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Segway-Based Robot Opens Doors

Posted by simoniker on from the only-when-turned-on dept.

Roland Piquepaille writes "In this short article, Technology Review tells us that Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) researchers have built a new robot, named Cardea, which is able to push open doors and has the bottom half of a Segway scooter. Cardea will be five feet tall with a torso, three arms, a variety of sensors, and a human-like head with expressive features and vision, and mounted on a Segway base. More details and references are contained in this review which also includes several pictures. For even more details, go to the Cardea Project homepage."

6 of 158 comments (clear)

  1. Balance? by NatePWIII · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Just a dumb question, but if I remember correctly the regular segway works by having the operator balance it somewhat like a bicycle, hence the small learning curve to operate the Segway.

    So my question is, does this robot have some sort of balancing algorithm programmed into it so it doesn't fall flat on its face?

    --

    Nathaniel P. Wilkerson
    www.haidacarver.com
    1. Re:Balance? by ArbiterOne · · Score: 2, Interesting
      It works with a gyroscope in the base that tilts it back and forth so the center of gravity remains in the center.

      That's why you can lean forward on a Segway and still stay up.

  2. What else can it do ? by Mr+Europe · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Three arms and a "head". Two cameras. But what else can it do besides opening doors. The fact that it looks somehow human with it head eyes and hands is of course nice but finally more important is what is inside the head. Can it be commanded verbally ? Can it be taught simple tasks without programming ? I mean that opening a door is nothing today...

  3. Re:Battery life? by Blangopolis · · Score: 4, Interesting

    This robot's design is actually pretty cool. If you go to this site you will see a bunch of really cool pictures, and even a video about the Cardea. It has three arms, which may seem awkward at first, but actually it is a pretty ingenius design. The "extra" arm isn't really its own arm, it is more of an extension of the left arm that allows the Cardea to open doors and hold objects better.

  4. The Jetsons by Mr+Europe · · Score: 2, Interesting

    It somehow reminds me of the Rosie-robot from "The Jetsons" cartoons from the 60'ies and again in the 80'ies.
    If don't remember, check it here:
    http://www.cybercomm.nl/~ivo/photo_ROSIE.ht ml
    or
    http://www.jeffbots.com/rosie.html

  5. Re:Battery life? by skinfitz · · Score: 2, Interesting

    The issue was addressed in the Dr Who episode "Remembrance of the Daleks" where a Dalek was shown levitating up stairs.