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The latest version of Readybot, designed as a proof-of-concept, demonstrates how much work a general-purpose, moderate-dexterity robotmade of simple, common materials can accomplish. āPeople ask what will be the breakthrough application for consumer roboticsā comments Tom Benson, team leader, āwe think people want a robot that can clean the kitchen.ā Readybot is composed of a white enamel box with wheels, antenna-like cameras, and two human-sized arms. Although it is quite compact, this robot steadily raises itself up to human height when activated, so it can reach most kitchen closets and surfaces. In addition, the robot is equipped with several custom tools, which can be used for cleaning purposes. The Readybot moves very slowly, and therefore, does not pose a risk to pets, small children, or to people of any age who are in its proximity. A short video of Readybot in action can be seen here.
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The Readybot uses commonly available software, with combined autonomous and tele-operated control. The software is based on practical artificial intelligence techniques, which were derived from past applications. āWe combined several off-the-shelf or shareware algorithms to control the movement and localization of the robot in the room, and to recognize and determine action for the objects on the tabletop. These components are linked into a custom-written robot, arm, and object (RAO) operating system.ā
Judging from the demonstration, the Readybot still has a long way to go before it will be able to relieve us of our household chores. However, there is no doubt that this is a significant step in the right direction.
TFOT recently covered other robots that were developed to assist humans in performing various tasks. These included JPL Roboticsā Lemur (Limbed Excursion Mechanical Utility Robots), which was designed to address maintenance issues on Spacecrafts and Space stations, OmniTread ā a snake-like robot capable of climbing high vertical obstacles such as stairs, and āBigDogā ā a four legged robotic mule designed to carry equipment and supplies for military ground forces, even when moving across rough terrains.
More information on the Readybot can be found on the official Readybot Challenge website.
