Robotic breakthroughs
From
robots that detect radiation to
bots that recover missing bodies, scientists around the world are pushing the technology behind
robotics to amazing heights. See our list of incredible breakthroughs.
Robots find missing bodiesA team of underwater robots (or
AUV) played a critical role recently in locating wreckage and missing bodies from an
air disaster that occurred almost two years ago in the Atlantic Ocean. Bodies and debris were found off the coast of a
South American country.
Radiation-detecting robotsGermany and the
United States have plans to send
radiation-hardened robots to
Japan in hopes of controlling potential radiation leaks from the country's nuclear power plants that were damaged in the recent devastating
earthquake and
tsunami.
Human-like robotsIt's so real, it's scary. From a
scolding teacher robot to an
incredibly realistic man-bot (
who is it built to look like?), scientists are creating mechanical devices that can eerily mimic human behavior and speak several languages. Remember
this realistic bot?
ADAM robot scientistDa Vinci robotRobot birdsThis company has created a sort of cyborg seagull called SmartBirds that fly and flap their wings using motor controls inside the torso (
see them up close). They can take off and land without assistance.
DomoThe assistive robot Domo brings up visions of a chore-doing robotic housekeeper from a
classic TV series -- except this one is real, sort of. It was developed by a
private research university in part to assist the elderly with simple tasks.
ASIMOIts maker touts ASIMO (
what does it stand for?) as the "world's most advanced humanoid robot." Resembling an astronaut wearing a backpack, it celebrated a
milestone birthday last year.
Crime-fighting robotsOne sheriff in a
Western state is seeking funding to purchase a hand-held robot that can be used in hostage situations or other dangerous law predicaments.
Throwable iRobot
The
iRobot 110 FirstLook spy bot, unveiled this month, is designed to be dropped (
how far?) in confined spaces to observe and investigate dangerous situations.
REETI robotA desktop robot (
what country created it?) called REETI allows users to program emotions and facial expressions.
Couple married by robotThis
earthquake-damaged country held the first wedding to be
conducted by a robot. I-Fairy united Tomohiro Shibata and Satoko Inoue last year with its tinny voice.
Tennis robotsSure, a lot of robots can play chess (
watch them play), but not all of them can hone their tennis skills. Scientists have created floating platforms that can bounce a ball in the air between them.
Robot chefsWhether taking orders, cooking or filling bowls, fully autonomous robots act as chef and assistant in a restaurant in
this country.
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