Rat-brained robot thinks like the real thing
(Jul 5, 2007)
A robot controlled by a simulated rat brain has proved itself to be a remarkable mimic of rodent behaviour in series of classic animal experiments. The robot's biologically-inspired control software uses a functional model of "place cells". These are neurons in an area of the brain called the hippocampus that help real rats to map their environment.
The US military is developing a robot with a teddy bear-style head to help carry injured soldiers away from the battlefield. The Battlefield Extraction Assist Robot (BEAR) can scoop up even the heaviest of casualties and transport them over long distances over rough terrain.
The race to create more human-like robots stepped up a gear this week as scientists in Spain set about building an artificial cerebellum. The end-game of the two-year project is to implant the man-made cerebellum in a robot to make movements and interaction with humans more natural. The cerebellum is the part of the brain that controls motor functions. Researchers hope that the work might also yield clues to treat cognitive diseases such as Parkinson's.
Robots that use "guesswork" to navigate through unfamiliar surroundings are being developed by US researchers. The mobile machines create maps of areas they have already explored and then use this information to predict what unknown environments will be like.
Scientists have expressed concern about the use of autonomous decision-making robots, particularly for military use. As they become more common, these machines could also have negative impacts on areas such as surveillance and elderly care, the roboticists warn.
A robotic caterpillar has been designed which can crawl across the surface of the heart to deliver treatment. New Scientist reports a prototype of the HeartLander device, created by US researchers, has been tested on pigs. The tiny robot, just a few centimetres long, can move at up to 18 centimetres per minute, controlled by "push and pull" wires from outside the body.
An ethical code to prevent humans abusing robots, and vice versa, is being drawn up by South Korea. The Robot Ethics Charter will cover standards for users and manufacturers and will be released later in 2007. It is being put together by a five member team of experts that includes futurists and a science fiction writer.
A humanoid robot is teaching itself to walk and eventually run around a California research lab. Dexter took its first tentative steps only a few days after it first discovered how to stand upright. Dexter's designers say their robot differs from commercially available predecessors because it can learn from its mistakes.
A rescue robot designed to work in the rubble of damaged underground shopping malls is shown at a Tokyo symposium on how to tackle big earthquakes in large cities. It is equipped with a colour camera, thermal vision and a comms system. (Credit: BBC)
Emotion robots learn from people
(Feb 23, 2007)
Making robots that interact with people emotionally is the goal of a European project led by British scientists. Feelix Growing is a research project involving six countries, and 25 roboticists, developmental psychologists and neuroscientists. Co-ordinator Dr Lola Canamero said the aim was to build robots that "learn from humans and respond in a socially and emotionally appropriate manner".
Home robotics is a growing trend at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. But are visions of mechanised-man servants still a long way off? Mankind has long been fascinated with robots. Perhaps Isaac Asimov knew the impact his short story collection I, Robot would have on the world when he wrote the nine tales making up the book. But in putting pen to paper and imagining a world where humans and robots shared their lives he ignited an interest that shows no sign of waning.
Robots could one day demand the same citizen's rights as humans, according to a study by the British government. If granted, countries would be obliged to provide social benefits including housing and even "robo-healthcare", the report says. The predictions are contained in nearly 250 papers that look ahead at developments over the next 50 years.
What's being billed as the world's most advanced bionic hand has been fitted to a man in Scotland. The five fingers on the i-LIMB hand are individually powered by separate motors. This allows a better grip and a more realistic look and feel. Standard prosthetic hands use the thumb and two fingers to produce a simple claw grip. The first recipient, Donald MacKillop lost his right hand in an industrial accident nearly 30 years ago.
Nano-cables convert light into electricity
(Dec 15, 2006)
Nanocables that convert light into electricity could one day be used to power nano-robots. The cables are 16 nanometres in diameter and several micrometres long. They resemble the light-harvesting antennae used by some bacteria and transform light into electricity in a similar way to the semiconductors in solar panels, albeit on a much smaller scale.
The Roboexotica convention in Vienna is a unique "festival for cocktail robots", according to the organisers. Robot developers and fans gather at the convention and the robots compete against each other to find the robot which is best at mixing cocktails or serving drinks and snacks.
