March 2009

Software Fits Flexible Components

Robotics

Can the newly designed dashboard be easily installed? What paths should the assembly robot take so that the cables do not hit against the car body? A new software program simulates assembly paths and also factors in the pliability of components.

Swimming Pool Game 'Marco Polo' Used To Develop Robot Control

Robotics

Scientists have used a popular kids swimming pool game to guide their development of a system for controlling moving robots that can autonomously detect and capture other moving targets.

Wag The Robot? Robot Responds To Human Gestures

Robotics

Researchers have demonstrated how a robot can follow human gestures in a variety of environments -- indoors and outside -- without adjusting for lighting. The achievement is an important step forward in the quest to build fully autonomous robots as partners for human endeavors.