Posts Tagged ‘smart robots’
Video: Using New Learning Algorithm, Archer ‘Bot Learns How To Aim and Shoot A Bow and Arrow
Petar Kormushev, Sylvain Calinon and Ryo Saegusa of the Italian Institute of Technology developed an algorithm called “Archer,” for Augmented Reward Chained Regression. The iCub robot is taught how to hold the bow and arrow, but then learns by itself how to aim and shoot the arrow so it hits the center of a target. Watch it learn below.
The researchers say this type of learning algorithm would be preferable to even their own techniques, which require more input from humans. Kormushev et. al chose archery because of its complexity, requiring coordinated visual processing, the use of both hands and external tools.
The team used an iCub, a small humanoid robot designed to look like a 3-year-old child. It was developed by a consortium of European universities with the goal of mimicking and understanding cognition, according to Technology Review. It has several physical and visual sensors, and “Archer” takes advantage of them to provide more feedback than other learning algorithms, the researchers say.
The team will present their findings with the archery learning algorithm at the Humanoids 2010 conference in December.
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Rise of the Helpful Machines
Meet 10 of the most advanced human-assist 'bots from around the world
Click to launch the photo gallery
Divers Use Bar Codes on Tablet Computers to Visually Control Underwater Bots
As Technology Review , divers can use symbols on tablet computers to control underwater 'bots. The system could enable enhanced diver/robot collaboration.
Despite their importance for aquaculture, surveillance and , it's still difficult to remotely control robots underwater, especially when they are not tethered to a mother ship. Radio waves are too easily distorted, sonar requires too much power, and aquatic particles interfere with light waves. One new system would give robots transmission capabilities, allowing them to and work in swarms.
The waterproof tablets may be the solution. They can display two-dimensional bar codes, or tags, that are already in use for smart phone applications. The tag at left is showing 10 bits.
Flashing the tags at a free-swimming AQUA robot's underwater camera allows for fast, robust communication. It's better than other untethered communication platforms like sonar, Tech Review reports.
The tags correspond to a command stored in the robot's memory. When the bot is tethered, it can react to the tags instantly and transmit video back to the tablet. When it's untethered, it can respond to a tag command, perform its task and report back to the diver.
To date, the system has been tested in the open ocean and in swimming pools. Possible future uses include studying shipwrecks or even military applications, Tech Review says.
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