Articles tagged with Domestic Robots
A new robotic design uses vine-like structures to lift and grasp a variety of objects, including humans, with a gentler approach. The robot can snake around obstacles, squeeze through tight spaces, and even secure itself in a closed loop to create a sling.
A survey of 4,890 participants found that people are open to using home-care robots as long as they view them beneficially. Collaboration between users and developers is crucial for adoption, with emphasis on ethical considerations. Robots may play a significant role in addressing Japan's aging population and social healthcare challenges.
A new robot designed to physically support the elderly and prevent falls as they move around their homes. The Elderly Bodily Assistance Robot (E-BAR) has a set of robotic handlebars that can be used for support, with airbags that inflate instantly to catch users if they fall.
Computer scientists at the University of Bath reprogrammed a Roomba to perform four new tasks, showcasing the untapped potential of domestic robots. The researchers identified over 100 ways to tap into the latent potential of robotic devices, proposing functions such as playing with pets, watering plants, and delivering breakfast in bed.
A new robotic framework allows robots to learn tasks by watching a single how-to video, significantly reducing the time and energy needed for training. The RHyME system enables robots to adapt to real-world environments and perform multiple-step sequences with improved success rates.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute are developing a lightweight, flexible robotic arm that enables wheelchair users to safely grasp and carry objects out of reach. The project builds on origami-inspired designs and novel fabrication methods for modules made of lightweight plastics, 3D printed components, and sensors.
Researchers created a measurement scale to assess robot human likeness, revealing four key qualities: appearance, emotional capacity, social intelligence, and self-understanding. To seem lifelike, robots must exhibit these traits, with self-understanding being the most challenging aspect to simulate.
A TU Wien-developed robot can learn to clean a sink by watching humans perform the task, adapting its knowledge to different shapes and applying the right amount of force. The technology combines machine learning and robotics, enabling robots to share their parameters through federated learning.
A new method called Clio allows robots to make task-relevant decisions by identifying the parts of a scene that matter. In real experiments, Clio successfully mapped scenes at different levels of granularity based on natural-language prompts and enabled robots to grasp objects of interest.
Researchers will create versatile and easy-to-integrate robots capable of intelligent grasping, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination. The goal is to empower diverse workforces with robotic solutions, improving worker productivity and job opportunities.
Researchers from Ohio State University propose the integration of AI technology in customer service to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. The benefits include increased accessibility, consistency, and personalized experiences, while addressing evolving hospitality trends.
A study by UMass Amherst researchers reveals key features for developing effective robotic guide dogs, including two-hour battery life, camera orientations, and audio sensors. The research aims to address barriers to adoption of canine guide dogs, which are currently limited by cost, allergies, and physical limitations.
Researchers at NREL successfully automate the finishing process of wind turbine blades, improving consistency and reducing labor-intensive work. The technology enables US-based blade manufacturing to become more economically viable, creating jobs and supporting domestic production.
Researchers at the University of Oxford have created a standardized safety test to assess how dangerous robotic lawnmowers are to hedgehogs. The test uses specially designed hedgehog crash test dummies and has found that many models pose a threat to these animals, especially at night when they are most active.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed an innovative thermal imaging method called HADAR, which enables artificial intelligence to perceive physical attributes and recover textures in pitch-dark environments. The technology has the potential to revolutionize fields such as autonomous vehicles and robotics.
Researchers trained a robot chef to taste food at various stages of the chewing process, mimicking human flavor perception. The 'taste as you go' approach significantly improved the robot's ability to assess saltiness, producing better-tasting dishes.
Researchers at MIT develop an algorithm that allows household robots to recognize four times as many objects as traditional methods, reducing misidentifications. The new approach uses a representative sampling technique, sampling hypotheses across successive images, and evaluating them more efficiently.
Studies have shown that wireless home automation systems can be vulnerable to attacks, allowing hackers to gain insight into users' behavioral patterns. Even encrypted systems can provide valuable information to third parties, putting inhabitants' privacy at risk.
Researchers at the University of Washington discovered security weaknesses in three popular household robots, including WowWee Rovio and RoboSapien V2. The study highlights the need for improved robot security and privacy measures to prevent misuse by bad actors, who can exploit these vulnerabilities to harm users or their environments.