The Construction Robot is built to remove heavy debris, as well as perform high risk construction, while an attached drone gives it enhanced aerial vision.
Credit: Image courtesy of Tohoku University
New and improved rescue robots tough enough to function in extreme and hostile environments were unveiled recently at a demonstration at Tohoku University, Japan.
The third public demonstration of the Tough Robotics Challenge project was held over two days in June at Tohoku University's Aobayama Campus.
The TRC is part of the Japanese government's "Impulsing Paradigm Change through Disruptive Technologies Program" (ImPACT) aimed at developing remote autonomous robots that are tough enough to support humans in extreme and hostile disaster environments. Many of these robots are expected to play a big role in future search and rescue operations, especially after large-scale disasters.
Science Daily: Tough robots making an ImPACT
That looks like industrial commitment to lifesaver robos and let's see what Grandma thinks about this new technology.
Ed: you're old enough to be a Grandpa
Yah and Grandma looks kind of hot. You don't want to play this game, son.
There's apparently substantial commitment from the government of Japan in backing it so this looks like an HPE, Roger Dodger.
Roger: HPE?
High Probability Event
Here's some forecasting of the immediate future but all based on real-time achievements.
Tohoku University is one of several institutes working on the Construction Robot in collaboration with project leader Osaka University and Komatsu Co. ltd.
Other robots shown in the second demonstration session included the cyber rescue canines, a climbing legged robot, as well as versatile and high functioning drones.
The drones have already been particularly successful in recent rescue and recovery efforts, providing useful overview data in the aftermath of last year's Kumamoto earthquake and the Hiroshima landslide.
"We've produced many more outcomes than I expected, with five types of robot platforms that have good capabilities performing well," said Tadokoro, who is also the program manager of the ImPACT-TRC program. "Several robots and robot components are already being tested in industrial and disaster environments, and we are optimistic about the collaborative works that we have started with our industrial partners."
The five-year project is expected to continue through 2018.
- SD
I'm picking up a whole lot of interest in the Future so long as it's believable and, well, these cats are doin' it right now. I know Socialists are often portrayed as doom & gloom death merchants but that's so completely not it. We do believe this comes ... and we want to fuckin' see it although ideally not these ones since that would mean some horrible disaster took place.
These will have to be some smart AI robos since going through any ordered system is easy and predictable but going through the chaos of a disaster will take some sharp and intuitive thinking.
Here's your bonus robo article since it's germane.
Scientists at the University of Hertfordshire in the UK have developed a concept called Empowerment to help robots to protect and serve humans, while keeping themselves safe.
Robots are becoming more common in our homes and workplaces and this looks set to continue. Many robots will have to interact with humans in unpredictable situations. For example, self-driving cars need to keep their occupants safe, while protecting the car from damage. Robots caring for the elderly will need to adapt to complex situations and respond to their owners' needs.
Science Daily: Empowering robots for ethical behavior
Pop quiz: you're an AI robo going through a disaster area. There are two people seriously injured but you can't tell how badly. Which one do you rescue and why?
Ed: even humans fall apart on a question like that
All the more reason to know what the AI robo will do, mate. Consider the possibility maybe they handle it better.
Note: we know this dances with Asimov's Laws of Robotics but set that aside for now. That aspect remains true but still sci fi whereas the researchers are building these robos right now.
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