Robotics–Preparation for Class Discussion–videos & Articles

We’re going to consider Robotics as a technology will affect our discussion of Intelligent Buildings.  Currently there are few (though some) direct applications of robots in buildings.  I would argue that there will be increasing use in the future.

Below are some videos (indicated by timing) and articles that should provide a background.

Academic Approach

• The article in AccessScience is a good overview of the field of robotics, though the articles used as sources are mostly from the 1990’s. I’d welcome a more current
• Wkipedia has a good overview as well that is much more current and has images.
• They both agree that the elements one must address in robotics are:
  • Components
    • Power source
    • Sensing
    • Manipulation
    • Locomotion
    • Environmental Interaction and navigation
    • Human-robot interaction
    • Control

Examples

Motion

• Google Autonomous car – Blind person using it - 3min
  • 2005 – Darpa Challenge – Shows has fast we’ve advanced – 11min
• LS3 Marine Corps Pack robot – Will carry 400 lb payload – 4:04 min
• Wave-Powered boat – 4:59min
• Autonomous Indoor Plane -  In a parking garage – 2:48
• Hobbyist Quadrocopter as video platform – from CES 2013

Industrial

• Six-Axis Robot – 2.25min
• Kia Sportage Factory Production Line – 1.75min
• Baxter – 2012 –Rethink Robotics – Safer industrial robot 4:15

Education

• Robots in Korean Elementary School Classroom – 51sec – 2009

Construction

• Precision Layout Robot – Only a design, but… – 1:05m
• Robotic Steel Beam Assembly – In factory, not on site, but…. – 9:40
• Concrete Floor Finishing – prototype in 2009 – 1:39

Analysis

• Better Than Human: Why Robots Will — And Must — Take Our Jobs – Very positive article about the effects of robots – Kevin Kelly
• Review of: Robot Ethics: The Ethical and Social Implications of Robotics – Gives a sense of the issues.