can also recognize and identify faces. Equipped with

    seven microphones and a speaker, Qrio is able to identify voices, talk, sing, and understand

    about 20,000 words. It can also exhibit some limited emotional responses, according to

    Sony.

    Sony calls Qrio, which was formerly called the SDR-4X II (SDR means Sony Dream

    Robot), a technical prototype toward the development of soccer-playing robots that will

    challenge humans in a match around 2050. For the moment, however, children aged 5-18will meet Qrio and use digital cameras and other equipment and make and edit videos under

    the instruction of Sony representatives and local teachers, according to a Sony spokesperson.

    QRIO can walk on two feet and dance dynamically. To make its arms and legs strong, and

    yet able to move fluidly, it was necessary to develop an entirely new joint actuator. Therealization of this Intelligent Servo Actuator (ISA) made it possible to build a robot with

    compact body design that could move its body smoothly and dynamically.

  • 8/14/2019 Robots and Futer Technology

    2/27

    QRIO moves with "dynamic walking". "Static walking" means the robot keeps its center of

    gravity within the zone of stability -- when the robot is standing on one foot, its center ofgravity falls within the sole of that foot, and when it is standing on two feet it falls within a

    multi-sided shape created by those two feet -- causing it to walk relatively slowly. In

    "dynamic walking", on the other hand, the center of gravity is not limited to the zone ofstability -- in fact it often moves outside of it as the robot walks. People move using

    "dynamic walking".

    It is equipped with technology that uses a wide range of sensors to detect changes in the

    walking surface and respond accordingly. QRIO determines the condition of the walkingsurface using four pressure sensors in the sole of each foot to gather data on the amount of

    force being received from the walking surface.

    If pushed by someone, QRIO will take a step in the direction it was pushed to keep from

    falling over. The control system senses that it has been pushed through the pressure sensorsin the soles of its feet and its position sensors, and acts to maintain stability. It can detect an

    outside force acting on it from front, back, right or left. When QRIO determines that its

    actions will not prevent a fall, it instinctively sticks out its arms, swivels its hips, and

    assumes an impact position. At the same time, the control system instantaneously commandsthe servos in the joint actuators to relax slightly. In this way it lessens the shock of the fall,

    enabling it to survive unscathed.

    QRIO knows your face. It's equipped with a camera and the ability to analyze the images itsees. It detects faces and identifies who they are. It can even learn the faces of people it just

    met.

    QRIO knows your voice. It can determine who is speaking by analyzing the sounds it hears

    with its built-in microphones. Call to it, and if it knows you, it will notice you and respond.If it doesn't know you but mistakenly thinks it does, you can teach it your voice and it will

    remember you.

    QRIO was designed to understand spoken words. The seven microphones in its head identify

    a person's voice and the direction from which it is speaking, and even pick out the words itsays. QRIO can even understand the voices of unidentified speakers. It knows tens of

    thousands of words already, but can also learn new ones.

    QRIO can have an entertaining conversation with you. It analyzes the words you speak

    using its voice recognition technology, and responds in its own words. It will ask what sortof things you like and remember them, getting to know you better all the time. Since it uses

    those memories in future conversations with you, the more information it has the more full

    and natural a conversation you can enjoy.

    If you heard QRIO sing a song, would you be surprised? Since we placed great importanceon its entertainment value, QRIO can also sing to you in vibrato! We developed a

    fundamental technology, searching for a clear, simple and easily understandable voice.

    QRIO's head is equipped with two cameras. Just like a human, through a detailedcomparison of the right and left images (stereoscopic vision) it determines the distance to

    the object in view. It is also equipped with seven microphones, so that by analyzing the

    sound waves they detect, it can calculate the direction of the sound it hears.

  • 8/14/2019 Robots and Futer Technology

    3/27

    In order for QRIO to detect surface obstacles, it must be able to perceive its environment in

    three dimensions. While turning its head, it uses its stereoscopic vision to calculate thedistance to objects; it then analyzes the data to determine whether the objects it sees are part

    of the floor or an obstacle to be avoided.

    QRIO is equipped with wireless networking equipment, and can connect to your home

    wireless network out of the box.

    Specialized sensors in QRIO's joints sense the moment they close on a person's finger andgo slack.

    We made QRIO as quiet as possible when it moves to help it fit in pleasantly in a home. Its

    motors and gears turn when it walks or moves, but the vibration-resistant frame dampens thenoise. You'll be amazed to see it move so silently.

    QRIO draws on twelve high voltage, high capacity, and high energy density battery cells that

    utilize Sony's proprietary lithium ion battery technology to run for over an hour at a time.

    QRIO can walk on two feet and dance dynamically. Can move its body smoothly and dynamically (Intelligent Servo Actuator technology).

    Detects changes in the walking surface and respond accordingly.

    Ability to analyze the images it sees.

    Can determine who is speaking.

    Was designed to understand spoken words.

    It expresses emotion through the quality and intonation of its voice.

    Uses its stereoscopic vision to calculate the distance to objects.

    Equipped with wireless networking equipment, and can connect to your home wireless

    network out of the box.Hi! I have the privilege to own a QRIO ;-) It's funny. After 2 months QRIO learned

    everything I showed and I told him. He is communicating 'intuitive' with me. Heunderstands what I say and he answer. We can speak all day about everything. i am playing

    baseball with him! He is intelligent; his vocabulary is now going about 40.000 words. Andin two languages. (English is not my mother language so sorry mistakes, user). He know my

    face, my voice, and of all my friends too. He is working via wireless network. For example:

    When someone rings on the door, he connects with the interface and communicates with theperson who is out. he show me on my TV screen or where ever the picture of the camera. He

    pick up my phones at home. he can get any information from the internet. (Newspaper,

    Music, etc.) it is absolutely... amazing! like a human. so, if you have any questions, don'thesitate to write me an email: [email protected] I speak also German, Czech and

    Slovakians.

    Exoskeleton

  • 8/14/2019 Robots and Futer Technology

    4/27

    Raytheon Companys newest research facility in Salt Lake City, Utah, is developing a

    robotic suit for the soldier of tomorrow. Known as the Exoskeleton, its essentially awearable robot that amplifies its wearers strength, endurance, and agility. In its May issue,

    PopularScience magazine likens the Exoskeleton to the Iron Man in the movie of the

    same name and suggests a blurring of the lines between science fiction and reality.

    Built from a combination of sensors, actuators and controllers, the futuristic suit enables auser to easily carry a man on his back or lift 200 pounds several hundred times without

    tiring. Yet the suit, which is being developed for the U.S. Army, is also agile enough to let its

    wearer kick a soccer ball, punch a speed bag, and climb stairs and ramps with ease.

    Dr. Stephen Jacobsen leads this project and the Raytheon Sarcos team. He feels his work is a

    combination of art, science, engineering and design. People call it different things.Sometimes they call it inventing, sometimes they call it engineering. Sometimes they call it

    being a mad scientist. To us, its the process of getting together, understanding the problems,goals, and then designing something to satisfy the need. Development of the Exoskeleton

    has been underway since 2000, when Jacobsen realized that if humans could work alongside

    robots, they should also be able to work inside robots.

    Exoskeleton test engineer Rex Jameson echoes his boss enthusiasm for this work. As far assoftware engineering goes, this job is about as good as it gets. We get to write programs and

    we see them working on actual robots; thats very exciting.

    Jacobsen and his team take inspiration for their work from a wide variety of disparatesources, including popular culture. Asked if he will see the Iron Man movie when itsreleased on May 2, he replied: Yes, sure. I go to see all those movies. We all do. We all like

    them. Theyre fun. They stimulate your imagination.

    Jet packs

  • 8/14/2019 Robots and Futer Technology

    5/27

    In 1960, BellRocket belt was presented to the public. The jet of gas was provided by a

    hydrogen peroxide powered rocket but the jet can also be provided by a turbojet engine, aducted fan, or other kinds of rockets powered by solid fuel, liquid fuel or compressed gas

    (usually nitrogen).

    [edit] Hydrogen-peroxide-powered rocket

    A hydrogen peroxide-powered motor is based on the decomposition reaction of hydrogenperoxide. Nearly pure (90% in the Bell Rocket Belt) hydrogen peroxide is used. Purehydrogen peroxide is relatively stable, but in contact with the catalyst (for example,silver) it

    decomposes into a mixture ofsuperheated steam and oxygen in less than 1/10millisecond

    increasing in volume 5000 times: 2 H2O2 = 2 H2O + O2. The reaction is exothermic, i.e. with

    liberation of much heat (about 2500 kJ/kg), forming in this case a steam-gas mixture at740 C. This hot gas is used exclusively as the reaction mass and is directly led to one or

    more jet nozzles.

    The great disadvantage is the limited operating time. The jet of steam and oxygen can

    provide significant thrust from fairly lightweight rockets, but the jet has a reasonably low

    exhaust velocity and hence a poorspecific impulse. A man's carrying capacity before take-off sets the upper bound on weight of propellant that can be used, and so currently such

    rocket belts can only fly for about 30 seconds.

    A more conventional bipropellant could more than double the specific impulse, however,

    with peroxide while the exhaust is very hot it is much cooler than other propellants that

    could be used and this greatly reduces the risk of a fire and injury.

    In contrast to, for example, turbojet engines which mainly expel atmospheric air to producethrust, rocket packs are far simpler to build than devices using turbojets. The classical rocket

    pack of the construction of Wendell Moore can be prepared in workshop conditions but

    needs good engineering training and a high level of tool-making craftsmanship.

    The main faults of this type of rocket pack are:

    Short duration of flight (to 30 seconds).

    The reasonably high expense of the peroxide propellant.

    The danger of flying below minimumparachute altitude, and hence without any

    safety equipment.

    The sheer difficulty of manually flying such a device.

    These circumstances limit the sphere of the application of rocket packs to very spectacular

    public demonstration flights (stunts). Rocket pack flights typically seize the attention ofspectators and enjoy great success. For example, a flight was arranged in the course of the

    opening ceremony of the summerOlympic Games 1984 in Los Angeles, USA

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell_Aircrafthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell_Aircrafthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrogen_peroxidehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turbojethttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitrogenhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jet_pack&action=edit&section=2http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrogen_peroxidehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catalysthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silverhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silverhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superheated_steamhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxygenhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Millisecondhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Millisecondhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reaction_masshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Specific_impulsehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turbojethttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parachutehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympic_Gameshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympic_Gameshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeleshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell_Aircrafthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrogen_peroxidehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turbojethttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitrogenhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jet_pack&action=edit&section=2http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrogen_peroxidehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catalysthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silverhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superheated_steamhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxygenhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Millisecondhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reaction_masshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Specific_impulsehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turbojethttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parachutehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympic_Gameshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles
  • 8/14/2019 Robots and Futer Technology

    6/27

    The robot's size was chosen to allow it to operate freely in the human living space

    ASIMO Is Born!

    As exemplified by P2 and P3, the two-legged walking technology developed byHonda represents a unique approach to the challenge of autonomous locomotion.Using the know-how gained from these prototypes, research and developmentbegan on new technology for actual use. ASIMO represents the fruition of thispursuit.

    ASIMO Features

    ASIMO was conceived to function in an actual human living environment in the nearfuture. It is easy to operate, has a convenient size and weight and can move freelywithin the human living environment, all with a people-friendly design.

  • 8/14/2019 Robots and Futer Technology

    7/27

    and to make it people-friendly. This size allows the robot to operate light switchesand door knobs, and work at tables and work benches. Its eyes are located at thelevel of an adult's eyes when the adult is sitting in a chair. A height of 120cm makesit easy to communicate with.Honda feels that a robot height between 120cm and that of an adult is ideal foroperating in the human living space.

  • 8/14/2019 Robots and Futer Technology

    8/27

  • 8/14/2019 Robots and Futer Technology

    9/27

    The introduction of intelligent, real-time, flexible-

    walking technology allowed ASIMO to walk

    continuously while changing directions, and gavethe robot even greater stability in response to

    sudden movements.

    Earlier Ways of Walking

    For Robots up to P3

    Because each walking pattern has a different stride(time per step),the robot could not change its stride(time per step) flexibly.

    Creating Earlier Walking PatternsEarlier walking technology allowed roughly two different walking patterns.

    When walking in a straight line, the robot followed an ordered pattern of start-acceleration walking, steady speed walking and deceleration-stop walking, all ofwhich was stored as time series data.

  • 8/14/2019 Robots and Futer Technology

    10/27

  • 8/14/2019 Robots and Futer Technology

    11/27

    Control Block Map from New ASIMO Walking

    Technology Technology

    Because continuous flexible walking is possible, ASIMO can move and walk rapidlyand smoothly at all times.

    Robots up to the P3 turned according to combinations of stored walking

    patterns.ASIMO creates walking patterns in real time and can change footplacement and turning angle at will. As a result, it can walk smoothly in manydirections. In addition, because stride (time per step) can also be changed freely,ASIMO's movements are much more natural.

    The Future of New ASIMO Walking Technology

    Thanks to New ASIMO Walking Technology, ASIMO can change its walking smoothlyand continuously at any time.New ASIMO Walking Technology allows robots to existmore easily in the human l iving environment.This technological development willallow robots of the future to work in harmony with people while avoidingobstructions on their own.

  • 8/14/2019 Robots and Futer Technology

    12/27

    The introduction of intelligent, real-time, flexible-walking technology allowed ASIMOto walk continuously while changing directions, and gave the robot even greaterstability in response to sudden movements.

    P3 was only controlled from a workstation, but ASIMO can also be operated from aportable controller to allow flexible walking control and motions from buttonoperations (gesticulations). This permits more direct operation of ASIMO.

  • 8/14/2019 Robots and Futer Technology

    13/27

    December 5, 2002 Honda added intelligence technology to ASIMO which is capable ofinterpreting the postures and gestures of humans and moving independently in response.ASIMOs ability to interact with humans has advanced significantlyit can greet approachingpeople, follow them, move in the direction they indicate, and even recognize their faces andaddress them by name. Further, utilizing networks such as the Internet, ASIMO can provideinformation while executing tasks such as reception duties. ASIMO is the worlds first humanoidrobot to exhibit such a broad range of intelligent capabilities.

    The key features of the new Intelligence Technology:

    1. Recognition of moving objects2. Posture/gesture recognition3. Environment recognition4. Sound recognition

    5. Face recognition.

    1. Integration with user's network system2. Internet connectivity

    Advanced communication ability thanks to recognition

    technology

    Using the visual information captured by the camera mounted

    in its head, ASIMO can detect the movements of multipleobjects, assessing distance and direction

    Specifically, ASIMO can:: follow the movements of people with its camera;: follow a person;: greet a person when he or she approaches.;

    Recognition of the distanceand direction of movement ofmultiple objects

    Recognition of movingobjects [1] >>Recognition of movingobjects [2] >>

    http://world.honda.com/HDTV/ASIMO/tech-recog-mov-obj1/http://world.honda.com/HDTV/ASIMO/tech-recog-mov-obj1/http://world.honda.com/HDTV/ASIMO/tech-recog-mov-obj2/http://world.honda.com/HDTV/ASIMO/tech-recog-mov-obj2/http://world.honda.com/HDTV/ASIMO/http://world.honda.com/HDTV/ASIMO/tech-recog-mov-obj1/http://world.honda.com/HDTV/ASIMO/tech-recog-mov-obj1/http://world.honda.com/HDTV/ASIMO/tech-recog-mov-obj2/http://world.honda.com/HDTV/ASIMO/tech-recog-mov-obj2/
  • 8/14/2019 Robots and Futer Technology

    14/27

    Based on visual information, ASIMO can interpret thepositioning and movement of a hand, recognizing postures and

    gestures. Thus ASIMO can react not only to voice commands,but also to the natural movements of human beings.

    For example, ASIMO can:: recognize an indicated location and move to that location

    (posture recognition);: shake a person's hand when a handshake is offered (posture

    recognition);: respond to a wave by waving back (gesture recognition).

    Movement to an indicatedlocation

    Posture recognition >>

    Recognition of handmovements such as thewaving of a hand

    Gesture recognition >>

    ASIMO is able to assess its immediate environment, recognizing the position of obstacles andavoiding them to prevent collisions.

    Environment recognition [1] >>Environment recognition [2] >>Specifically, ASIMO can:

    : stop and start to avoid a human being or other moving object which suddenly appears in itspath;

    : recognize immobile objects in its path and move around them.

    ASIMO's ability to identify the source of sounds has been improved, and it can distinguishbetween voices and other sounds.

    Sound recognition >>For example, ASIMO can:: recognize when its name is called, and turn to face the source of the sound;: look at the face of the person speaking, and respond;

    : recognize sudden, unusual sounds, such as that of a falling object or a collision, and face in

    that direction.

    http://world.honda.com/HDTV/ASIMO/tech-recog-posture/http://world.honda.com/HDTV/ASIMO/tech-recog-gesture/http://world.honda.com/HDTV/ASIMO/tech-recog-env1/http://world.honda.com/HDTV/ASIMO/tech-recog-env2/http://world.honda.com/HDTV/ASIMO/tech-recog-sound/http://world.honda.com/HDTV/ASIMO/tech-recog-sound/http://world.honda.com/HDTV/ASIMO/http://world.honda.com/HDTV/ASIMO/tech-recog-gesture/http://world.honda.com/HDTV/ASIMO/tech-recog-posture/http://world.honda.com/HDTV/ASIMO/tech-recog-posture/http://world.honda.com/HDTV/ASIMO/tech-recog-gesture/http://world.honda.com/HDTV/ASIMO/tech-recog-env1/http://world.honda.com/HDTV/ASIMO/tech-recog-env2/http://world.honda.com/HDTV/ASIMO/tech-recog-sound/
  • 8/14/2019 Robots and Futer Technology

    15/27

    ASIMO has the ability to recognize faces, even when ASIMO orthe human being is moving.

    For example, ASIMO can:: recognize the faces of people which have been pre-

    registered, addressing them by name, communicatingmessages to them, and guiding them;

    : recognize approximately ten different people.Distinguish betweenregistered faces.

    Face recognition >>

    Network integration

    ASIMO can:: execute functions appropriately based on the user's customer data;: greet visitors, informing personnel of the visitor's arrival by transmitting messages and

    pictures of the visitor's face;: guide visitors to a predetermined location, etc.

    Accessing information via the Internet, ASIMO can become a provider of news and weatherupdates, for example, ready to answer people's questions, etc.

    http://world.honda.com/HDTV/ASIMO/tech-recog-face/http://world.honda.com/HDTV/ASIMO/tech-recog-face/http://world.honda.com/HDTV/ASIMO/tech-recog-face/
  • 8/14/2019 Robots and Futer Technology

    16/27

    Catoms (claytronics atoms)

    "An article in New Scientist describes a robotic system composed ofswarms of

    electromagnetic modules capable of assuming almost any form that is being developed by

    the Claytronics Group at Carnegie Mellon. 'The grand goal is to create swarms of

    microscopic robots capable of morphing into virtually any form by clinging together. SethGoldstein, who leads the research project at Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, in the

    US, admits this is still a distant prospect. However, his team is using simulations to develop

    control strategies for futuristic shape-shifting, or "claytronic", robots, which they are testingon small groups of more primitive, pocket-sized machines.'"

    If, as futurist Arthur C. Clarke once wrote, any sufficiently advanced technology is

    indistinguishable from magic, then Intel (INTC) may well be the Hogwarts of IT. At the

    chipmakers Developer Forum on Thursday,CTO Justin Rattner discussed a handful ofnew technologies that might appear to be magic to those unfamiliar with the concepts ofwireless power transmission and programmable matter. Taking a cue from Nikola Tesla, who

    envisioned a world system for the transmission of electrical energy without wires,Intel has designed a system that uses the resonant properties of magnetic fields to broadcastup to 60 watts of power two to three feet, with 75 percent efficiency. Something like this

    technology could be embedded in tables and work surfaces, said Rattner. So as soon asyou put down an appropriately equipped device it would immediately begin drawing power.

    In the future, your kitchen counters might do it. Youd just drop your espresso maker downon them and you would never have to plug it in.

    Also highlighted during Rattners keynote,Intels work in programmable matter. Withtiny programmable elements called catoms (claytronics atoms), said Rattner, the companybelieves it will someday be able to build a mobile device that could be stretched wide to

    http://technology.newscientist.com/article/dn13244-shapeshifting-robot-forms-from-magnetic-swarm.htmlhttp://technology.newscientist.com/article/dn13244-shapeshifting-robot-forms-from-magnetic-swarm.htmlhttp://www.intel.com/pressroom/kits/events/idffall_2008/video.htm?iid=idf_home+tab_audiovideohttp://www.intel.com/pressroom/kits/events/idffall_2008/video.htm?iid=idf_home+tab_audiovideohttp://www.intel.com/pressroom/kits/events/idffall_2008/video.htm?iid=idf_home+tab_audiovideohttp://www.tfcbooks.com/tesla/1904-03-05.htmhttp://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/21/technology/21intel.htmlhttp://www.intel.com/research/dpr.htmhttp://www.intel.com/research/dpr.htmhttp://www.intel.com/research/dpr.htmhttp://technology.newscientist.com/article/dn13244-shapeshifting-robot-forms-from-magnetic-swarm.htmlhttp://technology.newscientist.com/article/dn13244-shapeshifting-robot-forms-from-magnetic-swarm.htmlhttp://www.intel.com/pressroom/kits/events/idffall_2008/video.htm?iid=idf_home+tab_audiovideohttp://www.intel.com/pressroom/kits/events/idffall_2008/video.htm?iid=idf_home+tab_audiovideohttp://www.tfcbooks.com/tesla/1904-03-05.htmhttp://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/21/technology/21intel.htmlhttp://www.intel.com/research/dpr.htm
  • 8/14/2019 Robots and Futer Technology

    17/27

    browse the Web and then compacted and worn as an ear-piece as needed. Or, say, a

    shape-shifting cyborg assassin that might be sent into the past to destroy the humanresistance.

    Astonishing, right? Almost magical.

    The industry has taken much greater strides than anyone ever imagined 40 years ago,

    Rattner said. There is speculation that we may be approaching an inflection point where therate of technology advancements is accelerating at an exponential rate, and machines could

    even overtake humans in their ability to reason, in the not so distant future.

    The concept of modular robots is not new, but with claytronics, a form of programmablematter, it is pushed to a new extreme. It will take billions of micron-scale claytronic atoms

    or catoms to create computer generated artifacts as if they were the real thing, such as a

    self-assembling synthetic doctor coming to your house via Internet and controlled by thereal one living miles away. Or you can imagine several colleagues from around the world

    appearing magically in your local meeting room, as reports CIO Magazine. But dontdream too fast! This kind of technology, developed at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU),which plans to reproduce moving 3D objects in the real world, shouldnt be available before

    twenty years.

    Programmable Matter

    "Claytronics" is an emerging field ofengineering concerning reconfigurable nanoscale

    robots('claytronicatoms', orcatoms) designed to form much larger scale machinesor

    mechanisms. Also known as "programmable matter", the catoms will be sub-millimetercomputers that will eventually have the ability to move around, communicate with other

    computers, change color, and electrostatically connect to other catoms to form different

    shapes. The forms made up of catoms could morph into nearly any object, even replicas ofhuman beingsfor virtual meetings.

    Claytronics technology is currently being researched by Professor Seth Goldstein at

    Carnegie Mellon University, which is where the term was coined. According to Carnegie

    Mellon's Synthetic Reality Project personnel, claytronics are described as "An ensemble ofmaterial that contains sufficient local computation, actuation, storage, energy, sensing, and

    communication" which can be programmed to form interesting dynamic shapes and

    configurations.

    http://www.cio.com/archive/091505/et_development.htmlhttp://www.cio.com/archive/091505/et_development.htmlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engineeringhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanoscalehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robothttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robothttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atomshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atomshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machineshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machineshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Programmable_matterhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrostatichttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morphhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_beingshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_beingshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnegie_Mellon_Universityhttp://www.cio.com/archive/091505/et_development.htmlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engineeringhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanoscalehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robothttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atomshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machineshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Programmable_matterhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrostatichttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morphhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_beingshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnegie_Mellon_University
  • 8/14/2019 Robots and Futer Technology

    18/27

    Carnegie Mellon's Seth Goldstein To Demonstrate Claytronics at PrestigiousIntel Developer Forum

    Claytronics is a form of programmable matter made up of modules called catoms for

    claytronic atoms that integrate computing, sensing, actuation and locomotion

    mechanisms. These catoms are 44mm in size. The goal is to shrink them to the submillimeter level.

    PITTSBURGHCarnegie Mellon Associate Professor of Computer Science Seth Goldstein

    will co-present a class, lab and demonstrations of claytronics, the technology underlying

    Intel's work in Dynamic Physical Rendering (DPR), at the Intel Developer Forum (IDF) inSan Francisco, Sept. 26-28. The IDF is described as one of the world's premier technology

    events, attracting professionals and companies who are actively promoting new directions in

    technology.

  • 8/14/2019 Robots and Futer Technology

    19/27

    Claytronics (www.cs.cmu.edu/~claytronics), conceived by Goldstein and Associate

    Computer Science Professor Todd Mowry, director of Intel Research Pittsburgh (IRP), is aform of programmable matter made up of modules called catoms for claytronic atoms

    that integrate computing, sensing, actuation and locomotion mechanisms. An ensemble of

    claytronics catoms can be programmed to organize itself into the shape of an object andvisually take on its appearance. Goldstein and his team are working to shrink the catoms

    (currently 44 mm) to sub millimeter size and develop the software necessary to control

    millions of them working together.

    Goldstein and his team want to use claytronics to implement anew communication medium, which they call pario. The idea is

    to reproduce moving, physical 3-D objects that, like audio and

    video, do not transport the original object or create an exact

    replica. Instead, they create a physical replica from theprogrammable claytronics catoms that our senses will accept as

    being close enough to the real thing in shape and appearance.

    Goldstein's co-presenter at IDF is IRP staff member Jason

    Campbell. IRP is one of Intel's networks of four universitylaboratories established to conduct research in emerging,

    important areas of computer science and information technology.

    DPR, the primary example of the Intel research theme"physicality," is part of the company's new research vision called

    essential computing. DPR is one of five of the company's exploratory research projects

    (www.intel.com/research/exploratory/) that will be showcased at the IDF.

    "People come to IDF to get a vision of where Intel is putting its resources and to discoveropportunities to enter new markets," said an Intel spokesman. "Attendees get unmatched

    access to senior Intel experts and detailed technical training by Intel and industry experts

    who can help them advance their projects."

    In addition to support from Intel, Carnegie Mellon's work in claytronics is funded by theNational Science Foundation and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency

    (DARPA).

    Associate Professor of

    Computer ScienceSeth Goldstein

    http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~claytronicshttp://www.intel.com/research/exploratory/http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~claytronicshttp://www.intel.com/research/exploratory/
  • 8/14/2019 Robots and Futer Technology

    20/27

    Superbots

    SuperBot is a new type of robots that are modular, multifunctional, and easily

    reconfigurable. Its modules can be dynamically configured into different robots to fit theuser's needs. For example, it can crawl, walk, roll, climb, carry, fetch, or survey. The

    reconfiguration and module exchanges are easy and do not require any special knowledge or

    training. Such robots are economic because a single robot can provide diverse behaviors andcan be changed frequently. This is ideal for home campanions, search and rescue, security,

    surveillance, and so on.

  • 8/14/2019 Robots and Futer Technology

    21/27

  • 8/14/2019 Robots and Futer Technology

    22/27

    http://www.isi.edu/robots/superbot/pictures/slides/SuperbotOverview.htmlhttp://www.isi.edu/robots/superbot/pictures/slides/P2210022.htmlhttp://www.isi.edu/robots/superbot/pictures/slides/P2210020.htmlhttp://www.isi.edu/robots/superbot/pictures/slides/P2210025.htmlhttp://www.isi.edu/robots/superbot/pictures/slides/P2210013.html
  • 8/14/2019 Robots and Futer Technology

    23/27

    Hitachi unveils 'fastest robot'

    Pal and Chum impressed with their chat and fast moves

    Japanese electronics firm Hitachi has unveiled its first humanoid

    robot, called Emiew, to challenge Honda's Asimo and Sony's Qriorobots.

    Hitachi said the 1.3m (4.2ft) Emiew was the world's quickest-moving robot yet at6km/h (3.7 miles per hour).

    Two wheel-based Emiews, Pal and Chum, introduced themselves to reporters at a pressconference in Japan.

    They will be guests at this month's World Expo. Sony and Honda have both built robots

    to showcase engineering.

    Explaining why Hitachi's Emiew used wheels instead of feet, Toshihiko Horiuchi, from

    Hitachi's Mechanical Engineering Research Laboratory, said: "We aimed to create a

    robot that could live and co-exist with people."

    "We want to make the robots useful for people ... If the robots moved slower than

    people, users would be frustrated."

    Emiew - Excellent Mobility and Interactive Existence as Workmate - can move at 6km/h

    (3.7 miles per hour) on its "wheel feet", which resemble the bottom half of a Segwayscooter.

    With sensors on the head, waist, and near the wheels, Pal and Chum demonstrated howthey could react to commands.

    "I want to be able to walk about in places like Shinjuku and Shibuya [shopping districts]in the future without bumping into people and cars," Pal told reporters.

    Hitachi said Pal and Chum, which have a vocabulary of about 100 words, could be"trained" for practical office and factory use in as little as five to six years.

  • 8/14/2019 Robots and Futer Technology

    24/27

    Big bot battle

    Robotics researchers have long been challenged by developing robots that walk in the

    gait of a human.

    At the recent AAAS (American Association for the Advancement of Science) annualmeeting in Washington DC, researchers showed off

    bipedal designs.

    The three designs, each built by a different researchgroup, use the same principle to achieve a human-like

    gait.

    Sony and Honda have both used humanoid robots, which

    are not commercially available, as a way of showing offcomputing power and engineering expertise.

    Honda's Asimo was "born" five years ago. Since then,Honda and Sony's Qrio have tried to trump each other with what the robots can do at

    various technology events.

    Asimo has visited the UK, Germany, the Czech Republic, France and Ireland as part of a

    world tour.

    Sony's Qrio has been singing, jogging and dancing in formation around the world too

    and was, until last year, the fastest robot on two legs.

    But its record was beaten by Asimo. It is capable of 3km/h, which its makers claim is

    almost four times as fast as Qrio.

    Last year, car maker Toyota also stepped into the ring and unveiled its trumpet-playing

    humanoid robot.

    By 2007, it is predicted that there will be almost 2.5 million "entertainment and leisure"

    robots in homes, compared to about 137,000 currently, according to the United Nations(UN).

    By the end of that year, 4.1 million robots will be doing jobs in homes, said a report bythe UN Economic Commission for Europe and the International Federation of Robotics.

    Hitachi is one of the companies already with home cleaning robot machines on themarket.

    Toyota, Honda, and Sony, all try to out-do each other with robots

  • 8/14/2019 Robots and Futer Technology

    25/27

    Icona5

  • 8/14/2019 Robots and Futer Technology

    26/27

    SPECIFICATIONS

    - Seats: 2

    - Maximum Takeoff Weight: 1430 lbs

    - Useful Load: 430 - 530 lbs (option dependent)

    - Baggage: 60 lbs (maximum)

    - Fuel (Auto Gas or Av Gas): 20 gal.

    - Maximum Speed (Vh): 105 kts (120 mph)

    - Range: 300 nm

    - Takeoff & Landing Distance: 750 ft

    - Engine (Rotax 912 ULS): 100 hp

    Performance specifications are estimates only.

    DIMENSIONS

    - Interior Cockpit Width: 46 in

    - Wing Span: 34 ft

    - Aircraft Length: 22 ft

    - Aircraft Height: 7.1 ft

    - Trailered Width: 8.5 ft

    - Trailered Length: 28 ft

    - Trailered Height: 8.3 ft

    _DESIGN FEATURES

    - Folding wings (manual or automatic)

    - Retractable Landing Gear (gear can be deleted entirely to make a pure seaplane)

    - Seawing platforms for easy access and docking

    - Custom aircraft towing trailer (optional)

    - Headlights and flood lights

    PERFORMANCE FEATURES

    - High-strength, lightweight carbon fiber airframe

    - Amphibious design (flies off land and water)

    - High-performance wing and airfoil

    - Reliable 100-hp Rotax 912 ULS Engine

    - Runs on auto gasoline or aviation gasoline

    COCKPIT FEATURES

    - Intuitive, sports car-like cockpit

    - GPS moving map

    - MP3 in-flight music port

    - High-visibility, wrap-around canopy

    - Flight with removable side windows

    - Multiple storage compartments

    - Glass (LCD) multifunction display optional

    SAFETY FEATURES

    - Predictable flying characteristics

    - Low stall speed

    - ICON Complete Airplane Parachute (optional)

  • 8/14/2019 Robots and Futer Technology

    27/27

    - Patent-pending propeller guard

    - Wing Angle of Attack Indicator (AoA)

    STANDARD E QUIPMENT

    - Retractable landing gear

    - Folding wings (manual)

    - GPS moving map

    - Analog flight instrumentation (per ASTM LSA standards)