ROBOTS THAT CAN'T JUMP (YET)
P L Y O J U M P
Click the bagpipe for essays & commentary
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White Box Robotics Model
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This page is dedicated to robots that can't do plyojumps at all - as
opposed to those that potentially could with the right programming.
However, these robots do show both interactivity with people and autonomy,
and are more than "trash cans on wheels." Several are near
commercialization. Hopefully, that they will acquire the ability to
perform aerobic workouts in the future.
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Here is the commercial "reference" version of the Fjuitsu kiosk-bot, the Enon, first released in September 2005. Enon can find itself around in an office or
store, using an internal map, and moves at about 2 mph. It has cameras and other sensors, plus voice recognition, and can manipulate some objects with its arms. The 4-foot tall robot will sell for about $50,00US.
"We hope that robots like this will be able to help people in an aging society where the population is declining,"
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Tokuichi Shishido, director at Fujitsu Frontech |
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Fujitsu's "Vocation bot" (commercialized in 2005) is larger than
the Fujitsu HOAP, and is designed as a tour
guide for museums, a receptionist in shopping malls, office
buildings, and other enclosed environments. This design demonstrates the
natural evolution of mobile tour robots from immobile information kiosks.
Take the wheels off, and you've got a standard information kiosk. It also
is an example of a "PC robot" - using standard PC operating systems and
hardware to create a useful robot, instead of custom hardware and
software. Fujitsu Frontech Limited will
commercialize the robot, with sales scheduled to begin in June 2005.
The robot will run Windows-XP embedded, support 802.11b (WiFi), have 8
CMOS cameras, 2 ultrasonic sensors and 2 proximity sensors. The user
interface is a 10.5" TFT touch panel monitor, 3 mics and 1 speaker. It
weighs 63 kg.
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White Box Robotics is a new
company producing "PC robots" - robotic bodies powered by generic (but
very small) PC mainboards instead of custom chips or simple BASIC stamp
systems. The target audience is the home user/hobby roboticist. The
concept is that using generic PC parts provides savings in
hardware costs and software development which makes up for
inefficiencies in using the standard PC design for robotic uses. The
great-looking robot body design comes courtesy of
Foraxis, a new Pittsburgh-based industrial design
firm which has a very strong interest in robotics. |
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This R2D2-looking robot was created at the University of Pisa with help
from Microsoft(!) It has a camera for visual recognition, and other
sensors for avoiding obstacles. |
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Gecko Systems has also been using PC components to create real-world
service robots aimed at the business market. The robot to the left is
called "Emily" and is a prototype CareBot® MSR 2.0. The system can be
remote controlled via a WiFi link and responds to voice commands. It can
run unattended, without recharging for up to twelve hours. The systems
uses using two onboard VIA EPIA V5000 mainboards for brainpower. |
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Activmedia recently introduced
their Peoplebot,
a base platform that users can "hang" additional functions on. Activmedia
has been developing this technology for a decade (an eternity in the
service robotics industry) and high reliability is one of the features of
the system. It also has a sleeker design compared to other "tall"
non-legged robots. The Peoplebot can do voice recognition, and autonomous
navigation and mapping of spaces using a combo of camera, laser
rangefinder, IR sensor and ultrasound. There is a authoring layer for
controlling the Peoplebotbot remotely from a PC, and a touchscreen for
controlling locally - turning the Peoplebot into a mobile kiosk. This is an
interesting hybrid design combining a standard robotic microcontroller
(Siemens C166-based microcontroller ) with an PC notebook PC. An optional
wireless systems allows control and access to the cameras via the
Internet. It also has an optional auto-dock for recharging itself. There
is also a simple gripper. The Peoplebot is one of
several
robotic platforms produced by Activmedia. |
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The Activmedia Patrolbot is a
variation of their Powerbot line, and is designed to substitute for laying an elaborate network of
sensors throughout a building. Executing planned routes through a
building, it can uses its sensors to measure temperature and Wi-Fi (and
confirm problems with heating/cooling or wireless signals) as well as do
security scanning and carrying supplies into a dark or unsafe building.
It can also guide visitors through a building to a particular
destination. Click the picture for an example of an Activmedia robot
"making a delivery". |
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Robodynamics, a Beverly Hills,
CA company, is developing a mobile assistant robot called MILO. Featured
at Robodex 2004, it is designed for healthcare and related service
industries. A unique feature is the long "neck" which brings a
LED "face" up closer to the user's eye level. 
Milo's "Face: |
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The Enryu T63 Artemis is a patrol-bot designed to replace mall rent-a-cops
and possibly allow remote-control grocery shopping
- in fruition of Marshall Brain's
Robot Nation theory. It shoule be noted that the Enryu, like all TMSUK
robots, is tele-operated rather than truly autonomous. |
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This sucker is a real-life Gundam - an 11-foot high tele-operated robot called the Enryu
for rescue missions. Created by TMUSK, it can be operated remotely or by a
person inside, Transformer-style. Photo 1/11/04 AP. The system has been
co-developed with rescue groups and was first shown at the annual fire
brigades' drill in Kitakyushu, southern Japan
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More photos taken from the ENRYU website, showing its size in relation to
a human
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Another photo, showing the Enryu's ability to turn.
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NEC's 'PaPeRo' is an experimental system designed to study human-robot
interaction. The robot is actually a form of smart, mobile system which
controls the electronics of the home. The 2005 model has eight microphones
and can distinguish 655 words |
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Toshiba's ApriAlpha 3 ("sharp ear") can recognize up to 100 faces, has built-in speech
recognition and a voice synthesizer. It uses 6 microphones to determine
the source of a speaking human, and orientes to them. It can also follow
people by machine vision, and avoids obstacles using ultrasonic sensors.
The autonomous robot can communicate via wireless LAN (802.11b), IR and
bluetooth with other devices in a networked home. The built-in video camera can also be used to take photos and send them via
i-mode to a mobile Phone.
The robot moves around by itself and avoid obstacles automatically.
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WAKAMARU (Mitsubishi)
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Created by Mitsubishi and orginally displayed at Robodex 2003, this caretaker robot can
recognize 10,000 words, has continuous access to the Internet and comes
equipped with voice and face recognition capabilities that allow the robot to
search for and follow voices, faces and movements. It will retail for about
$14,000 US. It has the ability to comprehend and interact with humans (e.g. web
news) and can be programmed to call / e-mail a designated person, a hospital or
security firm if it notices a problem. It can recharge itself when its battery
runs low. It uses Montavista Linux as an OS. Like many Japanese robots,
Mitsubishi intends it as a monitoring system and a talking partner/ nurse
for the elderly. Seems fairly primitive in several respects (e.g. claw
hands are only for gesturing).
Wakamaru website
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This robot produced by Korean firm Mositech is designed as a home security system. Using a
Segway-like dynamic wheel balance, it motors around your house looks for fires
and break-ins. If it detects something, it can send images to a smartphone.
Face recognition is planned for the future. It can recharge itself as well, and
will retail for less than 1000 US. The robot is produced by a Telecommunication
company (SK) which indicates that its makers see it as an extension of
cellphone/smartphone technology.
http://www.mostitech.com/home.asp |
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This transparent, LED-laden robot (reminds me of some gamer's computer cases)
was developed by TMUSK, and is called the Roborior. Modeled after a
jellyfish, it can scoot around your home and send pictures to your cellphone.
Main website at http://www.roborior.com/
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Robo-Vacs
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Electrolux Trilobite
nice design, self-charging, generates intelligent map of its
environment. |
iRobot Roomba - over 1 million sold by
fall 2004! New models auto-charge, avoid stairs, and compare favorably with higher-priced versions. |
Kärcher RC3000 RoboCleaner
- buy it at
Best
Vacuum. Good navigation, auto-recharging. Rubber sensors/bumpers on
top minimize entrapment under furniture. |
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Picture of the Trilobite in its auto-recharging station - significantly
smaller than the Kärcher system. |
The Roomba SE has a very small and
efficient docking port. Charging times are significantly less than other
robo-vacs. |
This picture shows the Karcher RoboCleaner with its charging station |
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Friendly Robotics
released a robotic vacuum called
Friendly Vac in
2004. Unlike other robo-vacs, it is too tall to move under furniture. No
auto-charging. |
Orazio robo-cleaner created by
Zucchetti, who also make the
Ambrigio Robo-Lawnmower.
Designed to clean floors with a wet or dry cloth, with a secondary
vacuum capability. Stands on end for storage. Available in the US at
Robots and Relax |
Side view of the
Orazio cleaner. |
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Hitachi Robovac |
Samsung
VD-RP30W
(makes 3D maps, auto-recharges, has built-in webcam, auto-recharge,
ionic purifier, plays melodies, ) |
Floorbotics Ivac robo-vac (commercial and consumer models available) |
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.One robo-vac from Hanool (Korea) |
Another Hanool robo-vac (Ottoro) |
Yujin iClebo robo-vac (Korean) |
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Microbot Largo robo-cleaner |
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The robo-vacuum category is beginning to get crowded. Unlike other robots,
these are actually be sold as consumer products. The original Roomba was the most
primitive, but also has the highest sales. The new, more
complex Roomba compares favorably with the higher-priced models. |
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Robo-Mowers |
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They've been around longer, are energy-efficient, but are growing more
slowly...but now there's an
autonomous robotic
mower competition. |
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Ambrigio Robo-Lawnmower
made by Zucchetti and available in US from
Robots and Relax
- the deluxe model has a rain sensor - it knows to get out of the rain! |
Zucchetti also sells a smaller
robo-mower called
Oscar, which is also self-charging. |
Electrolux Automower
- not sold in the US in 2004. Mulches, grass, built-in alarm and PIN
makes it worthless to thieves. |
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Friendly Robomower
- from Friendly Machines in Israel. No auto-charging in 2004. |
Toro Robomower - a Friendly Robomower re-branded for Toro |
Husqvarna Automower. Returns to charging base automatically. May be
available in US via
European Distributors. |
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Mystery robomower1 |
Bigmow" from Belrobotics in Belgium, www.belrobotics.com.
Self-recharging, autonomous, has echolocation to avoid yard obstacles |
This is the SOLAR-POWERED version of the
Husqvarna Automower - not currently available in the US. |
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The robo-mower is another near-term consumer robotic product. There are
quite a few designs out there, but the 'killer app' would seem to be a
robotic mower that can handle larger areas (e.g. a golfcourse). |
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Other Robo-Cleaners |
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IRobot's
Scooba
Robotic Floor Washer is designed to wash hard-surface floors, as
opposed to carpets. iRobot is jointly marketing the Scooba with Clorox,
beginning at the end of 2005. This isn't surprising, since Clorox
developed the special cleaning solution used by the robot. |
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AMI (KAIST)
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This grim-looking Korean robot "AMI" from
the Korean high-tech
center sounds very advanced. It uses behavior-based control (rather than
top-down), has visual, audio, and voice recognition functions, and can measure the distance to objects and avoid them while
walking. It can also manipulate balls and other objects with its
three-fingered hands. Like many "can't jump" robots, it has a computer
monitor installed to express its internal state. It uses multiple
microprocessors for distributed computing, another advanced feature. Videos
show it using a standard floor vacuum - competition for robo-vacs?
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I suppose I have to play ball...
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Grumble...a robot's work is never done... why can't they get me a Roomba? |
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PaPeRo (NEC)
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The NEC Tele-tubby like robot PaPeRo is is a 14 year,
$10 million testbed project studying human-robot interaction and NEC software algorithms.
The current PaPeRo recognizes faces, detects obstacles, and can play-dance (no jumps).
It responds to voice
with an smiles, converses, delivers personal messages, takes photographs,
and connects to the Internet. http://www.incx.nec.co.jp/robot/univ/02/univ_e02.html
http://www.incx.nec.co.jp/robot/
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Robonaut (NASA)
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NASA's Robonaut is a tele-operated torso-only system that mimics the upper half of an
astronaut. A key feature is an extremely dexterous hand which can do nearly
the same things a human hand can, probably the most advanced robot hand in
the world. Another feature is the head, which looks
suspiciously like a certain famous Start Wars character! A recent test (on
earth) paired a human
astronaut along with multiple Robonauts in a shared assembly task
putting together an aluminum truss structure. The pictures below show
astronaut Nancy Currie working with the Robonauts. A new version of the
Robonaut has been mounted on the Segway RMP. |
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More recently, the Robonaut has been mounted on the Segway RMP. It isn't so
great for space, but would make a practical humanoid robot comparable to the
new Toyota wheeled robot.
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The
BarBot is the first humanoid robot to act solely in its own
self-interest. The goal of this robot is to "drink beer" - or rather, pour
cans of beer into its plastic gullet. To do so, the
BarBot makes eye contact and begs for money from human bar patrons. When it has enough, it
requests a beer from the bartender and pays for it out of its mooch
earnings. Created at the Humanoid
Robotics Laboratory in Germany, and featured in several tech-art
festivals. |
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Bluebotics has created RoboX, one of the first mass-produced
"kiosk-bots". The Swiss-based company sells the robots (they have
created several) and components. RoboX interacts in 4 languages with your
clients and is able to guide your visitors 12 hours per day, 7 days a week.
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SIG and SIG2
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SIG and SIG2 are "testbed" robots designed to integrate both
visual and auditory information into a single model used to plan robot
attention. Developed like the Morph 3 by Kitano
Symbiotic Systems Project, The goal (like Robita below) is to create a robot that can carry
out the functions of a human receptionist. This receptionist would turn to
a person speaking to it, be able to follow conversations (who is talking
to who) and answer questions. At present, SIG is good at identifying where
a particular sound is coming from, and dis-entangling voices from other
noises in its environment. There is also a focus on design - like many
Japanese robots, SIG shows clean industrial design even in its current primitive state.
Movies on the site show SIG operating as a receptionist and the "life
of the party." Stay tuned for SIG2, likely to appear in 2004. In
effect, these robots are the "upper half" of a useful robot,
while Asimo/Isau systems form the "lower half." Put 'em together and you've
got a real robot.
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SIG listening in (and to some extent joining) the chatter at a small party.
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Robita
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Robita is a primitive-looking robot that is also being used to prototype
real-world conversation. In a few years this could lead to a practical robotic
receptionist. http://www.tk.elec.waseda.ac.jp/robita/
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Click the image on the left for an MPG video showing
this system taking turns in a three-way conversation, similar to the SIG
project. The robot notes who is speaking, and turns to the person it
expects to speak next. It also registers "surprise" and corrects
the information supplied by one speaker.
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RObita interacts with two individuals
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 "There is only one condition in which we can imagine
managers not needing subordinates, and masters not needing slaves. This
would be if every machine could work by itself, at the word of command or
by intelligent anticipation."
- Aristotle, from his justification of slavery in Politics |
