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Robotics and Cybernetics
One of the most important future applications of intelligent physical
robots is to assist people in their physical manipulation of the
world. Robots are being developed, even as we speak, to perform
surgical tasks in hospitals and assist patients with physical disabilities.
Research at many universities, including John Hopkins University,
will soon lead to the development of assistive robots for performing
every day tasks. The study of artificial intelligence has been ongoing
for decades.
Robotic Wheelchair
A new high-tech wheelchair that can easily traverse curbs, climb
stairs and is rugged enough to take riders onto the beach is being
developed by Johnson & Johnson. The motorized device, called
the Independence 3000 IBOT Transporter, could be available as early
as 2001. It will sell for at least $20,000 to $25,000.
Children and Robots
Have you noticed that children take to computers naturally, just
as if they were any other toys? Many adults struggle with computers
while kids are naturals. Who knows what computer-related inventions
will develop in the future as a result of a child's lifelong relationship
with one?
Apply the same concept to robots. Nowadays, children
can go into any national toy chain and buy a robot. Not only can
they buy a robot, they can build a robot. The Lego Company has made
popular children's toys for years—their latest includes robotic
kits. The kits still combine plastic building blocks, but now include
wheels and motors, switches, infrared sensors, and computer programming.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Media Lab holds
a design competition each year. See: http://el.www.media.mit.edu/elprojects.html
MIT invented a simple programming language called
Logo. A Logo is represented by an illustration of a turtle. Children
actually learn basic mathematical concepts by programming in Logo
that can be implemented with single keystrokes or switches.
Introduction to Robotics
Terrapin Software offers Introduction to Robotics—an introductory
robotics kit that includes everything you need to build a simple
robot. It includes a disk with special files to add robot commands
to Logos, an interface to attach to your computer's parallel or
serial port, and a buggy kit that can be constructed with a forklift.
Kids can choose a design and start building the buggy with blocks,
following simple, illustrated instructions, then attach it to the
interface, and attach that to the computer. When the Logo files
are loaded, kids are ready to control the buggy from the computer
by typing commands, just like moving a Logo on-screen turtle. Extra
blocks can build a larger robot. Using the motors and switches that
are included, you can program the buggy to pick up and carry packages!
(That sounds pretty close to assistive technology if you take it
out of the toy store and put it into a mobility aids center!)
Roamer
Kids can also learn to make a Roamer, an easy-to-use and friendly
robot. Children can touch, feel and follow the Logo turtle as it
moves about. It's easy to use, with a brightly colored touch pad,
featuring single keystroke commands. Roamer can also play music.
Pitch, duration and tempo add an extra dimension to any Logo lesson.
To learn all about Logo and Roamer, visit: http://www.terrapinlogo.com
Just as robots can be programmed to perform certain tasks, the development
of cybernetics is intended to allow humans to perform tasks through
their nervous systems and computer transmission. Imagine having
a microchip implanted in the human body that would send and receive
information via the nervous system and a computer-even over the
Internet!
Did you know that the information contained in
nerve impulses could be digitally recorded and re-used again? It's
a matter of degree. Sound like science fiction? Fiction may turn
into reality as scientists all over the world work out the details.
We are just learning how to manipulate this technology, however,
studies and experiments have been ongoing for years in the hopes
that one day a person could regain sense or movement.
Cybernetics would enable someone with a spinal
cord injury or a disease to move muscles previously cut off from
his or her central nervous system. Successful development could
restore sight or fine motor functioning. Taken a bit further, pain,
emotion, thought, and memory also could be harnessed. Humans could
potentially tap into memory banks of powerful computers!
It really sounds way out, but it actually follows a logical methodology
recognized by the scientific community, so while we won't hold our
collective breath, expect to see this field greatly expanded in
the future-along with its attendant controversy! For a practical
example of a cybernetics principle, see super voice recognition,
above.
Cybernetics pioneer, Dr. Kevin Warwick, professor
of Cybernetics at the University of Reading in the United Kingdom,
is such a believer in the value of cybernetics; he's using his own
body to implant a microchip that would correspond with a computer
for the possible transfer and manipulation of his own nerve impulses.
To learn more about Dr. Warwick's research, see Wired Magazine,
February 2000, or visit: www.cyber.rdg.ac.uk
For some time now, scientists have been trying to develop ways to
use the human body as a computer interface platform. In this 21st
century, already there are applications . . .
Think-A-Move, Ltd.
Think-A-Move explains how action-thoughts can be translated into
movement. For instance, the Think-A-Move InnerVoice™ technology
platform is actually a human-machine or a human-device interface
platform. It uses the capabilities of the human ear to act as a
highly effective output device.
From mobile phones and motorized wheelchairs,
to computers and robotic devices, this licensable technology has
wide-ranging applications. Read all about it here: http://www.think-a-move.com/howitworks.html
Note: Infinitec Inc. does not endorse or recommend
the above-mentioned products and has no liability for the results
of their use. Infinitec Inc. has received no consideration of any
type for featuring this product on this Web site. Images are used
with permission. The information offered herein is a summary; it
is not comprehensive and should be carefully evaluated by consumers
with the assistance of qualified professionals. The intention of
Infinitec Inc. is to offer consumers a brief overview of various
assistive technology devices and their applications.
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