Archives for June 11, 2009

Robot Scouts May Assist Humans in the Exploration of the Moon

Robots have been the trailblazers in space exploration.  In particular, Ranger, Surveyor, and the Lunar Orbiters paved the way to the lunar landings in the Apollo Program.  Now, tests are planned to see if robot scouts can aid human explorers on future missions to the Moon.  What these current and future robots will do that sets them apart from the earlier machines is that they will work closely with the humans on the moon’s surface. 

During Apollo surface operations, the astronauts did recon and geological exploration at the same time.  In the return to the Moon around 2020, robots will be tasked to reconnaissance.  This should make the astronauts work more productive.  During the upcoming testing of the K10, researchers hope to show that robots can increase the science return of the human missions.  Check out the article at the link below for more information.

K10 Rover

Credit: NASA Image

K10 Rover during testing on Devon Island at the Haughton Mars Project Research Station in July 2007.  Robotic Recon experiment will investigate how robots can improve the productivity and science return of human missions. Why …

Robotic Reconnaissance May Improve Human Exploration of the Moon – SpaceRef
Thu, 11 Jun 2009 19:37:00 GMT

Robots Are Really Cooking Now

Robot chef 2

Photo Credit:  The Sun

Industry and the military have been two of the biggest users of robots.  Now
it is time for robots to move into the home in a big way.  Sure, robot vacuums
have been used in many homes for years, but there is a real need to see robots
in more common roles.  Robots need to be able to perform such tasks as cooking
and security.  Now the Japanese have created robots that can cook pancakes,
prepare sushi, and chop vegetables.  Check out the article link below for the
story from Reuters
It includes video of the robot cooking Japanese pancakes.

Robots will be moving into American homes to perform many tasks.  Mostly, I
believe, these robots will be used by an aging population.  These machines will
allow older people to remain in their homes and not have to go to nursing
homes.  See the second article for the complete story.

These two stories are related by the common theme of robots moving into the
home.  In the very near future robots will not only do routine jobs around the
house–they will be a valuable companion.

Japan
prepares robots to take over the kitchen

"We all know that robots can be very useful. We want to take that utility out
of the factory so that they can be used elsewhere," said Narito Hosomi,
president of Toyo Riki, manufacturers of the pancake-cooking
robot.

Japan
prepares robots to take over the kitchen

Wed
Jun 10, 2009 6:28am EDT

Robots
are a man's best friend

KIVI-TV, ID
Yet the idea of robots conjures
images of aliens descending from the mothership rather than utilitarian
efficiency. But get ready, because robotics are coming to the American household
full force. Oh, they're already here, of course, in industrial and

Robots
are a man's best friend – KIVI-TV

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:49:07 GMT

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