Research Seeks to Replace Service Dogs With Robots
By Johnson, Colin; EETimes,Publication Date: October 28, 2008
Article describes a robot that can perform the same tasks as a service dog. In light of the expense of, and the growing demand for, service dogs, the robot is seen as a promising alternative. In development at Georgia Tech’s Department of Biomedical Engineering, the robot is operated by a combination of a laser pointer and verbal commands. Researchers studied the work of service dogs to create a robot that can assist disabled people with tasks such as fetching medications and opening drawers and doors. The initial prototype used off-the-shelf robotic components combined with a custom manipulator that emulates a dog’s mouth. To enable service dogs to open doors and drawers, towels are often attached to door knobs and drawer handles. By designing a robotic manipulator with a camera to zero in on the towels, and sensors to measure the pressure needed to grip them, the robot is able to perform the same tasks as a service dog.
Published by: CMP Media LLC (Website:http://www.cmp.com)
Link to text: http://www.eetimes.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=211601091
