Robots

A robot is a machine—especially one programmable by a computer—capable of carrying out a complex series of actions automatically. A robot can be guided by an external control device, or the control may be embedded within. Robots may be constructed to evoke human form, but most robots are task-performing machines, designed with an emphasis on stark functionality, rather than expressive aesthetics.

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Cyborgs Advanced Robots

Anyone who has seen the classic movie Terminator has most likely wondered if such cyborgs could potentially be created. While there is already the potential for  software and hardware that could become self-learning, the question remains as to whether or not we have the power to develop cyborgs that could turn on, disregard, and even …

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Jumping Spiderbot

When it comes to deciding on a form of locomotion for their creations, roboticists have plenty of options to choose from. While many go for the tried and tested tank-like tracks or wheels, nature is also a veritable treasure trove of inspiration. That’s just where Fraunhofer researchers have turned with a new eight-legged robot modeled …

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DARPA’s Phoenix Program

Satellites that reach the end of their useful lives are often boosted into a “graveyard” orbit in order to make way for replacements. Now, DARPA has proposed a grave-robbing robot that could stitch together parts from these dead satellites to create new ones, avoiding the huge expense of launching components into space. DARPA’s Phoenix program …

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The Eyeborg

When he was nine years old, Toronto film-maker Rob Spence received a severe injury to his right eye in a shotgun accident. After a period of hiding the aftermath under an eyepatch, six years ago he had the eye replaced with a prosthesis. Being a visual artist, however, he had an idea – instead of …

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Exoskeleton

The human body is unsurpassed in the complexity of its design, performance and efficiency, but there are definite limitations to what we can achieve with a frame that’s around 6ft high – we can only carry so much weight, jump so far or run so fast before we reach our physical boundary. Machines that overcome …

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Big Dog

New Robotic Pack Animal Big Dog uses a system of hyper-responsive hydraulic joints, sensors, accelerometers and gyroscopes to keep it on its four legs. Boston Dynamics says the creature can run at 4 mph, climb slopes up to 35 degrees, walk across a wide range of terrain, and carry 340 pounds. It’s designed to go …

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