Archive for automation

RoboCar – Autobots Roll Out!

If by some unexplained cosmic phenomena (let us say – ZMP) mystically managed to cross an open sourced Knight Industries Two Thousand (KITT) from Knight Rider with a crash test dummy, then RoboCar will be the product. This cute little intelligent Linux based bugger is designed and made by ZMP – a renowned robotics company based in Tokyo, Japan, to test autonomous auto technologies. It means that before putting untested AI or automations on a 3 digit horsepower vehicle, it is better to test their algorithms and program instruction on this adorable 6 pound little model. It is probably safer and least expensive too. Although it would be fun putting a “brain” on a Dodge Viper and watch it say “I am Cobra, I have horsepower!” in an Austrian oak like voice.

linux robocar

This 17 inches robot car, albeit small, has features that only you can dream of for your own automobile. Say for instance a top of the line CPU in the form of AMD Geode LX800 processor. Now for what is “under the hood”, RoboCar has WiFi 802.11b/g/n, stereo CCD cameras, eight infrared sensors, three accelerometers, a gyroscope, and a laser range finder. Basically, all the toppings and trimmings you would need in a robotic test car. Initial price is around $7000 and is limited to only 200 units this year. If cars, AI and David Hasselhoff is your thing then save up and get in the line early.

For more about robots and other related products, visit this website.

A “Trauma Pod” A Robot in a Robotic trauma room save Soldiers lives.

The robotic technology used to perform a totally unmanned surgical procedure is their major hurdle. A human surgeon will be the actual conductor from a remote location, utilizing a system of surgical manipulators through wireless connection. A level of automation is needed to assist the surgeon during all phases of any surgical procedures. There will also be a robotic scrub nurse available to lend assistance or care for other patients.

A supply robot system SDS (Supply Dispensing System) is included in the “Trauma Pod”. It will dispense medications and supplies, as well as dispose of used supplies in a medical waste container. General Dynamics Robotic Systems have come up with several plans for this idea, which include SCMS (Supply Chain Management System) to assist with issuing and restocking orders.

SRI has the reputation to create and produce this technological idea. In the late 1980’s it was their da Vinci prototype that was approved by the FDA for use in general laparoscopic surgery. The da Vinci project was originally funded by the Army with the idea of a robotic system for battlefield medical assistance. They expect a prototype to be in effect in the next year hopefully speeding up the application of this needed technology.

For more information you can go to the SRI website at:

http://www.sri.com