Since they conquered the task of programming "observer" robots to track "target" robots, Stanford computer scientists are tackling the more difficult problem of getting their observers to stalk robots on the move. The autonomous observer does more than follow its target around at a discreet distance. The spy robot continuously calculates where it needs to be to ensure that the target doesn't disappear behind a column or down a hallway. The robot measures distances to walls and furniture with a horizontal laser range sensor and uses this information to create a two-dimensional floor plan. A built-in horizontal video camera creates a series of overlapping three-dimensional views of the space. The robot combines this information into a 3D rendering of the area. The robot has a second camera focused on the ceiling to help it track its position. The target robot doesn't stand a chance of blending in, with a black-and-white pattern stenciled on every side. In an associated project with Professor Ruzena Bajcsy's group at the University of Pennsylvania, Chairman of Stanford's Computer Science Department, Jean-Claude Latombe and his students are developing an observer robot that can identify and track unmarked robots and people. The 4-ft tall spies are built by Nomadic Technologies (Mountain View, CA) resemble an upright tank vacuum cleaner without the hose. An additional grant from the Army will give the researchers four more robots. These smaller additions will allow the researchers to devise methods for deploying multiple observers. E-mail: latombe@cs.stanford.edu, or FAX: (650) 725-1449.
We looked at a number of sources to determine this year's greenest cars, from KBB to automotive trade magazines to environmental organizations. These 14 cars emerged as being great at either stretching fuel or reducing carbon footprint.
Researchers at MIT and Sandia National Labs have observed a reaction in lithium-air batteries that could help improve the design of these cells for electric vehicles and other applications.
From Dell / Intel® New Paradigms in Design Work Scott Hamilton, vertical market strategist for Dell Precision workstations, 5/2/2013 3
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A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
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