English researchers teach the iCub robot to form words. Researchers at the University of Hertfordshire teach the iCub robot how to form words, as part of the iTalk project iCub is an open-source hardware project described as a “cognitive humanoid robotic platform.
" The project was initiated in Italy, but the technology is now in use at several other labs, including the University of Hertfordshire. Researchers there, taking part in the iTalk project, have carried out experiments to find out how robots can develop basic language skills by interacting with a human. Tactile robot finger outperforms humans in identifying textures. The BioTac sensor can correctly identify a randomly selected material from a a sample of 117 common materials 95 percent of the time Image Gallery (4 images) We’ve seen the development of a number of technologies that could be used to provide robots with a sense of touch, such as proximity and temperature sensing hexagonal plates and artificial skin constructed from semiconductor nanowires.
However, perhaps none are as impressive as a tactile sensor developed by researchers at the University of California’s Viterbi School of Engineering. The group’s BioTac sensor was built to mimic a human fingertip and can outperform humans in identifying a wide range of materials, offering potential use for the technology in robotics and prostheses. The finger-sized BioTac sensor consists of a soft, flexible skin covering a liquid filling. The specialized robot, which was built by Fishel, was trained using 117 common materials sourced from fabric, stationary and hardware stores. Paralyzed Woman Grips, Sips Coffee With Robot Arm. View the video This tiny chip implanted in a paralyzed woman’s brain enabled her to move a robotic arm with her thoughts.
When she thinks about moving her paralyzed arm, the chips detects the pattern of nerve cells firing in her brain, and a computer translates those signals into actions carried out by the robotic arm. Why "Uncanny Valley" Human Look-Alikes Put Us on Edge. When Pixar screened a computer-animated short film called "Tin Toy" in 1988, test audiences hated the sight of the pseudo-realistic baby named "Billy" who terrorized the toys.
Such a strong reaction persuaded Pixar to avoid making uncannily realistic human characters — it has since focused its efforts on films about living toys, curious robots and talking cars to win Academy Awards and moviegoers' hearts. Today, the "uncanny valley" phenomenon remains almost as mysterious as when Japanese roboticist Masahiro Mori first coined the term in 1970. But scientists have begun venturing deeper into the metaphorical valley to better understand why robots or virtual characters with certain human characteristics can trigger such mental uneasiness.
That understanding may prove crucial as humanlike robots or virtual companions enter homes and businesses in coming years. Python 5000 patches potholes in minutes. The Python 5000's single operator can quickly fill potholes from within the vehicle's cab Image Gallery (3 images) Nobody likes potholes, but it often seems that they’re one of those hardships we just have to put up with until they get almost impassable ... after all, it’s a big deal to send out a road crew who will have to block one or two lanes of traffic for half an hour or more, while they risk being struck by inattentive drivers.
Apparently, however, pothole-filling needn’t be such an involved process. Cities now have the option of using the Python 5000, which is a vehicle that is operated by one person from inside its cab, and that can patch a two-foot (0.6-meter) pothole in about two minutes. To use the Python, its driver/operator starts by filling its rear 5-ton (4.5-tonne) hopper with either hot or cold-mix asphalt. Once there, the driver needs to block only the lane that the pothole is in, as they won’t be working outside of the vehicle themselves. Robot Skin Can Feel Touch, Sense Chemicals, and Soak Up Solar Power. Wave Glider aquatic robots set world record. A group of four autonomous underwater vehicles have just set a world distance record, by traveling from San Francisco to Hawaii Image Gallery (3 images) On November 17th of last year, a group of four wave-powered autonomous aquatic robots set out from San Francisco, embarking on a planned 37,000-mile (60,000-km) trip across the Pacific ocean.
Recently, the fleet of Wave Gliders completed the first leg of their journey, arriving at Hawaii’s Big Island after traveling over 3,200 nautical miles (5,926 km). NASA and GM develop power-assisted Robo-Glove. NASA and GM engineers have created Robo-Glove, a power-assisted glove designed to keep astronauts and autoworkers from getting repetitive stress injuries Image Gallery (3 images) Having trouble getting the lid off that pickle jar?
Lotus unveils soft top Exige S Roadster. Lotus unveiled its Exige S Roadster at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show earlier this week, marking the sportscar manufacturer's first soft top Exige Image Gallery (5 images) Lotus unveiled its Exige S Roadster at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show this week, marking the sports car manufacturer's first Exige model with a soft top equipped straight out of the factory.
Lotus claims that the "mesmerizing grunt" of the coupé is matched in this new Roadster. Very probably - it is equipped with the same supercharged 3.5-liter V6 of the regular Exige S. View all. SAFFiR robot could be putting out fires on Navy ships. In new mass-production technique, robotic insects spring to life. Cambridge, Mass. - February 15, 2012 - A new technique inspired by elegant pop-up books and origami will soon allow clones of robotic insects to be mass-produced by the sheet.
Robots build, impersonate fish, and salute James Bond. Every Friday, Future Tense rounds up the best robot videos of the week.
Seen a great robot video? Tweet it to @FutureTenseNow, or email us. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Robots. Hardware. nBot, a two wheel balancing robot. nBot Balancing Robot David P. Anderson nBot: 27 January 2003 Update: 14 Sept 2013: nBot Rev 6.0. nBot completely rebuilt as Version 6.0 after the disastrous LiPo Fire of 2012. Update: 14 June 2012: nBot finally has some avoidance and navigation sensors, two PING))) ultrasonic sonar sensors, and five SHARP IR distance detectors, in addition to the MicroStrain FAS-G IMU. New Military Human Robot PETMAN Prototype. What Does The World Look Like To A Robot?