No 6. K-Bot
Although not a complete robot but still K-Bot is an entry into a world of more human looking robots than you can imagine. Developed by David Hanson, a PhD student at University of Texas, this face can mimic all human facial expressions. The face is made out of soft rubber dubbed as “fubber” by Hanson. The components responsible for this emotional outpour are 24 actuatuors working together to move the eyes, facial muscles and the head itself. Work is being carried out to associate these emotions with real time situations so these robots can be the ultimate social machines. K-Bot has still a long way to go but its going in the right direction for revolutionizing robotics.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EU2vHVGuSw4[/youtube]
No 5. European Robotic Arm (ERA)
Developed by the European Space Agency, this is the second intelligent arm to be installed at the International Space Station (ISS). The first arm called Canadarm-2 played a vital role in ISS assembly for 10 years. The latest robotic arm will be based on the Russia’s Multipurpose Laboratory Module (MLM), from where it can ‘walk’ to other locations. ERA will be a multipurpose machine with tasks including Deployment of various component, manipulation of larger building blocks and inspection of the ISS surface. This arm in addition to autonomous function has multiple modes of operation. It can be controlled from both inside and outside the ISS by astronauts. The European Robotic Arm is set to launch for the ISS in March, 2010 along with MLM.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOigyJyAecM[/youtube]
