Lecture Notes on Future Robots and Their Designs

Introduction

• Common perception of robots: humanoid and metallic (e.g., Boston Dynamics).
• Future robots may be:
  • Softer, flexible, and diverse in shapes.
  • Safer for human interaction.

Video Compilation Overview

• This lecture is a compilation of previous discussions on robot designs.
• Collaboration with Dr. Elliot Hawkes on robot advancements.

Robot Design and Safety

• Importance of making robots safe for human interaction:
  • Avoid sharp, heavy designs.
  • Examples:
    • Soft robots like Baymax from "Big Hero 6".
• Non-humanoid robots offer advantages:
  • Specialized for tasks beyond human capabilities.
  • Examples of new capabilities:
    • A robot that can grow in size without being hampered by adhesives or spikes.

Case Study: Jumping Robots

• Dr. Hawkes discusses new designs in jumping robots:
  • A novel jumping project not using springs.
  • Aiming for better performance than previous designs.

Advantages of Non-Humanoid Robots

• Non-humanoid robots can:
  • Grow and navigate through tight spaces.
  • Continue functioning even if punctured.
• Applications:
  • Search and rescue operations.
  • Exploration of archaeological sites (e.g., Peru).

Intubation Innovations with Robots

• Use of vine robots to assist in medical intubation:
  • Aim to make intubation faster and safer.
  • Possible use in emergency medical situations.
• Trials show promising results in rapid intubation.

Applications in Space Exploration

• Soft robots can be deployed in environments unsuitable for traditional robots:
  • Ability to navigate through sand, soil, and other materials.
  • Ideal for NASA’s exploration missions (e.g., Mars).

Micromouse Robotics Competition

• Overview of the Micromouse competition:
  • Autonomous robots designed to solve mazes.
  • Strategies include:
    • Depth-first search
    • Breadth-first search
    • Flood-fill algorithm for optimum pathfinding.
• Historical significance and evolution of the competition:
  • Innovations like diagonal movement.
  • Continued relevance and increasing complexity of challenges.

Innovations in Micromouse Design

• Technological advancements in micromice:
  • Implementation of infrared sensors and gyroscopes.
  • Use of propellers for added control and speed.
• Importance of flexibility and adaptability in design.

Future Directions in Robotics

• Moving towards specialized robots instead of multipurpose humanoids:
  • Example: Roomba as a widely accepted specialized robot.
• Soft robotics offer:
  • Enhanced safety and interaction with humans.
  • Versatile applications across various fields (e.g., medical, space, rescue).

Conclusion

• The future of robotics lies in specialized designs that prioritize functionality over humanoid forms.
• Potential for robots to integrate seamlessly into everyday life, enhancing capabilities without replicating human form.