Robotics is the branch of technology that deals with the design, construction, operation and application of robots and computer systems for their control, sensory feedback, and information processing. These technologies deal with automated machines that can take the place of humans, in hazardous or manufacturing processes, or simply just resemble humans. Many of today’s robots are inspired by nature contributing to the field of bio-inspired robotics.
Watch robots come to life with this New Year Hip Hop greeting from Technion to its friends and colleagues around the world.
The creation of machines that could operate autonomously dates back to classical times, but research into the functionality and potential uses of robots did not grow substantially until the 20th century. Throughout history, robotics has been often seen to mimic human behavior, and often manage tasks in a similar fashion. Today, robotics is a rapidly growing field, as we continue to research, design, and build new robots that serve various practical purposes, whether domestically, commercially, or in search and rescue.
In 2012, Reuters reported that Intel will be collaborating with Technion scientists in research that could yield devices that even mimic the human brain by 2014 or 2015.
Many of the robotic solutions emerging around the world today can save lives, such as the micro robot marketed by the company Mazor, founded out of innovations from the laboratory of Technion Prof. Moshe Shoham. Yet beyond the first frontier of research, robots also offer a great way to inspire the upcoming generation with an interest in technology and ingenuity.
These future young engineers can be seen below receiving a class from RoboThespian™. As its name implies, RoboThespian is a dramatic actor robot complete with gestures, facial expressions and flirtatious eyes. This experimental live lesson was given in the framework of the project conducted by Prof. Igor Verner of the Technion’s Department of Education in Technology and Science and Dr. Takuya Hashimoto of Tokyo University of Science together with Alex Polishuk and Niv Krainer of MadaTech and Technion. RoboThespian™, produced by “Engineered Arts” of the UK, was bought two years ago by MadaTech for the robotics exhibition held there.
Watch the video below to see some of the Technion’s other robots in action. Students and Faculty members from Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science create these amazing robots in the Biorobotics and Biomechanics, Control and Robotic and Intelligent Systems laboratories.