A lot of research has already been done to create maps robots can use to navigate a given area, such as estimating the distance between themselves and nearby walls, and planning routes around obstacles, said Fallon. But these maps are developed mostly for a single, one-time use, and can't be adjusted to changing surroundings over time. "If you see objects that were not there previously, it is difficult for a robot to incorporate that into its map," he said.
The team also includes John J. Leonard, professor of mechanical and ocean engineering, and graduate student Hordur Johannsson.
The team previously tested the approach on robots that were equipped with expensive laser scanners, but have since implemented it with a Kinect-type camera in a robotic wheelchair, a portable sensor suit, and a PR2 robot developed by Willow Garage. On these devices, the system can continuously locate the robotic hardware within a 3D map of its surroundings while traveling at speeds of up to 1.5 meters per second.
The Kinect sensor's visible-light video camera and infrared depth sensor scan the robot's surroundings as it moves through a new, unexplored area, while the robot builds up a 3D model of the walls of a room and the objects within it. Map details can include location information about the edges of walls and objects within the walls.
When the robot visits the same area again, the system compares the previous images it has taken with the features of the new image it creates until it detects a match. Once the system has decided on its location, any new features it encounters since it took the previous picture of that location are incorporated into the map by combining new and old images.
While the system is making and updating maps, it is also continuously estimating the robot’s motion by measuring the distance its wheels have rotated, with onboard sensors. The system can determine the robot's position within a building by combining the motion data with visual information from the camera and depth sensor, which also serves as a form of error correction, said Fallon.
Ann, A similar industrial application is mobile robots designed to integrate into warehouse management , scheduling and inventory control systems. The robots are designed to do sophisticated, autonomous behaviors, navigation and localization without having a robot assist or programmer involved by using natural, features-based autonomous navigation and localization to eliminate the need to install lines or beacons used with other AGV solutions. The robots learn their location in a facility based on natural features, learning the facility layout by looking at walls, parts of the factory or the ceiling in a dynamic space like a warehouse. Because they don't require beacons or lines in the floor, it reduces the upfront cost of the system. I believe the systems are used to transport finished auto tires in large warehouse facilities. Definitely lots of innovations in robotics that go beyond traditional applications.
What's been happening for several years is all kinds of apps and industries leveraging the high volumes--and therefore relatively low prices--of off-the-shelf consumer and commercial hardware and software.This has certainly operated in the military for awhile now, and has begun influencing machine vision, and to some extent now automation & control, more recently. The pace has really picked up recently with the convergence of multiple technologies at the chip and board levels--witness Kinect--and with multi-core processors.
Chuck, that video went viral in about a week after it was posted. Although I think much of that is due to the cute and/or novelty factor, I also think much of the engineering appeal will be wondering how they are synchronized in yet another form of swarming behavior.
This is interesting TJ, the ethics question came to me also, although I was thinking more during war time. I think we have all seen videos of enemy soldiers trying to surrender to drones - before they get blown up.
The influx of robots in war raises a unique moral question about surrendering to a mechanical entity that a human is monitoring.
I've been hearing a lot about the Kinect motion system in simulation and other types of 3D apps as well. It seems like another one of those instances where consumer technology is influencing the development of commercial/business applications, which is interesting.
Thanks, Alex. Yes, I was intrigued to discover that robots are all over the place: they're not just for industry anymore, although that's their largest area of concentration. They are in medicine and healthcare, outer space, used by the military in the air and on the ground, and are learning to do all kinds of new things like navigate autonomously in a novel environment, fly in formation in swarms, build structures and even play in concert:
What I'm getting from your recent spate of apps stories, Ann, is that robotics apps are extending their arms, so to speak, well beyond the straight industrial arena in which I already assumed they were in heavy use. But there seem to be numerous medical, mil, and other apps of which I'd been unaware. Very interesting.
TJ, I agree with you about the unexpected uses of technology innovations. In the case of the Kinect camera/sensor system for this robot app, note that the team also implemented their approach with the Kinect system in a robotic wheelchair and a portable sensor suit, in addition to the PR2 platform.
naperlou, I was also interested to see the Kinect motion sensing camera/system used in aiding with 3D mapmaking. To me, when I read this it was one of those "of course" moments. The team also used laser scanners in a previous rev of this project.
By refining topologies and using new fluid technology, Moog's new peak sine drive controller increases available power without increasing controller volume.
Lantronix Inc. has expanded its line of controllers for sensor networks with the release of a rugged controller that improves management of automation systems used in a number of industries, including manufacturing, oil and gas, and chemicals.
Inspired by the hooks a parasitic worm uses to penetrate its host's intestines, the Karp Lab has invented a flexible adhesive patch covered with microneedles that adheres well to wet, soft tissues, but doesn't cause damage when removed.
From Dell / Intel® New Paradigms in Design Work Scott Hamilton, vertical market strategist for Dell Precision workstations, 5/2/2013 3
Early in my career, I worked as a draftsman and remember the days of drawing on vellum with numbered pencils and Mylar with plastic lead. This was a fun experience in the sense that I ...
I've been using workstations for more than 10 years and love finding ways to get more performance from my system. With demanding professional applications that require more power each ...
A lasting memory from my first job as an engineer in an auto assembly plant is standing on hard concrete at six in the morning, vending-machine coffee clutched in hand, listening to ...
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
To save this item to your list of favorite Design News content so you can find it later in your Profile page, click the "Save It" button next to the item.
If you found this interesting or useful, please use the links to the services below to share it with other readers. You will need a free account with each service to share an item via that service.
Tweet This
7 
