What Could Robots Do at This Moment?
Robotic technology had advanced to a point where robots could help human doing specific tasks. Some of these robots are humanoid and they would replace human when there is not enough real human with specific skill around. The other are non-humanoid and will help human do what our anatomy prevent us from doing the task as well. In this particular field, it seems that the Japanese are taking the lead.
Violinist Robot
This 5-foot tall all white violinist robot is really a feat of precision engineering. As we know that playing violin is not an easy feat even for human being. It require good coordination and capability to apply the right force precisely, something that human would need years of practice to master. The robot capability to play violin shows that the robot is capable of precisely apply force to the violin with its left hand, while using the other hand to precisely apply force to bow the violin.
Dancing Robot
These dancing robots are the result of Sony research and development work. They are capable of performing complex dance and learn from a human dance tutor. It was reported that the software used in these dancing robots are the same with the one used in Aibo, dog-robots developed to become pets. Since they have two camera eyes, it is possible for them to recognize their tutor dance movement well.
Self Repairing Robot
These robots are not humanoid at all. However that is not the main issue of this particular robotic research. These robots are made to be modular to enable them repair themselves when they are somehow broken. As long as the constituent modules aren’t broken, they could reassemble themselves.
Transformer Robot
This amazing transformer robot is capable to morph between humanoid mode and vehicle mode. If it need flexibility it could use humanoid form. If it need to run on smooth surface, vehicle mode would be more suitable. However, it might take some time before we could see gigantic transformer in real world. Any attempt to make a gigantic transformer would face serious engineering complication because strength is proportional to the square of size, while weight is proportional to the cube of size.
Female Robot Model
Anime fan-boys will rejoice at the sight of this robot. This robot movement is arguably as smooth as real human being. This robot also have the mass equal to average female human being. If synthetic skins are used to cover the joints and appendages, it would appear very human-like. There are some predictions that some future men would marry female-bot instead of real female human being. But the opposites may also happen.
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2 Responses to “What Could Robots Do at This Moment?”
On March 17, 2009 at 11:59 pm
What a unique, interesting read!
Blessings.
Sincerely,
-Liane Schmidt.
On March 30, 2009 at 7:13 pm
V. interesting : )
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