Courtesy iLimb
The Robobusiness 2009 conference is going on this week in Boston, proving that robots are not our future but our present. They already affect our daily lives in more ways than we realize and promise to do more in the near future. And the markets for their application seem to have no bounds.
The elderly may be one potential market for robotics. Robosoft and SRI International are showing off the robuLAB10, which combines navigation software with a roving robot that can navigate its environment, follow its owner, and even assist in certain tasks, such as carrying items. The company is offering it as a platform to developers who are looking to build robots for the home, particularly for elderly people who may need help around the house.
Kids born with mental disabilities are on the list as well. Research is being done to develop robots that help kids with autism better socialize.
On a more fun front, robotics looks like it'll be part of gaming. Tom Dusenberry, president of Robonica, is speaking about robots and entertainment at the conference. Back at ToyFair, we got a preview of Robonica’s cool robot gaming technology, bound to be a hit next Christmas, but we were a bit bummed to learn that its introduction has been delayed. Hopefully that will be the only delay.
Of course, human/robot integration is always of interest. The cybernetic evolution of prosthetics is already a reality -- check out the iLimb -- but not always a high-profile subject. Paralympic champion Aimee Mullins is looking to change that by publicly speaking about her collection of prosthetic legs. The subject is also catching the eye of designers and leading some fashionistas to ask the question: Do prosthetics need to look human?
Meanwhile, robots are being touted as the next great explorers of our world and beyond. It’s known as field robotics, and it’s pretty cool stuff. Robots appear to be our best bet for advanced moon research. There are some big backers interested in this area of robotic development, too. Google’s funding it in a major way through its Lunar X contest.
Google Moon? We can't wait.
Comments