Advances in industrial robot intelligence
According to the Robotic Industries Association , the North American robotics industry grew at an average annual rate of 20% from 2003-2005. Taking into consideration a relatively soft automotive market and increased pressure from overseas manufacturers, how has this strong growth occurred? An ongoing trend of cost reductions has been a factor. The price for both robots and overall turnkey systems has continued to decline. Also driving the strong growth is the continually improving performance of robots. Robots can perform tasks today that were not possible just a few years ago. Robots can also do more in less time, providing higher levels of productivity. Read more...

Software for mobile robot control
CARMEN is an open-source collection of software for mobile robot control. CARMEN is modular software designed to provide basic navigation primatives including: base and sensor control, logging, obstacle avoidance, localization, path planning, and mapping. The modules are shown in the left navigator bar. Click of the different modules to browser their messages, libraries, functions, data structures, etc. Read more...

Safe motion
Robots are blind beasts that can kill you, so they must be shut down before a person enters their work space. That's the rule. Except, like so many rules, it can get in the way of getting the job done. So people break the rule. Sometimes they get away with it, sometimes they get in trouble, and sometimes they get hurt. Read more...

Robots: Flexible Automation for a Strong Economy
Just how should American manufacturing react to the cheap foreign labor available overseas? Many people have answered this question by proposing tariffs and organizing boycotts, but others are taking a much more productive and proactive approach. More companies in a growing number of industries are recognizing that wealthy societies such as the U.S. have an important advantage—access to advanced technology like robotics. Read more...

Interested in Robotics?

Botball^® is a hands-on learning experience in robotics designed to engage students in learning the practical applications of science, technology, engineering and math. For more details about the program, look here.

 

 

HEXBUG, the new Micro Robotic Creature is now available.
A Micro-Robotic HEXBUG is an tiny, intelligent, and obedient insect that you can control. Bump Feeler Sensors help it avoid obstacles while roaming on its own. You can help guide the Hex Bug during adventures by clapping or making noise to have it backup and change direction. Read more...

Microsoft Sponsors RoboDevelopment Conference and Expo 2007
RoboDevelopment Conference and Exposition is a multifaceted educational forum and trade show dedicated to addressing the technical issues involved with the design and development of commercial robotic products. The RoboDevelopment exposition hall provides attendees with hands on access to the latest design and development solutions for producing mobile robotics and intelligent systems technology, while the RoboDevelopment keynotes and general sessions are specifically designed to impart to technical professionals with the information they need to develop the next generation of personal, service and mobile robots. Read more...

A Basic Understanding of Robots
Today, robots are used in many ways, from lawn mowing to auto manufacturing. Scientists see practical uses for robots in performing socially undesirable, hazardous or even "impossible" tasks --- trash collection, toxic waste clean-up, desert and space exploration, and more. AI researchers are also interested in robots as a way to understand human (and not just human) intelligence in its primary function -- interacting with the real world. Read more...

Robot Magazine - The latest hobby, science and consumer robotics
ROBOT is a unique publication that will:

• Offer the “how to do it” for the robot enthusiast and robot hobbyist, as well as the “what’s going on” in the expanding world of robotics for the interested layperson or technical professional.

• Offer parents, teachers and kids guidance on using and playing with the new generation of consumer, toy and hobby robot products that serve as educational tools and recreational fun

• Offer a “Spotlight on Education” section that includes coverage of FIRST Robotics, FIRST LEGO Mindstorm and VEX kits and competitions; this will be important reading for robotics educators and involved students who wish to sharpen their competitive edge. Read more...