At a robotics conference in Amsterdam technical universities from around the world unveiled, wait for it, wait for it, robots that reach new levels of human/robot interaction. The robots were built using Lego robotics parts and run software from National Instruments. The first place winner was the Phobot, built by students at the University of Amsterdam.
Here's a little more about the little Phobot from the Washington Post
The second place robot was the Korean Pot Bot, a little robot who lets you know when your potted plants need water and where you can find the best light for them. I know what you were thinking - Amsterdam, Pot Bot...sorry to let you down.
While cowardly robots are all well and good, I'm still waiting for my R2-D2. I mean, who wouldn't want a sassy little robot who can fly a spaceship, do repairs, unlock doors and serve drinks?
Here's a little more about the little Phobot from the Washington Post
When first exposed to a fear-inspiring object - in this case, a menacing larger robot - the Phobot retreats and then spins in circles. It overcomes its "fear" by getting comfortable with small robots and working its way up to large ones - mimicking the psychological principle of "graded exposure."The idea is that the robot could help people, probably children, to overcome their fears by having a robo-buddy going through it with them. Personally, I like the idea of seeing a robot run away in fear of something seemingly inane. Like pickles.
The second place robot was the Korean Pot Bot, a little robot who lets you know when your potted plants need water and where you can find the best light for them. I know what you were thinking - Amsterdam, Pot Bot...sorry to let you down.
While cowardly robots are all well and good, I'm still waiting for my R2-D2. I mean, who wouldn't want a sassy little robot who can fly a spaceship, do repairs, unlock doors and serve drinks?
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