I’m glad to see that other folks are thinking that robots would be a great answer to the apparent problems relating to mining operations. The National Mining Association recently appointed Dr. Larry Grayson of the University of Missouri-Rolla Mine Engineering Department as, "the director of a commission to study how new technologies, procedures, and training can improve safety in underground mines."

It still astounds me that, even with the prevalence of rescue robots, the mining industry hasn’t embraced them as "must have" tools for the trade. Robots can go, sense, and react to situations that would kill humans. According to the National Geographic article,


Dr. Grayson, has proposed several solutions, including, mine radio communication systems that are hardened against cave-ins, mine-wide gas and pressure sensors.  But, still no explicit use of robotics.

The IEEE Robotics and Automation Society has a website listing various research groups and companies working on mining robots.

[Via NXTBot]


(more…)

Don’t like the thought of a shiney metal arm pounding on your flesh? Well, neither do I. However, a company called Meilus Muscular Therapy & Sports, Inc. thinks it’s a good idea Their Therbo Robots are called,
 
Yea, we know. That sentance doesn’t make sense. Yet another reason for me to be very afraid of the Meilus Therbo Automatic Robot. The robot, "… is equipped with titanium prongs on a robotic arm covered in black plastic." Perish the thought.



(more…)

The Grand Rapids Press has a review of the Scribbler robot. 

The inherent geek-cool factor is what attracted me to the Scribbler. But after an hour of testing, the benefits were obvious: Programming and using the Scribbler do indeed provide the stereotypical hours of fun for the whole family.

The review is light on the tech, so after you get interested in the robot check out the Scribbler website. There you will find that the robot has three light sensors, IR object dectectors, IR line following sensors, and motor stall sensors.

(more…)

Here is a link that recently came to our attention: Crab Fu Steam Toys! If you have ever wondered what would happen if a Gakken Mechamo Centipede or Mechamo Crab was crossed with a steam engine, Crab Fu shows the way. There are videos of these creations in action.

As an aside, the downside of the Mechamo Crab is its inability to turn. Crab Fu works around this by using two kits, one on each side. These are independently articulated and turning is accomplished by skid or tank-style. This same technique could of course be used in an electric-powered robot. So if anyone was considering building a rather large 12-legged crab, here’s your chance.

(Thanks to Adi Shavit for the link.)

(more…)

As Spirit continues to roam Mars ahead of the coming Martian winter, news comes in that the Nasa rovers are starring in an IMAX movie.

The 40-minute film, "Roving Mars," is the story of the journey of the rovers Spirit and Opportunity — as well as the journey of their creators.

(more…)