Boston Dynamics: Dedicated to the Science and Art of How Things

Le Site des Robots, de la Robotique, des Exosquelettes et de leu Fabrication » ARCH 598 Summer 2011 information >> n-formations FABRICS // LATTICES // FIELDS This course is designed to introduce and explore computational design, algorithmic thinking, and digital manufacturing–both: the larger ramifications that emerging digital technologies and ideas are having architectural theory via readings, discussions, presentations; and the practical application of these ideas and tools through a series of hands-on, iterative modeling and fabrication assignments. Syllabus [PDF] 16 May // Monday Review of syllabus, course website + expectations. Arrange teams for reading presentations and aggregate system presentations. 18 May // Wednesday Grasshopper for Rhino Workshop (part one). 20 May // Friday Team-based presentations on the readings and selected aggregation systems.

Augmented reality robot brings us one step closer to 'Avatar' technology In the movie "Avatar," humans have developed technology that allows them to remotely control a genetically engineered alien body. Now new developments in augmented reality are bringing us eerily close to realizing that technology in the real world. Japanese researchers with Different Dimension Inc., a start-up company working on augmented reality, have invented a robot that can take on the appearance of any virtual or real character, which can potentially be controlled and animated remotely, reports Gizmag. Anyone present with the robot can then touch and physically interact with the virtual character as if they were really there. Technically these developments go beyond augmented reality — which is the projection of virtual information onto the real world — and ventures into a new realm called "mixed reality," which gives virtual objects a physical reality. You can see the technology in action in the following video:

MegaBots Inc - YouTube MegaBots Season 1 Trailer 295,532 views 1 month ago Team USA is BACK and it's getting ready to take on Team Japan in the world's first Giant Robot Duel! Subscribe to this channel to see the Duel, and watch as MegaBots prepares for the Giant Robot Duel by: destructively testing the Mk2, working with specialists like Howe & Howe Technologies and IHMC Robotics, studying human physiology and combat techniques, testing ludicrously large and powerful giant robot weapons, and generally designing, building, and testing the world's largest (16 ft tall), heaviest (10-ton), and most expensive ($2.5M) sports combat robot. Stay tuned for our first episode, which drops September 28th!

Robotics Robotics is the branch of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and computer science that deals with the design, construction, operation, and application of robots,[1] as well as computer systems for their control, sensory feedback, and information processing. These technologies deal with automated machines that can take the place of humans in dangerous environments or manufacturing processes, or resemble humans in appearance, behavior, and/or cognition. Many of today's robots are inspired by nature contributing to the field of bio-inspired robotics. The concept of creating machines that can operate autonomously dates back to classical times, but research into the functionality and potential uses of robots did not grow substantially until the 20th century.[2] Throughout history, robotics has been often seen to mimic human behavior, and often manage tasks in a similar fashion. Etymology[edit] History of robotics[edit] Robotic aspects[edit] Components[edit] Power source[edit]

Watch This Robotic Dog Throw Cinder Blocks With Its Head | Danger Room Updated, 5:23 p.m. Flesh-and-blood dogs merely fetch. The robotic pooch that Darpa funded can throw. Boston Dynamics’ BigDog started life as a headless four-legged robot capable of hauling soldiers’ gear along rough and uneven terrain. The BigDog’s upgrades and follow-on robots are expanding the boundaries of robotic motion, initially with cash from Darpa’s Tactical Technology Office. But the BigDog has some new tricks: like, um, throwing a cinderblock, as shown in the video above that Boston Dynamics released Thursday. Whereas once the BigDog disturbingly lacked anything topping off its torso, Boston Dynamics has attached a fifth appendage where a humanoid robot’s head should be. This is a new frontier for the BigDog. Update, 5:23 p.m.: I’ve changed the headline, since Darpa didn’t provide the add-on for the BigDog to throw anything.

KUKA Roboter PleoWorld: The Home of Pleo, the Robotic Baby Dinosaur from Innv Meet DARPA’s real-world Terminator, Atlas DARPA and Boston Dynamics, of BigDog, Petman, and Cheetah fame, have unveiled their most advanced humanoid robot yet: Atlas. At 6’2″ (188cm) and 330lbs (150kg), Atlas is incredibly imposing; with 28 hydraulically actuated joints, LIDAR and stereo vision, a beefy on-board computer, and some of the most advanced robotic limbs ever conceived, Atlas is remarkably human-like in its behavior. While Atlas is initially conceived as a disaster response robot, such as cleaning up and looking for survivors after a Fukushima-like disaster, it’s easy to imagine Atlas being the basis of a robotic army, supported by BigDog mules. As you can see in the photo above and the video below, Atlas is incredibly technologically advanced. With 28 hydraulic joints, Atlas can replicate almost every degree of human motion — or, in the case of the robot hands provided by iRobot and Sandia National Labs, surpass them. Boston Dynamics’ Atlas robot. The ostensible purpose of Atlas is disaster response.

Robotics - Lockheed Martin In the field of robotics, opportunity is endless and discovery is ongoing. Our robotic innovations could represent the answer to any number of challenges – from disaster response to deep space exploration. Whether it’s traversing inhospitable environments or avoiding man-made threats, the robotic advances we’re pioneering have the potential to keep soldiers and citizens connected in the safest way possible – with real-time data, information and imagery. Our goal is to keep soldiers and citizens safe. As a first-responder, the Atlas robot could work tirelessly to provide vital support in the aftermath of disaster as well as collect and provide real-time data for emergency crews. Our robotic solutions don’t necessarily replace humans; instead, they are working to achieve collaboration between a robot and its human operators. From urban neighborhoods to deep space, our systems can control and operate robots and unmanned vehicles.

RoMeLa No, Really, How Do We Keep Robots From Destroying Humans? In the demilitarized zone dividing North and South Korea, SGR-1 robots are on patrol, equipped with cameras and radar to detect intruders as well as speakers to warn them off. If that fails, they also carry machine guns and grenade launchers. In the U.S., the Home Exploring Robotic Butler can retrieve a book from a shelf, a meal from a microwave or a drink from the kitchen. In Japan, a seal-like robot called Paro provides companionship for seniors -- and seems to ease the effects of dementia. Over the next few decades, robots will become part of everyday life. Three challenges in particular need to be explored. Robot Warriors The first and most immediate is in warfare. At the same time, fully autonomous weapons -- those that are capable of making their own decisions about whether to attack or kill, without a human “in the loop” -- make us deeply uneasy. Yet bans on specific weapons systems -- such as military airplanes or submarines -- have almost never been effective in the past.