Surgical Robots

Here's an interesting story about a new generation of surgical robots:

http://theinstitute.ieee.org/technology-focus/technology-topic/the-next-generation

Today was the 6th and final class meeting for Robotics for Grandparents 2012.  Four die-hard students came today for the wrap-up, and heard Mike Henry, a Senior Mentor for FIRST, give an enthusiastic presentation on the present and future of youth robotics programs in San Antonio.  Mike brought small robots from First Lego League and VEX robotics.  Thanks to Mike for taking time for our class.

Robocars in California!

Robotic (autonomous) cars are now legal in California.  I wonder if they will go in for oil changes at 3000 miles?

http://arstechnica.com/business/2012/09/robot-cars-now-officially-legal-in-california/

Mind controls robotic arm

This is amazing! 

http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2012/05/thoughts-control-robotic-arm/

As the article says and the video demonstrates, this is the most complex task ever performed through a brain-computer interface.

A new DARPA challenge

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has announced a new robotics challenge.

The goal of the new program is to “develop ground robotic capabilities to execute complex tasks in dangerous, degraded, human-engineered environments.” Key robotic technologies the program aims to advance include “supervised autonomy, mounted mobility, dismounted mobility, dexterity, strength, and platform endurance.”

Read more here:

http://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/humanoids/darpa-robotics-challenge-here-are-the-official-details/?utm_source=roboticsnews&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=041712

Note that there is a $2 million prize at the end of this particular rainbow.