NASA’s JPL is currently exploring an innovative robotic concept called SPARROW (Steam Propelled Autonomous Retrieval Robot for Ocean Worlds) that would would use steam propulsion to hop across of icy terrains like that on Jupiter’s moon Europa. This moon is speculated to have massive subsurface oceans of salty water under a thick ice crust.
Erica, an AI-powered robot, has been cast in a $70-million science fiction movie titled “b.” The story follows a scientist who discovers dangers associated with a program he created to perfect human DNA and attempts to help the artificially intelligent woman he designed, escape. This robot was created in a joint project Japanese scientists Hiroshi Ishiguro and Kohei Ogawa.
Black Mirror fans probably know about the robotic dog featured in the fifth episode, titled “Metalhead,” as they were inspired by Boston Dynamics’ robots such as BigDog. Well, a group of college students decided to build a miniaturized version for less than $900, and it’s called “Stanford Pupper”. All it took was a 3D printer, Sony PlayStation controller and other easy to obtain parts.
Milrem Robotics partnered with InnoVfoam, the specialist in foam extinguishing technology, to develop robotic firefighting systems that can assist or even replace firefighters in the most dangerous environments. Their first project combines Milrem Robotics’ unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) Multiscope Rescue with InnoVfoam’s various firefighting systems, specifically foam proportioning systems and fire monitors.
Photo credit: Gaetano De Cicco
It’s only a matter of time before humans welcome autonomous robotic pets into their homes, and the Samsung M-1 just might be the first. Rather than a normal head, it comes equipped with an interactive LED screen of sorts that can display various expressions and / or notifications. Since the central computing unit runs off an artificial intelligence system, it automatically learns new tasks and adapts to your lifestyle.