House Robots

Robot reveals the inner workings of brain cells: Automated way to record electrical activity inside neurons in the living brain

autopost — Tue, 08 May 2012 15:35:45 +0000

Researchers have developed a way to automate the process of finding and recording information from neurons in the living brain. The researchers have shown that a robotic arm guided by a cell-detecting computer algorithm can identify and record from neurons in the living mouse brain with better accuracy and speed than a human experimenter.

More Info: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120506160117.htm

Finding ET may require giant robotic leap

autopost — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:04:52 +0000

Autonomous, self-replicating robots — exobots — are the way to explore the universe, find and identify extraterrestrial life and perhaps clean up space debris in the process, according to an engineer, who notes that the search for extraterrestrial intelligence — SETI — is in its 50th year.

More Info: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120418162300.htm

Robots fighting wars could be blamed for mistakes on the battlefield

autopost — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:04:52 +0000

Humans apply a moderate amount of morality and other human characteristics to robots that are equipped with social capabilities and are capable of harming humans, new findings show.

More Info: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120423131856.htm

Living micro-robot could detect diseases in humans

autopost — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 14:58:41 +0000

A tiny prototype robot that functions like a living creature is being developed which one day could be safely used to pinpoint diseases within the human body. Called ‘Cyberplasm’, it will combine advanced microelectronics with latest research in biomimicry. The aim is for Cyberplasm to have an electronic nervous system, ‘eye’ and ‘nose’ sensors derived from mammalian cells, as well as artificial muscles that use glucose as an energy source to propel it.

More Info: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120329112107.htm

Whether grasping Easter eggs or glass bottles, this robotic hand uses tact

autopost — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 14:58:41 +0000

It may be difficult to imagine, but pouring juice into a plastic cup can be a great challenge to a robot. While one hand holds the glass bottle firmly, the other one must gently grasp the cup. Researchers have now developed a robotic hand that can accomplish both tasks with ease and yet including the actuators is scarcely larger than a human arm. This was made possible by a novel string actuator, making use of small electric motors to twist strings. The robotic hand is thus powerful yet delicate and could one day be deployed as a helper around the house or in catastrophic scenarios.

More Info: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120330110533.htm

Robotic technology lends more than just a helping hand

autopost — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 14:36:28 +0000

While Robonaut 2 has been busy testing its technology in microgravity aboard the International Space Station, NASA and General Motors have been working together on the ground to find new ways those technologies can be used.

More Info: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120314104406.htm

Optimizing routes for underwater vehicles: Sometimes the quickest path is not a straight line

autopost — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 14:01:24 +0000

Scientists have developed a mathematical procedure that can optimize path planning for automated underwater vehicles, even in regions with complex shorelines and strong shifting currents. The system can provide paths optimized either for the shortest travel time or for the minimum use of energy, or to maximize the collection of data that is considered most important.

More Info: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120308120026.htm

Teach your robot well

autopost — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 14:01:24 +0000

A new study identifies the types of questions a robot can ask during a learning interaction that are most likely to characterize a smooth and productive human-robot relationship.

More Info: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120308153535.htm

In space and on Earth, why build it, when a robot can build it for you?

autopost — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 13:54:46 +0000

Like something straight out of “Star Wars,” armies of robots could nimbly be crawling up towers and skyscrapers to make repairs in the not-so-distant future, so humans don’t have to.

More Info: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120301113254.htm

Seven adult-sized humanoid robots together for first time in the U.S.

autopost — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 13:54:01 +0000

Seven adult-sized humanoid robots took the stage during Drexel University’s celebration of National Engineers Week in a first-of-its-kind assembly of robotic technology. Their presence — together in one place — is a unique event.

More Info: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120221145826.htm