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by Stephanie Neil, MA Editorial Staff Posted on Monday, October 30, 2006 3:02:49 PM   | Abstract: | Microsoft debuts a Windows-based tool that allows for robotics development with less time spent writing code. |
Robots, once relegated to isolated work cells on the factory floor, will soon be breaking out of their simplistic pick-and-place tasks to become a more integral part of the assembly line. They also will be morphing into smaller, more flexible versions that will find their way into new industrial applications in the field. Case in point: KUKA Robotics (Clinton Township, MI) has designed a caterpillar-like, lightweight robot with 14 axis points that can be controlled with a joystick. While just a prototype, it has potential for use in the mining industry to change out bolts on a grinder used to dig tunnels. Another company, CoroWare Inc. (Bellevue, WA), created a mobile robot with RFID sensors and a camera that can be used to patrol high-security premises. And Robosoft SA (Bidart, France) recently demonstrated a six-wheeled, autonomous robot capable of navigating rough terrain. [Click to continue] |