Robots Use Environmental Clues to Build Structures

Robots Use Environmental Clues to Build Structures Robots Use Environmental Clues to Build Structures Robots Use Environmental Clues to Build Structures Beavers are widely known for their engineering ingenuity in building dams and water-protected lodges. Now researchers at the University at Buffalo have built a robot that mimics the way beavers draw cues from the surrounding environment to build structures. The idea is to make robots that can build on-the-fly structures by understanding undefined environments, as opposed to building structures based on pre-defined plans. With the help of an algorithm and sensory input, the robot determines the kind of structure to make and the best way to construct it. To make robots able to navigate unpredictable complex spaces, researchers turn to stigmergy, a biological phenomenon of indirect coordination of multiple animals working on the same project. Image: University at Buffalo It is currently very difficult for robots to operate reliably in cluttered, unstructured environments. This robot is designed to address the problem of mobility in such situations like disaster areas or remote areas, said Nils Napp, an assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at University at Buffalo. For You: Sensors Allow Robots to Feel Sensation The ability to adapt flexibly to challenging environments is important for robots that are intended to work in the field, such as helping rescuers in disaster areas. The robot built by Napps team has an external 3-D camera to evaluate surroundings, map the terrain, and collect metrics like height of an object. It also has an arm to pick up and deposit items. Future versions of the robot will have all the sensors on board, Napp said. This robot is designed to address the problem of mobility in such situations like disaster areas or remote areas. Prof. Nils Napp, University at Buffalo. The researchers used debris from an earthquake testing facility and natural rocks in test scenarios for the robot. The robot does not work with actual rocks and real-world clutter, but the goal is to get a degree of understanding on how the robot would scale to a human-sized system. The building material is compliant bags, Napp said. We use them because they conform to the environment so we can use them over pretty cluttered areas. The ultimate goal is to develop teams of robots that can work together autonomously and interact with the environment in real time to build structures in places that are otherwise inaccessible to human workers. Read More: Weed-Fighting Robots Could Replace Spraying These Robots Kill Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Robot Helps People Get Dressed