ROBOT

ROBOT
 DK LONDON
Senior editor Steven Carton
Senior art editor Smiljka Surla
US Editor Jennette ElNaggar
US Executive editor Lori Cates Hand
Picture researcher Nic Dean
Photographer Ruth Jenkinson
Jacket designers Smiljka Surla, Surabhi Wadhwa-Gandhi
C O N
8 Foreword
Jacket editor Amelia Collins

THE RISE
Jacket design development manager Sophia MTT
Producer, pre-production Andy Hilliard
Senior producer Alex Bell
Managing editor Lisa Gillespie

OF ROBOTS
Managing art editor Owen Peyton Jones
Publisher Andrew Macintyre
Associate publishing director Liz Wheeler
Art director Karen Self
Design director Phil Ormerod
Publishing director Jonathan Metcalf 12 What Is a Robot?
DK DELHI
Senior editor Bharti Bedi 14 How Robots Work
Senior art editor Shreya Anand
Editors Charvi Arora, Aadithyan Mohan
Art editor Revati Anand
16 Ancient Automata
18 Advanced Automata
Assistant art editors Baibhav Parida, Srishti Arora
Jacket designer Juhi Sheth
Jackets editorial coordinator Priyanka Sharma
Senior DTP designer Harish Aggarwal
DTP designers Nand Kishor Acharya,
20 Rise of Real Robotics
Pawan Kumar, Vikram Singh
Managing jackets editor Saloni Singh
Pre-production manager Balwant Singh
22 Robots in Culture
Production manager Pankaj Sharma
Managing editor Kingshuk Ghoshal 24 Modern Robots
Managing art editor Govind Mittal

Written by Laura Buller, Clive Gifford, Andrea Mills

26 Types of Robot
Consultants Lucy Rogers, Michael Szollosy

First American Edition, 2018

Published in the United States by DK Publishing
345 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014

Copyright © 2018 Dorling Kindersley Limited

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Published in Great Britain by Dorling Kindersley Limited

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from the Library of Congress.
ISBN 978-1-4654-7584-8

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A WORLD OF IDEAS:
SEE ALL THERE IS TO KNOW

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T E N T S
IN THE AT WORK
HOME 52 LBR iiwa
30 MiRo 54 Baxter
32 SpotMini 56 Online Programming
34 Legs, Wheels, 58 Da Vinci Surgical System
and Tracks 60 Hard at Work
36 EXOTrainer 62 Offline Programming
38 Zenbo 64 Kilobots
40 Home Helpers
42 Wheelie 7
44 Cozmo
46 Robot
Intelligence
48 Leka
EVERYDAY
BOTS
70 Pepper
72 Gita
74 Higher Intelligence
76 iCub
80 Sophia
82 Robot World
84 YuMi
86 Robotic Kitchen
88 Zeno
90 NAO GOING TO
94 MegaBots
96 PARO
EXTREMES
104 OceanOne
98 BionicOpter
106 Sensors and Data
100 FFZERO1
108 BionicANTs
112 Octobot
114 Extreme Bots
116 eMotionButterflies
118 Unusual Moves
120 Eelume
124 BionicKangaroo
126 Acting on Data
128 RoboBees
 SPECIFICATION PANELS

HERO BOTS Each robot profile features some or all

of the specifications shown in this box.

132 Mars 2020

134 Finding a Way
136 Little Ripper Lifesaver ORIGIN
This indicates the country in which
138 Method-2 the robot was developed.

140 Danger Zones

142 Guardian™ S HEIGHT
The height of the robot
144 Chimp
148 Figuring Terrain
150 R5 Valkyrie POWER
This indicates the source of
power for the robot.

152 Glossary
156 Index MANUFACTURER

160 Acknowledgments This indicates the maker

of the robot.

DEVELOPED/RELEASED
This indicates the year in which
development work first began on
the robot, or when the robot was
commercially released.

WEIGHT
The weight of the robot

FEATURES
This includes the most characteristic
and noteworthy features of the robot.
FOREWORD
When I was a child, robots were machines of the future, found only in books, comics,
and movies. I remember being a robot at a costume party; I wore a cardboard box and
a lot of tinfoil. But robots are no longer for the future—they are here and now, and for
me, this is very exciting. Robots do not look how I imagined they would when I was
a child—there is less tinfoil. They can also do things I hadn’t imagined.

My favorite robot was a clockwork toy that waddled across the table. There are now so
many to choose from. If you could make a robot, what would it look like? How would it
move? Would it have wheels, tracks, or legs? Would it slither like a snake or swim like a
fish? Would it fly? Would it be able to see things we cannot see or smell things we cannot
smell? Would it be here among people or investigating areas we cannot go, like deep under
the ocean or visiting other planets? What does your favorite robot do? Does it need a
human to help it, or can it do everything for itself? Would you like to work with a robot?
Would you like one as a pet? As a friend?

This book helps to bring many of the jobs robots are doing for us now to life—from
exoskeletons that help people walk to machines that make dangerous or dirty work safer
for people. This book provides a comprehensive guide to the variety of today’s robots—in
size, complexity, and function. But it is not just a catalog of robot types. It also gives a good
understanding of how robots work, sense, move, and think.

Robots have come a long way since I was a child. But over the next few years, they are
going to improve further. They will become part of our everyday lives. To appreciate how
they do the amazing things that they do, how they work, and how they are designed and
controlled is of great benefit—both now and in the future.
OF ROBOTS
THE RISE
Robots have come a long way
from chunky pieces of wood and
metal powered by clockwork, to
complex machines that can move,
work, and even think autonomously.
Robots are as adept at making cars
on factory floors as they are helping
children do their homework. The
revolution is here.
12

WHAT IS
A ROBOT?
What do you think of when you think about robots? Maybe
Though not integral to a
robot’s function, decorations
such as this collar can be
used to personalize a bot.
you picture shiny humanoids with blinking lights and funny
voices. Perhaps you think of a giant assembly line controlled
by an all-robot crew. You might imagine robots as friendly BOT BASICS
A social robot, such as MiRo, is a
companions, or even slightly menacing machines. Robots are machine that is programmed by
simply computers that can sense, think, and move all on their humans. MiRo’s ability to sense,
think, and move are controlled
own. They come in various sizes, shapes, and intelligence
by an array of circuit boards.
levels and are designed for a wide range of tasks.

COLLAR

Circuit boards
control a robot’s
functions—from
movement, to
processors,
and sensors.

BLUETOOTH WHEEL DRIVE FOREBRAIN

INSIDE MODULE BOARD BOARD
BODY SHELL

NECK, LIFT, AND

Touch sensor YAW MOTORS
This sensor allows TAIL MOTOR
a robot to be CONTROL
sensitive to human
touch. MiRo will
respond when you
stroke its back.

SPINAL FRONT SENSOR

PROCESSOR ARRAY BOARD

THE FIRST ROBOTS WHAT DO ROBOTS DO? WHY USE ROBOTS?

Robots aren’t a modern invention. The first Robots can already do many of the things Robots are ideal for tasks that are too
one may have been created around 400 bce, humans can, and they are only getting dangerous, dull, or dirty for humans to do.
when the ancient Greek mathematician smarter and better. They can play, work, Robots do not get tired or bored but must
Archytas built a steam-powered flying pigeon. fix, build, and more. have clear instructions to do a task.
 13

Sensing
Interacting Robots collect the information they
Many robots, such as MiRo, use lights, need to make decisions via a range
movements, and a range of humanlike of devices called sensors. These
expressions to let people know how pick up all sorts of information,
they are feeling and what they are including light and images,
thinking. A robot’s sensors can guide sound, touch, pressure, and
its interactions with humans, too. location. MiRo’s ears turn to
detect the source of sound.

MiRo
Thinking
A robot gets its brain power
through various circuit boards. Each
one performs a job by processing
information and sending instructions
for an outcome. Some robots need
an Internet connection to “think,”
while others are more or less able
to make decisions on their own.

Connecting wires INSIDE

enable the parts of the MiRo’s BODY
robot to communicate
with each other.

CONNECTING WIRES

Moving
Most robots move about accurately,
FICTION TO FACT quickly, and smoothly on legs, wheels, or
Robots have inspired countless books tracks. Moving body parts such as arms,
and movies. In turn, the creative ideas heads, legs, and even wagging tails help bots
communicate and do various jobs. Robots may
of science-fiction (sci-fi) writers and
even use pressurized air or water to move.
moviemakers inspire many robot builders.
14

HOW ROBOTS
WORK
Most robots are made up of the same basic components. A typical
robot has a body to house its components, a way of moving, a sensory
system to collect information from its environment, a way of interacting
BODY STRUCTURE
with objects, a source of electrical power, and a computer “brain” to A robot’s body must be strong enough to
control everything. Depending on the robot’s task, these components protect its internal parts yet flexible enough
to move. Aside from these concerns, robots are
can be put together in many different ways, which gives rise to the not limited in their shape. They can be as small
great diversity of robots that we can see in the world today. as a single computer chip and larger than a
house. Some, such as this slithering snakebot,
are modeled on how particular animals move.

Robotic arms typically

have the mechanical
equivalent of a shoulder,
an elbow, and a wrist.

MOBILE BOTS
Some tasks require a robot to move about
using tracks, wheels, or legs. Mobile bots, like
this camera-carrying GroundBot, can explore
dangerous places, such as earthquake zones
or collapsed buildings, and power through
tricky terrain like mud, snow, and rain.
 15

SENSORY SYSTEM
Many robots, such as this therapy robot PARO,
have sensors that collect data and tell the
bot what is going on so that it can control its
behavior and respond appropriately. Some
sensors are familiar ones, like cameras and
motion and pressure devices. More complex
sensors may use infrared, ultrasound, or
lasers to collect information.

THE BRAINS BEHIND ROBOTS

A robot’s central processing unit, its computer “brain,”
carries out instructions and moves the robot. Yet most
robots can do only what they are programmed to do.
The real brains behind robots are roboticists. These
people design, build, and program bots, providing
the right instructions they need to do their jobs.
If that job changes, they can reprogram the robot. The built-in pressure sensors
can tell the robot’s “brain” how
hard it is holding something.

POWER UP!
A robot needs some sort of a power supply
to drive its actuators—the mechanical devices
that help it move. A robot might use batteries
or be plugged into a wall socket. It may even
be powered by air or fluid pressure. NASA’s
Mars rovers use onboard solar cells to
recharge their batteries.

The end effectors can

even grasp delicate
objects, such as a
glass bottle, without
damaging them.

HANDY HELPERS
Just as your arm moves your hand, a robot
arm moves an end effector—a special tool
such as a drill, surgical instrument, paint gun,
or welding blowtorch. Different jobs require
specific end effectors to carry out tasks such
as grasping and carrying things.
 16
Archaeologists have
recovered 82 fragments
of the mechanism,
buried on the seabed
MYTHICAL MONSTERS since around 80 bce. ANTIKYTHERA MECHANISM
The ancient Greeks told tales of Look closer at this crusty old rock
fantastic humanlike mechanical and you can spot gears with matching
creatures in their myths and triangular teeth and a ring divided
legends. One such tale featured into degrees. This is the Antikythera
Talos, a giant bronze man mechanism, a fascinating device that
forged by the blacksmith god may have enabled ancient Greeks to
Hephaestus. Talos guarded track the movement of the sun, moon,
the coast of Crete to keep and the stars of the night sky. It can be
pirates and invaders away. thought of as a kind of early computer.

A ball is released
every half hour
to slide into the
Talos stood 8 ft (2.5 m) serpent’s mouth.
tall in the story of the
mythological hero Jason.

ANCIENT
AUTOMATA
For centuries, people have imagined and even created WATER CLOCK
robotlike machines. Some were built simply to amaze and Eight centuries ago,
Middle Eastern engineer
entertain—from flying wooden birds to life-sized roaring Al-Jazari created many
lions—while many were gifts to impress rulers. Other amazing contraptions. One
of his best-known inventions
machines helped to tell the time or chart the stars. These
was a water-powered elephant
incredible devices, known as automata, were not true clock. He collected instructions
robots because they had no intelligence and could not for making his devices in
The Book of Knowledge
be adapted to perform different jobs. But their invention of Ingenious Mechanical
did pave the way for the age of robots that followed. Devices, written in 1206.
 Escaping steam makes
the sphere rotate. The ball clangs into
a cymbal, and the
elephant’s driver
beats his drums.
ALEXANDRIAN MARVELS
The ancient Egyptian city of Alexandria
became famous for its mechanical marvels
from the 1st to 3rd centuries bce. Engineers
created water clocks topped with birds,
drinking fountains for water or wine, and
mechanical waiters. One of the star engineers
was Hero of Alexandria, who built elaborate
machines like this one. It is known as an
aeolipile and featured a sphere that spun
when the water inside it was heated.

PRAGUE ASTRONOMICAL CLOCK

By the 1400s, many great cathedrals or city
centers featured animated clocks. At the
stroke of each hour, the automata were set in
motion. One of the most famous is the Prague
Astronomical Clock, which is mounted on the old
town hall in the Czech city, and is still working.
17
18

MECHANICAL MONK TEA SERVER

In the 1560s, King Philip II These Japanese puppet-
of Spain commissioned a robots are called Karakuri
clockmaker named Juanelo and were made in the 1800s.
Turriano to build a lifelike They were used in theaters
monk able to “walk” on its or wealthy people’s homes
mechanical feet and move to serve tea. When tea is
its eyes, lips, and head. poured in the cup on its tray,
Some 450 years later, the the robot moves to a guest,
monk is still working. bows, and waits until the cup
is taken before moving away.

The clockwork gears

are hidden beneath
the monk’s cloak.

ADVANCED
AUTOMATA
By the 16th century, inventive creators were developing
amazing mechanical machines with an uncanny ability to mimic
people and animals. From metal ducks able to flap and quack
to an entire mechanical army, such fascinating creations
captivated audiences around the globe. Many of these machines,
known as “automata,” were incredibly complex, and some of them
are still in working order—including elaborate dolls that can write
letters, sing songs, or even serve tea. People of the time were
just as amazed by these marvelous machines as we are with
super-modern robots today.

The Turk’s mechanical arm

was operated by a human
inside the machine.

IT’S A HOAX!
In the 1770s, Hungarian
inventor Wolfgang von
Kempelen debuted his
amazing creation—a
mechanical man dressed
in robes and a turban who could
play chess against any challenger. The system
“The Turk,” however, was fake, of pulleys and
operated by a person hidden weights was usually
underneath the chessboard. covered with robes.
 19

MECHANICAL WRITER
The windup
Swiss inventor Pierre Jaquet-Droz
mechanism
created a trio of automatons in the
moves the robot.
late 1770s. His masterwork, a little
boy sitting at a desk, could dip a
pen into an inkwell and write up
to 40 characters on paper.

Around 6,000 moving parts

worked to operate the boy.

EUPHONIA
Created by Joseph Faber in the 1840s,
this odd machine featured a doll-like head
that was able to “speak” several languages
through a system of bellows. Its operator
used 17 keys to provide the sounds for
various words. It could even sing.
 20
ELEKTRO AND SPARKO ENIAC
Millions of people stood in line for hours to see Elektro, Built between 1943 and 1945 to help the
the 7-ft-tall (2.1-m) metal man built for the 1939 New US Army with its ballistics calculations,
York World’s Fair. A system of gears and electric motors ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and
enabled him to walk, move his arms, roll his head around, Computer) was the first large-scale computer.
move and count his fingers, and open and close his ENIAC’s engineers claimed to have run
mouth as he used his 700-word vocabulary. His robotic more calculations in its first decade than
companion dog, Sparko, could beg, bark, and wag its tail. the amount humans had performed
from the start of time until ENIAC
was built. An all-female team of
programmers wrote the code
that ENIAC used. On its 50th
Elektro was able to
anniversary, the machine
tell jokes, blow up
was recreated with
balloons, and smoke
modern circuits.
via its electrical
relay system.

ANIMAL ROBOTS SPUTNIK 1

Elmer and Elsie—the first moving In October 1957, the former
robotic animals—were built by Soviet Union stunned the world with
William Grey Walter in 1948. the launch of Sputnik I, the first artificial
This pair of “tortoises” could satellite. Although it was only about the size
move and change direction and of a beach ball, Sputnik’s impact was huge, as
sense when another object was it spurred the Soviet Union’s rival, the US,
near. Touch- and light-sensitive into accelerating its own space program. The
contacts sent electrical signals technological developments that resulted
to each robot’s twin motors. influenced robotics for years to come.

The see-through hole in the

chest showed there was no
human inside Elektro.
 Jack Kilby’s integrated circuit
enabled computers and robots to be
more efficient, smaller, and smarter.

TRANSISTORS
Electronic parts called transistors changed everything when
they were invented in 1947, as they were tiny, long-lasting,
and used less energy than previous technology. American
electrical engineer Jack Kilby made a breakthrough in
1958 when he designed the integrated circuit—a tiny
computer chip that made the invention of modern robots
and small personal computers possible.

RISE OF
REAL ROBOTICS
Rapid advances in electronics and technology in the 20th century set off a real robot
revolution. Many scientists, inspired by science fiction (sci-fi), created ever more ROBOTIC ARMS
By 1961, robots were ready to get to work. The Unimate
sophisticated robots. Smaller, cheaper, faster electronics enabled a rapid evolution, 1900 series became the first mass-produced robotic arm
and the Space Race (between the US and the former Soviet Union) provided an impetus for factory automation. It made its television debut in
1966 when the American television audiences watched
to take technology to places it had never been. The quest for artificial intelligence it knock a golf ball into a cup, pour drinks, and conduct
remained a complex challenge, but robots were beginning to rise. a band on a show.
21
22

R.U.R.
Czech playwright Karel Capek used the
word “robot” for a fictional humanoid in
his 1920 play R.U.R. (Rossum’s Universal
Robots)—a tale about a company that
created a soulless workforce of robots
to replace humans.

METROPOLIS
The silent movie Metropolis (1927),
by Austrian-born director Fritz Lang,
featured a robot called Maria. The robot
was created by a mad scientist to help
control the workers toiling away in the
city of Metropolis.

ROBOTS
IN CULTURE
Ask someone to describe a robot and chances are they’ll talk about
one of the mechanical marvels from books, theater, television, or
film. Indeed, the first mention of the word “robot” comes from a
ROBBY THE ROBOT Czech theater play from the 1920s called R.U.R. and meant something
Loyal servant to the professor in the sci-fi
classic film Forbidden Planet (1956), Robby akin to “forced labor.” Robotic creations have surprised, amazed,
can speak 188 languages and has metal claws and even terrified us, leaping to life from our stages, screens, and
and a dome-head design that broke away
from the usual “tin can” style of robots. Robby pages, but great science fiction (sci-fi) is not just entertainment. It
was really a 7-ft-tall (2.1-m-tall) suit worn by has inspired developments in real scientific research for decades.
an actor. It was made of plastic, glass, metal,
Sci-fi also helps us understand the social and ethical implications
rubber, and Plexiglass.
of technology as we move to a future with robots.

TERMINATOR
Could robots take over the world and
wage total war against people? This is the
premise of The Terminator (1984 onward)
films. Cyborg assassins called Terminators
look like humans, but their goal is to
destroy them. They travel back through
time to target their victims. And if they
don’t succeed? They’ll be back.
 23

Seven designers worked

for nearly six months to
create the Terminator’s
chrome-plated skeleton.

DALEK INVASION
These cyborg mutants encased
in a shell of armor fought to
destroy the Time Lord, Doctor
Who, in the hit television show
Dr Who (1963 onward). The
Doctor felt the Daleks were
not metal robots but alive—
creatures born to hate
whose only thought was
to destroy everything.

DATA
First appearing in 1987, this android from
the Star Trek universe has superhuman
strength—he can hold back a car with just
one hand. His incredibly powerful brain
stores a vast amount of information and
handles even the most difficult computations.
Like most fictional robots, Data lacks certain
characteristics that humans have.

IRON GIANT
Robots are not always the bad
guys in the movies. In The Iron
Giant (1999), a mysterious
metal monster who befriends
a misunderstood young boy
becomes the world’s most
unlikely hero as he fights
to save the world.
24

MODERN
This bot reacts to the
user’s movements with
a glowing symbol on its
shiny black screen.

ROBOTS
For so long, TV and film were filled with stories about how the
robots were coming, but they really started to arrive in the early
21st century. They may not look like the humanoid robots from
sci-fi, but they have made their way into many different areas of
our lives. From robot pets to delivery drones and from assistant
bots to robotic exoskeletons, robots are very much a part of the
modern world.

SOCIAL BOTS
Voice assistant robots, such as Jibo, can look,
listen, and learn and are happy to help with
your day. These domestic bots might just
become as common as an electric kettle.
From controlling all the other gadgets in your
home to reading you the news and weather
reports, they can be useful companions.
BEST FRIENDS
Companion bots, such as Sony’s robotic
dog aibo, belong to a new class of
machines that are intelligent and
useful. They can help disabled people
with daily tasks, engage with children
who have special needs, or remind
elderly people to take their medicines.

A total of 22 moveable
parts give aibo a lifelike
range of movements,
including a wagging tail.

EYE IN THE SKY

Whether you call them UAVs (unmanned
aerial vehicles) or just flying robots, drones
are filling our skies. From hexacopters
(above) loaded with video cameras to scan
a disaster area or a remote military base to
drones making deliveries, these robots can
quickly and efficiently reach places that
people cannot.
 25

SMART CARS
Computers have revolutionized almost
every aspect of cars, to the point where
some can even be considered true robots.
This is because the very latest, such as
the Rimac C_Two, offer some level of
autonomy—essentially being able to
drive themselves if required. The case
for driverless smart cars is clear—they
will not get tired or forget instructions,
but many people are unsure whether
the technology is safe enough just yet.

The safety frame

helps children
keep their balance
as they move.

The OLED (organic light-emitting

diode) panels in its eyes glow to
help the bot display expressions.

WEARABLE BOTS
The ATLAS 2030 is a lower body exoskeleton
bot that helps children with neuromuscular
diseases walk. Its parts mimic the functions
of actual muscles. Wearable robots like this
one can not only help those with a physical
disability or recovering from an injury but
also enhance anyone’s physical performance.
26

TYPES OF WORK ROBOTS

Robots are being increasingly used to carry out tasks that may
be dangerous, repetitive, or boring for humans. Rugged terrain,

ROBOT
tight spaces, or bad weather do not deter these work robots.
These robots work independently, guided by sensors and
cameras. The most common type of work robot is a robotic
arm, which is capable of a variety of tasks, including welding,
painting, and assembly.

Robots come in all shapes and sizes and are

usually grouped together by the tasks they do—
from working in fields to assisting surgeons.
Robotic arms are
The robots featured in this book fall into 10
incredibly strong
categories, but many of these multitasking and precise.
robots can be grouped into more than one.

SOCIAL ROBOTS
Designed to interact with
humans, social robots are
programmed to understand
human interactions and
be able to respond. These
friendly bots can be your
companions or teachers
or just be around to
assist or entertain.
Some social robots are
designed to be used by
people with medical
conditions such as autism
or learning difficulties.

Leka is a multifunction
robotic ball that helps kids
with learning difficulties.

The Mars 2020 rover will conduct science

experiments on the Red Planet.
COLLABORATIVE ROBOTS
Industrial robots that work safely alongside people
are known as collaborative robots, or cobots. Human
coworkers can train these cobots using a tablet or by
physically moving them to show how a task is done.
Once programmed, cobots
work in the same space
as humans, usually
taking on repetitive
or precise jobs, such
as packing boxes
or assembling
electronic parts.

SPACE ROBOTS
It is safer and cheaper to send robotic explorers to find
out more about the objects in the solar system than to send YuMi’s powered
humans. Space-exploration robots are built to withstand the arms have a wide
harsh conditions of the worlds beyond Earth. While some range of movement.
probes fly close to these bodies, many craft land and send
data and images back to scientists on Earth.
 27

iCub is an artificially
intelligent bot that can
learn from its interactions
with humans.

HUMANOID ROBOTS
Humanoid robots are created to
resemble the human form and have
a head, face, and usually limbs. Some
are able to walk on two legs, while
others roll on wheels or tracks.
Humanoid robots tend to have a more
developed artificial intelligence (AI)
compared to other robots, and some
are even able to form memories or
think for themselves.
PILOTED ROBOTS Chimp is
Not all robots are fully autonomous. Many a rescue
can be controlled remotely by a human robot that
can help
BIOMIMETIC ROBOTS pilot, while some others may receive direct
humans
The natural world of plants and animals has provided the instructions from humans. Some giant robots
in distress.
inspiration for many robots. These bots are called “biomimetic” can even be driven by a human, who sits in
as they imitate some form of natural life. They not only look a cockpit and pilots the robot from within.
like their real-life inspirations but can also imitate their
extraordinary feats, including jumping, flying, and swimming.
The lessons learned from building these robots help roboticists
in a wide range of technologies.
HOME HELP ROBOTS
Home help robots help with
The BionicKangaroo was created everyday chores, such as
to copy the complexities of a cleaning, carrying items,
kangaroo’s hop. and even cooking meals. Some
also act like personal assistants,
helping people to organize their
time or to find information
online. In the future, robots will
be able to take on more and
more jobs around the home.

Zenbo can play with children, help adults

with various tasks, and even secure the
home when everybody is out.

MEDICAL ASSISTANT ROBOTS

Robotic technology is gaining
prominence in the field of medicine
and health care. Scientists have
developed robots that help people
with disabilities—from artificial
limbs and robotic wheelchairs
to exoskeletons that help
Kilobots can be people walk or lift objects.
programmed in large
numbers simultaneously.
EXOTrainer was designed
SWARM ROBOTS to help children with
Hundreds of simple robots come together to form a swarm that spinal muscular atrophy.
functions as one big, intelligent robot. Inspired by social insects
in nature, these robots can complete some tasks more easily
than one robot working alone. Individual robots communicate
with each other to coordinate their movements.
HOME
IN THE
Home is where the heart is, but
it’s also where more and more
robots are finding a way of helping
humans. These friendly robots can
entertain us, clean our homes, help
humans with disabilities or just be
our friends.
30 S P E C I F I C AT I O N S

MANUFACTURER ORIGIN DEVELOPED WEIGHT POWER

Consequential Robotics and UK 2016 11 lb (5 kg) Battery
the University of Sheffield

HOW IT WORKS The animal kingdom holds the

MiRo is a biomimetic robot, which means key to the future of robotics.
it imitates the characteristics of animals Manufacturers, MiRo
found in nature. The sensors packed
in MiRo allow it to react to different
stimuli—such as sound, touch, and light.
The eyes can open,
close, or blink,
The long ears help depending on the
MiRo to pick levels of activity.
up sounds.

Stroking MiRo’s head and

back helps to soothe the
The sensors are robot when stressed.
located inside
the head.

The body shell

contains sensors
and lights.

MiRo can be accessorized

The nose houses a sonar
by colorful collars
sensor. This helps the
and neck scarves.
robot to move without
falling or colliding with
objects in its environment.

SUPER SENSES
Like many animals, MiRo has
strong senses. Its big eyes
provide 3-D light-sensitive
vision, while the long rotating
ears have stereo microphones
to pick up sounds. Miniature
sensors help the bot to
respond to the slightest
stroke or pat.
 31
FEATURES
Range of sensors, cameras,
and microphones

LIGHT SENSITIVE
MiRo’s light sensors can detect the difference between light and dark
The ears raise and and recognize when it is day or night. The robot has LED light displays
rotate to follow the to represent a variety of “emotions,” which can be learned and understood
direction of sounds. by MiRo’s owner.
Red light
Green light means stress.
expresses
excitement,
happiness,
or calm.

EXCITED MiRo STRESSED MiRo

A group of MiRos
respond to each other by
watching and moving
closer to one another.

MiRo uses its body

language to show
its “emotions.”

SOCIAL ROBOT

MiRO
Expert studies of animal brains and behavior have
resulted in MiRo—a fully programmable bot, with
the charms of a real animal but none of the challenges.
MiRo is aimed at children and elderly people who would
enjoy all the benefits of a close relationship with a robotic
best friend without the responsibilities of walking, feeding, A cocked head suggests
MiRo is interested.
and cleaning it. This one-stop cuddle shop responds to
love and affection like a real pet, giving owners a reliable,
robust, and fun companion.
32 S P E C I F I C AT I O N S

MANUFACTURER ORIGIN DEVELOPED HEIGHT WEIGHT

Boston Dynamics US 2017 33 in (84 cm) 66 lb (30 kg)

AROUND THE HOME

In the future, it is hoped that
SpotMini can help disabled people
get around at home and at work.
Boston Dynamics has released
videos showing SpotMini using a
special arm attachment to open
a heavy door.
SpotMini uses arm attachments SpotMini pulls back door, using Door is held open to allow
to grip door handle a foot to stop it from shutting wheelchair user through

Multiple joints in
SpotMini’s four limbs
allow smooth and
natural movement.

SENSOR SUITE
SpotMini is packed with sensors to help navigate
its surroundings. Stereo and depth perception cameras
record the robot’s exact position and the location of
nearby objects. Perception sensors allow SpotMini to
lift and handle items with care, while proprioception
sensors create a sense of self-awareness in the
movement of the limbs.

Robotic feet have

tire treads for
traction and motion.
 33
POWER FEATURES
Battery 3-D vision system
for perception

HOME-HELP ROBOT

Yellow plastic
SpotMini
With the potential to become man’s best friend, SpotMini is a
exterior is highly
robust and durable.
four-legged helper bot based on a real dog. This clever canine
goes way beyond chasing and fetching, though. The small and
sleek SpotMini has masterminded picking up objects, climbing
stairs, and navigating obstacles. Test runs showed it opening
doors with ease, thanks to a maneuverable arm extending
from the body. SpotMini runs on electricity for 90 minutes
without charging, perhaps making it the most energetic
robotic pet pooch out there.

SPOT
Spot is another four-legged robot developed by Boston
Dynamics. Built for moving on rough terrain, Spot uses its
sensors and stereo vision for navigation and maintaining its
balance when moving. It can run for 45 minutes on a single
battery charge and can carry up to 50 lb (23 kg) of load.

A head-mounted
arm can be attached
to SpotMini to help Motors
it grip objects. convert
hydraulic
(liquid)
power to
motion.

The robot
can stay on its
feet even on
slippery surfaces.

These robots explore

the possibilities,
and try to expand
the capabilities,
of robots.
Marc Raibert, CEO, Boston Dynamics
34

LEGS,
WHEELS,
AND TRACKS
The track belt
continuously
runs around the
robot’s wheels.

Tracked robot Humans move almost without thinking, but a robot’s movement, often
Tracks, similar to those found on tanks and known as locomotion, has to be carefully designed and programmed.
bulldozers, tend to offer slower movement than
wheels, as a lot of the robot is in contact with the Stability, balance, and the ability to overcome obstacles are important
ground. But they excel at providing grip for tackling issues that have to be addressed. For robots on land, the three most
slopes and crossing rough, unpredictable terrain.
Most tracked robots steer by reversing the direction
common locomotion systems use legs, wheels, and tracks. Within these
of one of the tracks, which causes the robot to skid three broad types, there are lots of options available for robotics
around as it moves. engineers to think about.

IDLER Track
WHEELS
The process is repeated with the
three stepping legs forming a
stable tripod and the other legs
lifting and stepping forward.
DRIVE The drive
MOTORS motors provide
the movement
for the
whole track.
The legs on the ground pivot
backward to move body
IDLER The idler of insect robot forward.
WHEELS wheels
turn but are
not themselves
powered
by motors.

The front and rear

legs on left side and
middle leg on right
side move forward
through the air. The leg in the air returns to
MOVING ground to complete its step.
BACKWARD

MOVING
FORWARD Legged robot
Legged robots can lift a leg to avoid an obstacle
and potentially climb stairs but require complex
To turn in either direction,
engineering and programming of their gait
one track moves forward (walking pattern). Biped (two-legged), quadrapod
and the other backward. (four-legged), and octopod (eight-legged) robots
all exist, but six-legged hexapod designs are
perhaps the most common, as they offer a wide
degree of flexibility and stability. Hexapod robots
TU LEF

are often based on insects.

GH NG
RN T

RI NI
T
IN

R
TU
G

The robot starts with

all six legs evenly spaced,
before three legs move up
from the ground.
 35

Wheeled robot
Wheels tend to offer the fastest, simplest, and upon each wheel. As a result, it is easier for the problem by mounting their wheels on a rocker-
most efficient method of locomotion for mobile motors to turn some or all of a robot’s wheels. bogie hinging suspension system. These can lift
land bots. Because less of the wheel is in contact Wheeled robots prefer traveling over smooth and tilt the body as the wheels ride up and over an
with the ground at any one time, there is a ground; they can struggle with a rock-strewn obstacle. Designers and engineers plan the wheel
reduction in the slowing force of friction acting surface. Some planetary rovers overcome this layout around what the robot will be used for.

20°
DIRECTION OF TRAVEL
35°

Driving and
steering wheel

DIRECTION
OF TRAVEL
WHEEL
DIRECTION

Supporting wheel

DIRECTION WHEELS

Tricycle drive robots Four-wheeled robots Three-wheeled omnibots

This layout features two supporting back wheels Most four-wheeled robots use Ackerman steering. In this design, the wheels themselves do not turn to
that give the robot a stable base. The single front This involves the rear wheels propelling the robot steer the robot. To move in one direction, signals are
wheel both powers the robot forward and can pivot forward, while the front wheels turn to steer. When sent from the robot’s controller to move the wheels
left or right to steer the robot and make it turn. This turning, the inner wheel (left) turns at a greater at different speeds. This layout means the robot can
design is simple but does not offer as many ways of angle than the outer wheel, which reduces the turn about its own axis when each wheel is turned
turning as other designs. chances of skidding. at the same speed.

Balancing and whether they’re in danger of toppling over. them unstable and requires vast amounts of
A human’s balance is controlled by the brain, Many robots with six or more legs keep half of computing power, coding, and sensors to
the inner ear, and more than 600 muscles. In them on the ground to maintain a stable base, compensate. The same is the case with single- and
contrast, robots use devices such as tilt and joint while the other legs move. The problem for two-wheeled robots, which need constant small
angle sensors to monitor where their parts are two-legged robots is that lifting one leg makes adjustments to stay balanced.

M
MOVING FO OVIN
FORWARD G RW G
VIN D AR
D
MO WAR
R
FO

Moving ahead On a slope

When still, a two-wheeled robot’s center of gravity A robot leans forward into a slope as it climbs
is positioned squarely over the middle of its wheels to upward. This keeps the robot’s body weight and center
keep it upright. To move ahead, the robot leans forward of gravity directly over the part of the wheel making
in order to counteract the forces seeking to push the contact with the ground. The opposite is true when
robot backward as its wheels turn forward. the robot descends on a downward slope.
 36
MEDICAL ASSISTANT ROBOT
FOR ADULTS
The ReWalk 6.0 exoskeleton for
adults is lightweight and powered
by a battery supported by the EXOTrainer
hips. When it senses a tilt
forward in the user’s body Robotics technologies are helping millions of people with limited
angle, it starts to take steps by mobility, many of whom are children. Robotic exoskeletons are
using its motors positioned
at the hip and knee. It structures that sit outside the body and help support and move it.
S P E C I F I C AT I O N S

can achieve speeds of EXOTrainer is one such device that helps wearers to stand and
1.6 mph (2.6 km/h).
walk. It is designed to aid children between the ages of 3 and 14
who suffer from spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a genetic disease
that makes muscles weaker and affects the children’s ability to
move. EXOTrainer’s smart joint system adjusts to the wearer and
can alter its own joints’ stiffness and angle of movement as it
MANUFACTURER
Spanish National

and Marsi Bionics

mimics human muscles during walking.

Research Council (CSIC)

The on-board computer

instructs the motors to
coordinate their movement
into a natural walking action.
Spain
ORIGIN

HOW IT WORKS

Every step taken with the EXOTrainer requires a complex series

of movements involving joints on both legs of the exoskeleton. The
EXOTrainer automatically adjusts the stiffness of all of its joints to
allow for the hardness of the walking surface. As the foot reaches
the ground, the ankle and knee joints react to cushion the impact.
2016
DEVELOPED

The hip joint

bends to swing
the leg forward.

The frame is made of

(12 kg)
26.5 lb
WEIGHT

titanium and aluminum.

The parts are telescopic,
which means they can be
made longer or shorter The ankle joint bends
to fit the user. so the shoe touches
the ground, heel first.

The five motors in each leg whir After motors swing the bent leg
into action as they move the past the standing leg, the knee
joints that bend the hip and joint straightens the lower leg
knee to lift a foot off the floor. as the step is taken.
 ATLAS 2030
EXOTrainer is modeled after an existing
exoskeleton—ATLAS 2030. This device
can be used with children who are at
least 37.4 in (95 cm) tall. The exoskeleton
can be adjusted in size so that a growing
child can continue to use the device.

The electric motors

are powered by a
battery pack that
can run for up to five
hours in one charge.

The knee joint discs

are powered by an
electric motor and
turn as the legs are
lifted up off the floor.

The adjustable straps fit

Shoes sit on around the user’s legs to
POWER

the footplates hold them snugly.

and battery

of the exoskeleton.
Electric motors
FEATURES
Able to sense

automatically
muscle movement
37
38 S P E C I F I C AT I O N S

MANUFACTURER ORIGIN DEVELOPED HEIGHT

Asus Taiwan 2016 24.5 in
(62 cm)

HOME-HELP ROBOT

ZENBO
REMOTE READY
With the Zenbo app, users can
remotely control other smart Zenbo m
obile
household devices. These
include security systems,
lights, televisions, locks, This friendly home-bot is designed to become a happy member
and heating and cooling
S OS
of your family. Zenbo’s developers set out to create a robot that’s
systems. In case of a
medical emergency,
right for everyone—whether they are comfortable with technology
Zenbo can even send or not. Zenbo can move on its own, communicate, and understand
photos and a voice or speech. The bot is capable of looking after the home, whether its
video alert to the app Call Sa
ra
to get help. inhabitants are in or out. It can be a playmate for kids, a helping hand
for adults, and a valuable and watchful companion for the elderly.

Zenbo shows “emotions”

through a range of 24 When touched on
different expressions, the head, Zenbo
including “confident.” looks “shy.”

If Zenbo is
feeling pleased,
it winks at
the user.
 39
WEIGHT POWER FEATURES
22 lb Battery Learns and
(10 kg) adapts according
to user preference

TOUCH CONTROL The head has a

In addition to displaying the
camera and 3-D
depth camera
robot’s expression, Zenbo’s
plus light sensor.
10.1-in (25.6-cm) multitouch
One of four drop
panel can also stream movies,
sensors, which
handle video calls, and even detects stairs and
display recipes. The display other hazards. Wheel LED lights
is designed to bridge the digital indicate how much
gap for older users, who can shop, power Zenbo has
make calls, and use social media left and if it is
with simple voice commands. doing a task.

Sonar sensor
helps Zenbo
A USB port makes navigate its
Zenbo ready for data environment.
and updates. FULL VIEW

Zenbo’s default
expression

Zenbo
shows when
it’s “happy.”

Users can combine

different expressions
to create a unique
personality for Zenbo.
40

GARDEN BOT
A green-fingered gizmo that ▼ The battery-powered Kobi has silent
can cut the grass and collect motors, security features, and a top
the leaves, Kobi leaves you speed of 3 mph (5 km/h).
with an immaculate lawn. Its
GPS system and sensors
prevent any collisions on the
job. By following local weather
forecasts, this gardening bot
warns when wintry weather is
on the way. Attach snow tires
and watch Kobi blow snow up to
40 ft (12 m) away.

▲ Kobi picks up leaves before they pile up.

HOME
HELPERS
Nobody really likes having to do the sweeping or mopping at
home, but robots can’t get enough of it! These bots take the
drudgery out of everyday activities by remembering your ▲ The water is manually added to the robot
preferences and taking it from there. Ever-ready to do the to be sprayed from its nozzle.

chores, they don’t cut corners and never get tired.

MOP BOT
When this teeny-tiny robot takes to the floor,
it cleans up completely. The battery-powered
Braava jet robotic mop can wet mop, damp
STAYING HEALTHY sweep, or dry sweep. Using two wheels
A home health robot, Pillo is prepared for motion, it repeats a cycle of squirting
to answer your questions and dispense water, scrubbing floors, and mopping down
medication when you need it. Using afterward in areas up to 270 sq ft (25 sq m).
facial recognition software to The super small size means it squeezes into
distinguish between faces, Pillo even the tightest corners.
learns and remembers each individual’s
health-care needs. In a serious situation,
Pressing the CLEAN button wakes
it can connect to medical professionals the robot, and pressing it again
for further advice and assistance. makes the bot start cleaning.

◀ HD cameras and internal

sensors inside Pillo help in
personal health-care management.
 41

DUST DEVIL The CLEAN button

The light-touch bumper starts and ends a
The ultimate dust hunter, Roomba 900 helps the bot sense walls. cleaning cycle.
series uses advanced navigation systems,
visual localization, and a sensor suite to
cross carpets and traverse tiles as it sucks
up and brushes away anything in its path.
Happy to do the dirty work, Roomba 900
recharges and continues automatically
until your home is spotless.

▲ The robot home app allows you to start a

clean immediately or schedule a timely clean
before you return home.

▶ This stylish,
sleek robot has a The camera maps
▲ Roomba 900 builds a map of the rooms low-lying design so it each room.

in your house to intelligently navigate can thoroughly clean

its surroundings. under furniture.

POOL PAL
Swimming pools are perfect for a
splash, but cleaning them is far from
fun. Drop Mirra in at the deep end,
and the cleaning cycle gets under way
without you getting your hands wet.
A built-in vacuum, pump, and filter
system ensure this bot keeps the water
and swimming pool squeaky clean with
a minimum of fuss. Mirra circulates
more than 4,000 gallons (18,000 liters)
of water an hour, removing anything
from large debris such as leaves and
bugs, to small particles, like algae
and bacteria.

▲ The wheels power Mirra as its spinning scrub brush ▲ Once the job is done, the basket is taken out and the
takes away debris from the pool floor. contents removed, so Mirra is ready for the next clean.
42 S P E C I F I C AT I O N S

MANUFACTURER ORIGIN RELEASED

HOOBOX Robotics Brazil 2016

HOW IT WORKS

To control the wheelchair, the user can select one of five facial expressions,
each one moving the wheelchair in a specific way—backward, forward, left,
right, and stopping its movement. When the software detects one of these
expressions from the camera images, it sends signals to Gimme, a robotic
gripper fitted over the wheelchair’s joystick, which then moves the wheelchair.

A digital camera
sends 3-D images to
Wheelie 7’s software
for analysis.

FULL SMILE EYEBROWS UP EYEBROWS DOWN

The flexible arm can be

moved in any direction
to line the camera up
with the user’s face.

CHIN DOWN HALF SMILE KISS

The camera
continually scans
the user’s face.

The Gimme gripper

takes control of the
wheelchair’s joystick.

WHEELIE 7 KIT
ON A WHEELCHAIR
 43
POWER FEATURES
Battery Facial recognition
in real time

DETECTING
EXPRESSIONS MEDICAL ASSISTANT ROBOT

WHEELIE 7
Wheelie 7’s software analyzes
78 different points on a person’s
face. By judging changes in
distance between each of the
points, the software can detect
nine different facial expressions,
including “full smile,” “kiss,”
Imagine controlling a machine by raising your eyebrows or sticking
and “tongue out.” your tongue out. Well, the Wheelie 7 robotic assistant does precisely
that. Designed to aid people who have limited mobility, the device
recognizes facial expressions captured by a special digital camera
Eight points are
analyzed on and converts them into commands to move a motorized wheelchair.
each eyebrow.
The “7” in the name is a reference to how easy it is to set up—
it takes just seven minutes to install on a regular wheelchair.

Facial recognition software

analyzes camera images
to detect expressions.
44 S P E C I F I C AT I O N S

MANUFACTURER ORIGIN
Anki US

SOCIAL ROBOT

COZMO
Cozmo is small in stature, big on brains, and always
up for fun. This free spirit will roam around looking
for adventure. Competitive Cozmo comes packed
with games, so expect a victory dance when it beats
you! Watch out, though. This bad loser goes into an
incredible sulk if it is not the winner. When Cozmo
is tired, it sleeps in its charging dock where you’ll hear
it snoring away. But don’t dismiss it as another toy:
Cozmo is intelligent enough to be able to recognize
and react to people’s facial expressions.

Cozmo’s robotic
arms work like
levers to lift or
drop its cubes.
Interactive cubes are
used to play a variety
of games with Cozmo.
A front camera, AI vision system,
and facial recognition software
allow Cozmo to constantly scan its
environment and recognize people.

COZMO STACKING CUBES

CHANGING FACES
This robot’s “emotions” are controlled by a built-in
“emotion engine.” The high-definition screen changes
the shape and size of Cozmo’s bright-blue eyes to
register a huge variety of feelings. Facial recognition
technology allows Cozmo to scan its surroundings
and light up when it sees a familiar face.

NEUTRAL HAPPY SAD

 45
RELEASED HEIGHT WEIGHT POWER FEATURES
2016 10 in (25 cm) 3 lb (1.36 kg) Battery Advanced robotics and
artificial intelligence

HOW IT WORKS

Cozmo uses the processing power Four motors and

of its owner’s smartphone more than 50 gears
give fluid movement.
or tablet to come to life. The
owner downloads a free app
that connects to Cozmo and
allows access to multiple
features, such as fun games Treads provide
and unique interactions with traction, keeping
Cozmo mobile.
the robot. The camera on
Cozmo’s face is sophisticated
enough to pick up cues in
the robot’s environment,
such as its cubes, and also
to be able to read people’s
facial expressions.
Onboard central processing
unit (CPU) takes care of the
data Cozmo picks up.

A robot character with a

level of depth and personality
that up until now has only been
seen in the movies.
Boris Sofman, CEO, Anki

Cozmo consists of
more than 300 parts, CODE CONTROL
drop-tested to ensure
their longevity. Cozmo Code Lab is a simplified programming
system, allowing even absolute beginners
to start coding Cozmo with new content.
By dragging and dropping blocks of code
on-screen, users can explore the robotic
Cozmo’s treads functions of animation, facial and object
work best on recognition, manipulation, and motion—
clean, flat surfaces. before Cozmo brings the code to life.
46

A radio antenna receives signals Autonomous robots

from the controller on the ground.
By altering the speed of the rotors,
Autonomous robots are those that can work
the operator can change the drone’s for long periods of time with no human input or
altitude and direction. supervision. To be capable of autonomy, a robot
needs to be aware of its surroundings, known
as perception, which it may achieve through a
range of sensors and software. It must be capable
of making decisions based on what its sensors
perceive and then be able to carry out actions
based on its decisions. Some underwater
exploration and many household cleaning
Reactive AI robots have high levels of autonomy.
A reactive artificial intelligence (AI) is a basic form
of intelligence and involves a machine processing
data and making decisions within a limited or
narrow area of activity. The AI usually does not
gain a greater understanding of what it is doing
nor does it form memories of its decisions and
actions. Intelligent chess programs often use
reactive AI, simulating the outcomes of their next
A video camera fixed to move by calculating how their opponent is most
the drone gathers aerial likely to respond. Despite their limitations, they
images and video.
can be highly effective; in 2006, the Deep Fritz
reactive AI program defeated the Russian world
champion Vladimir Kramnik.

Controlled machines
On the very bottom of the intelligence scale are
controlled machines, which may be very useful Roomba 980
but do not think for themselves. They rely, instead, This vacuum-cleaning robot uses data from its
on a human to make most of their decisions and for camera and other sensors to build up a detailed,
their overall control—to the point where many continually updated, visual map of the robot’s
robotics experts do not consider these machines to environment that includes the robot’s own
be robots at all. Drones and unmanned aerial position. It is able to choose where to head, pick
vehicles (UAVs) are under the command different cleaning strategies, and avoid obstacles
of a human operator who communicates with using the map. Its cliff sensors continually scan
the aircraft via radio signals. for drops so it doesn’t fall down stairs.

AI analysis
A remote-control twin-axis
joystick is used to fly a drone. The AI constantly analyzes its playing position
Using this device, a person during a game of draughts. It discounts the move
can control the speed, altitude,
and direction in which the shown above, which it predicts would see the
Feb 3, 12:21 PM
drone flies. opponent take one of its two pieces left.

The map the

robot builds of its
environment can
be relayed to a
smartphone to show
the robot’s owner
where the robot
has cleaned.

Cleaning Complete!

AI decision Mapping
In this case, the AI decides on a move that takes The robot keeps track of where it has already
three opponent’s pieces in one go. Because this cleaned and of any problems it faced during
will tip the game in its favor, it selects this option. a cleaning session. The robot can sense when
For every move, the AI simulates what moves it its power is low and autonomously navigates its
can make and what the opponent is likely to way to its charging station. After recharging,
do in response. it resumes cleaning from its previous location.
 47

ROBOT
2 Alexa Service
What’s
the weather Assistant sends
today? question along
with its location
1 to the cloud.

INTELLIGENCE
3

Amazon Microphones
Echo convert speech
into digital 4Smart
signals. Home Skill
Developer
Loudspeaker Text is then Speech is analyzed
When we talk about robots being “intelligent,” what do we actually broadcasts processed to for pattern recognition
answer: “It will get an answer. to identify words.
mean? Robotics experts have a range of opinions. A simple definition be sunny.”

of intelligence is the ability to acquire knowledge and skills and to be HOME 5 INTERNET
able to apply them in some way, such as to solve a problem or perform Home assistants
useful work. Large numbers of devices we think of as robots are able to Personal assistant devices appear highly intelligent
by recognizing speech and responding to requests
gather information using sensors, but not all are able to make decisions
and questions from users. In reality, they mostly
and act upon them. Truly intelligent robots can make decisions, adapt ferry questions and requests to a powerful artificial
to new tasks, and even take information and skills already learned and intelligence assistant in the cloud—software and
services stored on computer networks. There,
alter them to tackle new tasks. AI algorithms have built up an understanding
of common responses by analyzing thousands of
previous requests. Solutions are searched for,
retrieved, and then relayed back to the personal
assistant via the Internet.

Automated shops
Artificial intelligence, a wide array of sensors, and 3 If a shopper picks up an
item and puts it in her bag,
sensors alert the store’s central
4 Behind the scenes,
shop staff monitor the
data the AI is picking up
special computer algorithms are being brought
together to create new hybrid types of intelligence. inventory computer, and the and the decisions it is
Thanks to this hybrid intelligence, supermarkets item is added to a list displayed making based on this.
of the future may be without cashiers, shopping on the shopper’s smartphone.
baskets, or long lines at checkouts. Instead, you pack
your purchases into your own bag as you shop before
walking straight out of the store.

5 Cameras along with

weight and pressure
sensors in shelves recognize
if an item is put back on
the shelf, and the product
is removed from the
shopper’s account.
2 Dozens of cameras on
ceilings, walls, and
shelves identify shoppers
using facial recognition
and other sensors.

6 The person
exits the store,
and the products
she leaves with

1 Person enters the store

by using a smartphone
app to open the gate.
are automatically
charged to
her account.
48 S P E C I F I C AT I O N S

MANUFACTURER ORIGIN DEVELOPED POWER FEATURES

Leka France 2015 Battery Multiple sensors and
built-in screen

SOCIAL ROBOT

LEKA
BALL OF EMOTION
Leka’s face changes expression
and the LED lights change
color to convey a range of
“emotions” for children to
understand. These facial
For children with learning difficulties, a smart, expressions help children
cute robot makes a world of difference. Meet Leka, recognize and respond to
similar displays in other
a friendly faced pal for play, learning, and communication.
children or adults.
This multisensory robotic ball can be programmed
to suit individual needs and produces reports for
parents and carers to benefit long-term
learning and development.

READY FOR ACTION

As soon as the device is picked up, Leka moves from
sleepy mode to playtime by opening its eyes and smiling.
Consistent information is taught alongside regular playtime,
as repetition is key for interaction with children who have
special needs.

The child’s primary

senses are engaged
with colorful and
calming LED lights,
soothing sounds, and
relaxing vibrations.
These are all proven
to reduce stress and
anxiety levels.

Leka’s robotic face can become a screen for

photos, videos, or games played using the
tablet. The repetitive play of memory games
improves the
child’s learning. Leka looks sad if thrown
or handled badly.

Motors inside Leka

enable it to roll around.
 49

Our mission is to help HOW IT WORKS

exceptional children The child can use a tablet application

live exceptional lives by to make Leka play and move. The

child’s interactions with both Leka

reducing the learning and the tablet app are recorded and
turned into data and graphs. Parents

inequalities… and carers can use these to see how

well the child is getting on. They can
Ladislas de Toldi, Founder, LEKA also use a tablet to play games with
the child through Leka.
The user can determine the
direction of Leka’s movement.

Leka smiles to
encourage a
child’s progress.
 AT WORK
The overwhelming majority
of robots are used to do
dangerous, dull, or dirty work
in factories across the world.
Modern robots are highly adept
at saving time and effort and
they carry out their tasks
without ever getting tired.
52 S P E C I F I C AT I O N S

MANUFACTURER ORIGIN RELEASED

KUKA AG Germany 2014

WORK ROBOT

LBR iiwa
A new kind of robot is coming to factory floors everywhere.
With a soft covering and a slick sensor package, the LBR
iiwa (intelligent industrial work assistant) is a lightweight,
highly flexible robotic arm that moves fluidly and can be
mounted anywhere. A range of safety features makes it a
productive coworker: you can work with it and right next
to it, without fear of harm or injury.

Now that we have

such sensitive robots, we
can develop completely new
applications for them.
Christina Heckl, Engineer, KUKA

Special sensors in each joint

stop the arm from moving if
they detect any unexpected
contact with an object.

IN CONTROL Emergency
stop button

LBR iiwa can be programmed

in advance and either
taught by demonstration or
instructed directly by using
a smartPAD controller. This
rugged touchscreen device
weighs 2.4 lb (1.1 kg) and
communicates wirelessly
with the robot. Jog keys to
the left of the screen allow
each of the robotic arm's
joints to be guided to within
fractions of a centimeter.

The touchscreen
displays menu
options and icons.
 53
HEIGHT WEIGHT POWER FEATURES
4.3 ft (1.3 m) 66 lb (30 kg) Electrical grid Can plot its own
path and actions

HOW IT WORKS
This elbow is one of seven
moving joints that gives The robot’s seven joints each have a
the arm great flexibility. wide range of motion and are powered
by high-precision electric motors. These
work together to let the robot reach
around corners and work in tight spaces.
The arm movements are accurate to
within 0.004 in (0.1 mm), which makes
it ideal for assembling small, complex
The wrist can be fitted with objects such as electronics.
different tools, including
grippers for lifting small,
delicate objects, a riveter for Fully extended,
joining sheets of metal, and the arm can
an electric power wrench for reach up to
32 in (82 cm)
tightening nuts and bolts. in any direction.

The arm can lift

loads of up to
31 lb (14 kg).

This joint
can turn
through 240°.

The arm is made

from lightweight
aluminum.
This joint
can turn
through 340°.
Each joint has a
motor that can
be controlled
independently.

GRIPPER
The robot’s cushioned grippers
can close and grip an object
in just 18 milliseconds. The
amount of force they use can
be adjusted by programming
or the smartPAD controller.

The force of the gripper reduces

when handling delicate objects like
an egg, but it can be increased when
the robot is tightening fastenings
or handling heavy, robust objects.
54 S P E C I F I C AT I O N S

MANUFACTURER
Rethink Robotics

Baxter’s elbow joint

contains sensors that
measure force and the
speed of motion in a
particular direction.

TOP TOOLS
Different tools can be fitted to
the end of Baxter’s arm, allowing
it to perform a variety of tasks.
A camera in the wrist joint gives
close-up views of the action.
Using these parallel grippers,
for example, the robot can pick
PARALLEL and place up to 12 objects
GRIPPER per minute.

EXPRESSIONS
Baxter’s screen provides feedback by displaying different “emotions,” including
“sadness” at failing a task, “focus” when performing a task, “surprise” when a
human approaches, and “confusion” when its instructions are not clear.

NEUTRAL SLEEP FOCUS

SURPRISE CONFUSION SADNESS

 55
ORIGIN RELEASED HEIGHT WEIGHT POWER FEATURES
US 2012 6.25 ft (1.9 m) 306 lb (138.7 kg) Battery Motorized joints equipped
with pedestal with pedestal with sensors that detect
resistance and collisions

Each arm is powered COLLABORATIVE ROBOT

BAXTER
by electric motors and has
a reach of 4 ft (120 cm).
The arms can lift up to
4.8 lb (2.2 kg) in weight.

One of the most versatile collaborative robots,

Baxter is an easy-to-train twin-armed robot
with a very expressive face. Five cameras
mounted in its head, body, and arms, along
with force sensors in its joints, work together
to help Baxter avoid banging into things,
especially humans. And if it does bump into
something, it stops moving instantly, making
it safe for humans to work with it.

HOW IT WORKS

Baxter can be taught a task easily without the

need for any computer programming. Switched into
training mode, a human trainer physically guides the
robot through a set of actions, which it remembers
and can repeat accurately.

A person operates When teaching Baxter to

navigator buttons pick and place objects from
when training a conveyor belt into a box,
Baxter to perform the trainer swings its arm
a new task. over the object and clicks
the navigator button.

Baxter’s wrist camera

focuses on an object and
displays it on-screen. Once
the trainer confirms it
Vacuum grippers use is the right object, Baxter
a pump to create suction grips and picks it up.
to grip delicate objects.

The trainer swings the

A pedestal with
arm over to the object’s
wheels allows Baxter FRONT VIEW final destination. Baxter
to move easily.
uses its sensors to guide
the object into the box.
Once the task is saved,
Baxter can repeat it
over and over.
56

Programming by pendant The robot arm moves

across the tabletop
In this method of programming, a human operator to apply glue to the
controls the robot using a handheld device called bottom corner.
a teaching pendant. Controls on the pendant allow
the operator to instruct the robot where to move
from point to point, and what actions to perform,
in a sequence. These instructions are stored as
a program, which enables the robot to repeat
the actions and so perform the real task when the
program is run back. Large programs are often
split up into smaller units called subprograms.
This makes it easier for the operator to teach
the robot and simpler to make changes later. The
teaching pendant method is commonly used for
industrial robots that perform spot-welding of
vehicles, spray-painting, picking and placing objects,
and loading and unloading other factory machines.
Human operator

1 Teaching
Holding a teaching pendant, the operator commands this
industrial robot to apply glue to each corner of a table on a production
line. The robot is instructed to move relatively slowly during the
teaching process between points to ensure safety and accuracy.

The small joystick is

Pendant features operated by thumb

and forefinger. Joystick
Teaching pendants can be wired with a cable attached A joystick is a simple controller or
to a robot or its computer workstation, or wireless, input device. The most basic allow the
communicating with the robot via radio signals. Modern operator to move something up, down,
pendants take advantage of advances in computer left, or right, and the most advanced
technology. They offer easier input methods and ways of offer precise 360° movement. Pendant
controlling ever-more complex robots and the tasks they operators may guide the robot from
are being taught to perform. Pendants tend to be rugged, point to point using the joystick. At
dustproof, and resistant to knocks and splashes of liquid. each arrival point, the operator can
Pendants are tailored to the tasks of the robots they use jog keys on this and other types
control. They have a number of features that can be of pendants to make small adjustments
found in isolation or combined to aid operators. to the robot’s positioning.

Depending on the system, the program

may also record the pressure and
speed used by the operator when
inputting instructions.
The small screen can
display key information
such as last instruction
and end effector position.
The stop button
halts all functions.

Wheel

The color touchscreen

responds to pressing
icons and swiping.

Wheel Touchscreen
Some pendants have wheels that These pendants display commands and
can be turned to cycle or scroll options on their screen, often as simple
through a series of options icons, which users can select with a
displayed on the screen. The simple tap of their fingers. They also
numeric keys can be used to type feature rows of keys as well as an
in specific values to a command, emergency stop button. Future teaching
such as moving one of the robot’s pendants may simply be a powerful
joints a certain number of degrees. app operated via a smartphone.
 57

The operator’s
instructions on the The robot can now
teaching pendant perform the task alone
are recorded in exactly the same
as a program. way as it was shown.

2 Recording and testing

At each teaching stage, the robot records its movements and actions
and stores them as a program. After recording, the robot may be instructed
3 Action
With modifications and testing complete, the teaching pendant can
be disconnected, and the robot can get to work. The speed of movement
to run through the program again to test it. The operator can stop the of the robot’s parts may have been increased to perform the task more
program at any stage to edit and modify it to obtain the necessary rapidly but also to match the speeds of other robots and machines
precision and ideal speed of operation. working on the production line.

ONLINE
PROGRAMMING
A brand-new robot rolls off a production line. It may be bright and shiny, but it isn’t
much use until it receives its instructions. Online programming is where the robot
is programmed directly at its workplace, such as on a factory’s production line.
The programming may be used to instruct a brand-new robot or change the way
a robot already in place functions. Online programming can be time-consuming.
Fortunately, ways have been found to simplify and speed up the process.

The robot’s joints are

Programming The angle position of each
joint is recorded during
instructed to move by
the stored program.
by demonstration the demonstration.

As robot technology advances, one increasingly

The paint is supplied
popular method of online programming has by hose to the
become lead-through programming. This applicator at the end
of the robot’s arm.
involves a human operator demonstrating
or even describing a task to a robot, usually
by physically moving it through all the actions
required, in the correct order. The robot stores
each instruction and movement in its memory
and can repeat them accurately to perform the
task. This form of instructing the robot requires
1 Demonstration
The human operator guides the robot arm
through the movements needed to create the
2 Action
When commanded to do so, the robot can
replay the steps involved in the task to repeat it
little or no programming knowledge in the lettering and numbering on a sign. At each stage of at full speed, and with unerring accuracy, time and
operator, but the operator must be skilled the task, the robot records and stores in memory the time again. This method of programming tends to
at performing the task the robot is to copy. position of its parts and the actions performed. be quicker than using teaching pendants.
58 S P E C I F I C AT I O N S

MANUFACTURER ORIGIN RELEASED POWER

Intuitive Surgical, Inc. US 2000 Electrical grid

PILOTED ROBOT The motor-powered joints

DA VINCI
are each capable of a wide
range of movement.

SURGICAL
SYSTEM
Many people might find a robot surgeon to be a scary thought,
but the Da Vinci Surgical System is no ordinary robot. The system
can move tiny surgical instruments precisely, sometimes moving a tool
as small as a grain of rice to within fractions of a millimeter. It cannot
conduct operations autonomously, though—it is instead a tool used by
a human surgeon. Nearly 4,000 Da Vinci Surgical System robots are in
use across the globe, racking up more than 3 million operations
worldwide since 2000.

HOW IT WORKS

Sitting at the console, a surgeon instructs the robot using

foot pedals and hand controls. The surgeon’s movements are
mirrored by the robot’s arms instantly as they manipulate
The tiny wrist tiny instruments inside the patient. At all times, staff are on
instruments are
highly flexible. hand to monitor the patient, while views of the operation
inside the body are displayed on a screen.
The robot sends video
footage of the operation
to the vision cart and
PATIENT CART the surgeon’s console.

VISION
CART

The surgeon can adjust each

arm’s scale of movement so that
it moves only a fraction of the
ASSISTANT
distance the surgeon’s hand
moves, allowing a finer control of
NURSE the robot during an operation.

The console
displays magnified
high-definition
3-D views of
The surgeon uses console the operation.
controls to make regular SURGEON The vision cart
surgical movements, displays views from the
which are copied AT CONSOLE operation throughout
accurately by the robot. the operating room.
 FEATURES
Aware of its precise The height of the overhead boom,
position, checks itself for on which the four arms are mounted,
accuracy of movement can be adjusted precisely using a
laser sensor system.

A stainless steel rod on the end of each

arm can be fitted with surgical tools, such
as forceps, clamps, cutting tools, and a
device that seals blood vessels.

3-D DOCTOR
Tiny cameras fitted to one of the
robot arms collect incredibly
detailed 3-D images from the
operation site. These are displayed
on the surgeon’s console screen
and can be zoomed in up to 10
times, giving far better views than
obtained during regular surgery.
Surgeons get to grips with this
novel way of working using a
A surgeon controls A target circle instructs
simulator before a real operation. forceps tool holding the robot where to
blood vessel. move an instrument.
60

VALUED VALET
Electronic valet Stan can use sensor
technology to lift and carry your car to the
nearest parking space. This valet service is
second to none—customers simply drop their
car at the airport, confirm the reservation
on a touchscreen, lock their car, and leave
the rest to the robot. Stan is currently in
operation at Charles de Gaulle Airport
in Paris, France, with each robot overseeing
up to 400 parking spaces.

▶ Stan slides underneath the four wheels

of the car and brings it to the parking lot.

GREAT GUARD FLEXIBLE ARM

Just like a security guard, Integrating robots and lasers has resulted in
Cobalt’s role is to protect offices, LaserSnake, a groundbreaking technology for
businesses, and warehouses. This use in dangerous places. The snakelike robotic
indoor robot patrols buildings arm contains flexible joints, HD cameras, and LED
day and night to report on lights, while the electronics and control systems
suspicious activity. Cobalt has are operated remotely. When decommissioning
60 sensors, cameras, and audio nuclear cells at power plants, LaserSnake can cut
equipment that can detect a through and dismantle radioactive components
multitude of problems, including without any risk to human life, putting safety
open doors, leaking pipes, or first while also keeping costs down.
unexpected visitors. It also
features detectors for carbon
High-power laser
monoxide and smoke as well as cutting head
a scanner to read and verify
workers’ identification badges.

▶ LaserSnake has a hollow center so a

variety of cables, hoses, and lasers can
be attached to it.

◀ This human-sized
robot has a touchscreen

HARD
display for live interaction
with people.

AT WORK
With modern life being so hectic, new ways to save time, effort, and money
are always welcome. Robots are increasingly being used to share the load.
Studies have predicted that by 2030, hundreds of millions of robots will work
alongside human employees. From basic tasks such as stacking supermarket
▲ Cobalt can patrol at a walking pace without
shelves to dangerous assignments in nuclear power plants, the latest robots
interrupting daily human activities.
can get the job done.
 61

▲ A two-way camera system enables remote interaction

between a doctor and a patient.

HOSPITAL HELPER
RP-VITA is a robot designed to help medical
SUPERMARKET HELPER
professionals share health-care information with
Shelf-stacking supremo Tally can work
colleagues and patients. It is called a “remote” robot
12-hour shifts alongside colleagues and
as it allows doctors to look after patients and access
customers. Using cameras and sensors, this
their information despite not being physically with
grocery bot inspects the aisles for products
them. It can get this information in a variety of ways,
past their date, in the wrong place, or running
including connecting remotely to medical machines,
low in stock. Tests have shown that Tally
such as digital stethoscopes and ultrasounds. RP-VITA
can count and check 20,000 items with
is already in use in some US hospitals where doctors
an impressive accuracy rate of more
can monitor their patients from anywhere in the world.
than 96 percent.

◀ An automatic docking function

keeps RP-VITA charged permanently
during medical emergencies.

SURVEILLANCE SPHERE
This sphere-shaped GroundBot comes
▲ Tally moves through the shopping aisles equipped with cameras and sensors,
on a wheeled base. bringing increased security to public
places, including airports, harbors,
and warehouses—all at a fraction of the
normal cost. Whether remote-controlled
or programmed to use GPS navigation
systems, the lightweight design of the
robot enables silent surveillance at speeds
of 6 mph (10 km/h) for up to 16 hours.

▲ All data collected by Tally is accessed by ▶ A suite of cameras and sensors are
shop owners on a cloud-based application. stored securely inside the sphere.
62

OFFLINE
PROGRAMMING
Robots need to be given detailed instructions before they can perform a task.
Offline programming is where programmers use software to design, code,
and debug (fix) a program in advance of installing it onto the robot. Online
programming—where an operator teaches a robot to do a task—can be
time-consuming. Offline programming can save time as the programs can be
worked on independently of the robot so that the instructions are uploaded
to the robot only when they are ready. Programs may be uploaded to the robot
wirelessly or directly through a physical link, such as a memory card or cable.

Coding and flowcharting

Robots can be programmed using a variety of
START
programming languages, including C and Python.
Some industrial robots are programmed by the
manufacturers’ own language. Before the coding
begins, programs are often planned using
techniques such as flowcharts.

YES REVERSE
Do both sensors Flowchart
(Turn both motors
see BLACK? This flowchart for a line-following robot enables
backward at the same speed.)
the programmer to map out all the key decisions the
robot must make to keep it traveling along the black
line between its two light sensors. The instructions
NO Right-hand light sensor detects the
black path line, meaning the line is
tell the robot’s hardware, such as the motors in each
not between the two sensors, so it wheel, what to do in each event.
must turn right to compensate.

YES
Does the right TURN RIGHT
sensor see BLACK? (Turn the right motor off.)

The program flowchart

instructs the robot to move
NO rightward by turning right
Right sensor

wheel motor off.

Left sensor

YES
Does the left TURN LEFT
sensor see BLACK? (Turn the left motor off.)

NO The right sensor sees the

black electrical tape so
the robot turns the right
motor off to move right.

Black path line

FORWARD
(Turn both the left and right motors
forward at the same speed.)
 63

A program instructs a repeat while true

Block by block
spider robot to take an As robot numbers boom, easier, more universal ways of
do Camera get
image using its camera. programming are being developed to enable more people to
color location location
program them. One such example is the Robot Operating System
if
location = null (ROS)—a collection of tools that coders can use to construct their
do Wait 2 seconds own programs. Robot Blockly is based on ROS but makes coding
else if easier and more user-friendly by portraying commands as
location is positive
colorful blocks, in a similar way to the Scratch programming
do Take a picture language. The blocks can be clipped together to produce
Turn Right 1 seconds sequences of commands and decisions, such as the following
The “Camera get”
block instructs the else if
location is negative
code to make a robot move each time it spots the color blue.
robot as to which
color to find. do Take a picture
Turn Left 1 seconds
The green “repeat” block orders The blue “decision”
this program routine to be blocks guide the
repeated again and again. robot through
deciding if the blue
color is present and
The robot turns to the repeat while true repeat while true which direction the
left if its camera detects robot should turn
the color blue there. do Camera get do Camera get as a result.
color location location color location location
if if
location = null location = null

do Wait 2 seconds do Wait 2 seconds The “Wait”

command pauses
else if else if the robot’s
location is positive location is positive operation for
do Take a picture two seconds.
do Take a picture
Turn Right 1 seconds Turn Right 1 seconds The purple “motion”
command instructs
else if
location is negative else if the robot to turn
location is negative
The code instructs the in one direction
robot to keep turning do Take a picture for a specified
do Take a picture
until the camera Turn Left 1 seconds amount of time
detects the center of Turn Left 1 seconds (here, one second).
the blue panel.

The icons along the top of the Robot simulators

screen allow the programmer Increasingly vital in offline programming, robot
to replay the simulation,
change the viewpoint, analyze simulators offer programmers a computer-based version
problems, and make changes. of the real robot. The most realistic simulators depict not
A 3-D industrial robot
arm is displayed in a only the robot in 3-D but also its eventual workplace,
simulator program
running on a computer.
accurate in almost every detail, and the tasks it will
perform. Programmers can create their programs and
then run them on a simulator to gauge their effectiveness
and to spot any collisions or safety issues without
involving a real, and often extremely expensive, physical
robot. The program can be edited, debugged (fixed), and
tested again until it is ready for the real robot.

This simulation
features a welding
torch fitted to
the robot’s arm.

Color-coded arrows
depict the three axes
in 3-D geometry.
64 S P E C I F I C AT I O N S

MANUFACTURER ORIGIN RELEASED HEIGHT FEATURES

The charging hook forms K-Team and Switzerland 2011 1.33 in (34 mm) Can work together
a circuit with the robot’s Harvard University and US in large numbers
legs, allowing the battery autonomously
to be recharged.

These pins can be connected

to a cable to download new
instructions or programs.
SWARM ROBOT

KILOBOTS
Large groups of mobile robots could perform dozens of useful jobs in the future—
from cleaning up disaster sites to exploring distant worlds in space, but researchers
struggle to obtain enough costly bots to experiment with. Kilobots are small, simple,
and cheap and can be programmed individually or in large numbers simultaneously,
using infrared signals from an overhead wireless controller. They communicate using
infrared signals to gauge their distances from one another and can be programmed
to form shapes or follow a path or a lead robot. It’s quite a sight when hundreds
of these robots all swarm and work together.
 65

CONTROL BOARD TINY BOT Charging

hook Rechargeable
The board at the bottom houses the robot’s
battery
microprocessor controller and its infrared Two vibration motors
communications system. Each Kilobot’s infrared (originally from mobile
transmitter can send a signal, which is bounced phones) power Kilobot’s
off the floor to reach movement. When they
Vibration
another Kilobot’s both vibrate, the robot motors
infrared receiver, moves forward on its stiff
up to 2.75 in legs at speeds of up to
(7 cm) away. 0.4 in (1 cm) per second.
This low-power solution
means that a small 3.7 volt
Infrared battery can power the robot
receiver
for up to 2.5 hours of action
before it needs a recharge. Rigid legs
Infrared
transmitter
1 2 3
 COLLECTIVE ACTION
A gaggle of Kilobots may be spread randomly, but on
command, they quickly band together, tottering along
on their vibrating legs. Computer algorithms in these
low-cost robots plot paths and stop any rogue robots
from veering off course. It doesn’t take long for these
ingenious little machines to complete a joint task, such
as 85 Kilobots forming an arrow shape.

4
BOTS
EVERYDAY
Robots are gradually becoming
part of our everyday lives. From
providing us with information to
helping us learn and have fun, bots
are starting to become essential
to humans. In the future, it may
be normal to have a meal cooked
by a robot, or even to have a
conversation with one.
70 S P E C I F I C AT I O N S

MANUFACTURER ORIGIN
SoftBank Robotics France

LISTENING IN
Pepper has four directional
microphones in its head.
These help the bot detect
where sound is coming
from. They also help
Pepper identify emotions
in someone’s voice and make
conversation in response.
Sounds and music
play through the
in-ear speakers.

Pepper is equipped with two HD

cameras (in the mouth and forehead)
and one 3-D sensor (behind the eyes)
that help it identify movement, spot
objects, and recognize emotions on
someone’s face.

FULL VIEW

Three specially
designed wheels
enable Pepper
to rotate on the
spot and move
forward and
backward.

TABLET
The touchscreen tablet
mounted on Pepper’s chest can
be used to display whatever
information Pepper’s controller
desires, such as images, videos,
web pages, or maps. It can also
be used to collect information
from the humans Pepper
communicates with.
 71
RELEASED HEIGHT WEIGHT POWER FEATURES
2015 4 ft (1.2 m) 62 lb (28 kg) Battery Can recognize and
respond to people’s
emotions in real time

SOCIAL ROBOT

PEPPER
GREAT GRIP
Pepper’s hands are made
to be soft and flexible.
Its fingers can bend easily
and are covered in rubber
to improve the bot’s grip.
This communicative robot was designed to interact with The rubber makes it safe
and help humans. According to its makers, Pepper is the first for a child to hold hands
with Pepper.
humanoid robot capable of reading people’s emotions and
responding to them in real time. It is packed with two
ultrasound transmitters and receivers, six laser sensors,
and three obstacle detectors. Since its commercial release
in 2015, Pepper has been hard at work at all manner
of jobs in restaurants, banks, hotels, hospitals, and
shopping malls.

Pepper… is a
genuine humanoid
companion, created
to communicate
with you in the
most natural and
The touch sensors in the
arms and on the hands are intuitive way.
used when playing games
SoftBank Robotics
and for social interaction.

REACTIONS
Pepper is designed to look and move like a joints in the shoulders and elbows. These enable
human so that people interact with it as if the bot to raise its arms, roll its shoulders, and
it were alive. Its range of arm movements is twist its wrists. Pepper also has joints in its neck
natural and smooth, thanks to a system of and waist.
Pepper’s body
language adds to its
reactions to humans.

The head can

nod up and down.

The elbow joints

give Pepper’s
forearms a
wide range
of movement.

NODDING IN
AGREEMENT CHEERING LAUGHING
72 S P E C I F I C AT I O N S

HOME-HELP ROBOT

GITA
Forget backpacks, carriers, and suitcases—
Gita is definitely your bag. This round, rolling
robot takes a load off while following in your
footsteps and uses gyroscopes to keep your stuff
upright. Heavy goods and personal items can be
stored inside, leaving you happily hands-free.
Once packed and ready to go, the high-tech moving
storage box uses you as a guide to map out its
surroundings and remember the route for future
trips. Best of all, there are no tired feet, because
Gita can keep going all day!

Two large tires

help Gita move
freely and easily.

SIDE VIEW

HOW GYROSCOPES WORK

Robots, ships, and aircraft use gyroscopes for

stability. These mechanical navigational devices
balance moving objects when they change course.
A spinning disc, called a rotor, mounted inside
a gyroscope frame can move in any direction.
However, an attached ring called a gimbal keeps
the axis pointing in the same direction, regardless
of internal movement. Gita uses gyroscopes to
Each wheel is fitted with
keep its contents upright, so they do not move
LED lights that change
too much when in transit.
color: blue when idle,
white when in transit,
Gyroscope yellow when the battery is
Gimbal
frame
running low, and red when
Rotor
something has gone wrong.
Spin axis

GYROSCOPE
GYROSCOPE IN MOTION
 73
MANUFACTURER ORIGIN HEIGHT POWER FEATURES
Piaggio US 26 in (66 cm) Eight hours battery Cameras,
Fast Forward life at normal sensors, and
walking speed navigation system

SAFETY FIRST
Your unique fingerprint locks
the cargo inside Gita, while your
fingerprint scan and a security
code are both needed to open
it again. Potential thieves
should approach with caution
because Gita is permanently
tracked and packed with 360°
Fingerprint sensor cameras and sensors.

Bright-blue color,
sleek bodywork, and
spherical shape help
Gita to stand out
when on the street.
74

HIGHER
INTELLIGENCE
Welding
An artificially intelligent robot arm of the
future welds metal parts together. Able to
draw on its memories, it improves and refines
how it welds autonomously.

From driverless cars that predict

traffic movement to robotic
assistants equipped with intelligent
speech recognition, robots are
being designed to learn from
their experiences, just like humans.
Some can apply the knowledge
they gain to improve the way they
perform their tasks, or even to new
situations they haven’t encountered
before. The goal is to develop robots
that can learn, adapt to, and use new
information the way humans can.
Although progress has been made,
even the most intelligent robots
can’t match the all-around versatility
of humans.

General artificial intelligence

The ultimate goal for many working with intelligent
robots is to build machines that match (or even
exceed) the sort of creative, flexible, and wide-
ranging intelligence that humans have. For a
machine to display a general artificial intelligence,
it would need to be capable of planning, reasoning,
and solving problems autonomously, just like
humans do. It would also need to be able to recall
useful information from past experiences and apply
it to wildly different new situations. Such robots
would be incredibly useful, capable of tackling new
tasks without being reprogrammed, and able to
interact with people and other machines with ease.

Painting
The same robot might then, without reprogramming,
be able to work as an artist. As soon as it sensed
and recognized the paintbrush in its gripper, it
could begin solving problems and making decisions
in order to paint an attractive artwork.
 75

Machine learning Deep learning intervention. In some cases, it can mean the robot
Machine learning is the ability for a robot or Learning how to learn is a key step on the path to is equipped to learn by trial and error, testing out
computer to learn from data rather than be directly artificial general intelligence. Deep learning lots of different approaches and remembering and
programmed by humans. It means that the machine involves attempting to give robots the sorts of learning from all its previous attempts. In this
senses patterns or gains important knowledge from skills required for them to learn and master a new example, a robot is attempting to learn how to
the information it gathers from its sensors. Machine task for themselves, with little or no human pick up objects.
learning has enabled robots’ vision systems to learn
how to sort, group, and identify objects. In the
example below, a robot uses data to construct
and compare depth maps to recognize a particular
BUILDING BLOCK
household object. BLOCK COMB

BUILDING BLOCK
SPONGE

BUILDING BLOCK
PLASTIC DUCK MARKER

A 3-D depth PLASTIC DUCK MARKER

map is
constructed VOLUMETRIC WHISTLE
from images REPRESENTATION STAPLER
TOOTHBRUSH
taken by
the robot’s
cameras. The robot compares
the depth map to
other shapes it Surveying the scene
has learned before.
A deep-learning robot views a scene and uses depth perception to isolate individual objects from one another
before attempting to recognize them.

REFRIGERATOR DOOR WARDROBE

If there is no match,
the robot moves to
gather more information
by moving to a different
vantage point. Depth mapping
The robot makes depth maps of the objects and seeks out any suitable raised areas it can grip.

A match is made,
and the robot learns
that both depth
maps apply to the
same object.

Attempting the task

The robot attempts to grip an object. If it fails, it may adjust its grip force, try again from a different angle,
NEW REFRIGERATOR or pick another part to grip. Successes and failures are fed back and stored in the memory so that the robot
DEPTH MAP can learn from trial and error. Eventually, the robot will learn how to interact with each object.
76 S P E C I F I C AT I O N S

MANUFACTURER ORIGIN RELEASED HEIGHT

RobotCub Consortium Italy 2004 41 in (104 cm)
and Italian Institute
of Technology

HUMANOID ROBOT

iCub
About the size of a 3-year-old and just as curious, iCub uses its
body to explore the world. Some 30 of these ground-breaking
robo-toddlers are being experimented with in robotics labs around
the world. The ultimate goal is to create a truly cognitive bot—one
that can learn, understand, and adapt to all sorts of tasks, just like
humans do. So far, one iCub can play the drums while another has
mastered the complex game of chess. Checkmate!

More than 30 iCub

robots are in operation
around the world.
The jointed
FULL VIEW
thumb can bend
in similar ways to
a human thumb
HOW IT WORKS FACIAL EXPRESSIONS to help grasp and
hold objects.
A central controller instructs
the robot’s body parts.
Happy today or feeling grumpy? iCub
lets others know its mood using a range
Video cameras of preset facial expressions. These are
act as eyes.
generated by LED lights buried under
its face, which light up to demonstrate
Electric motors iCub’s “emotions”: it responds to how
move body parts. well it thinks a task is going.

Motors inside the

hands operate
the fingers.

Sensors on the
hands and
fingertips
enable touch.
NORMAL ANGRY
iCub learns from the information sent
to it by its vision, audio, and tactile
sensors to recognize and understand
objects and learn the nuances of
how best to interact with them. The
sensors in each joint give it a sense
of proprioception—knowing where
all of its body parts are as it moves.
HAPPY SAD
 77
WEIGHT POWER FEATURES
55 lb (25 kg) Electricity supplied by Can recognize
umbilical power cord objects and interact
with humans

BALL

A microphone fitted in
the ear picks up sounds
and identifies where
they come from, so the
robot’s head can move
to make eye contact
with the sound source. WHAT iCub SEES
Two video cameras comprise iCub’s eyes,
which can move independently of each other
to capture 15 images every second and send
them to the robot’s controller for processing.
Some of iCub’s 4 million lines of program code
help it make out the edges and shapes of
objects, remembering which objects it has
A tactile bodysuit
gives iCub an encountered in the past. iCub can also
all-over sense recognize human faces and remember its
of touch. last interactions with a recognized person.

Seven electric motors in the

forearm pull cables, similar
to human tendons, to make
the fingers, thumbs, and
hands move.

An electric motor
moves the hip joint,
allowing the robot
to lift its leg. iCub has
53 electric motors.

Fingertip pressure sensors

help the robot adjust how
much force it uses as it learns
to handle a new object.
SUPER SENSORS
Modeled after the human hand, iCub’s five jointed
fingers offer remarkably lifelike movement.
Sensor-packed pads on its fingertips and palm
can register tiny changes in force and grip, enabling
the robot to manipulate all sorts of objects as it
learns about the world through interacting with
the objects around it.
 80
The face is made of a The dome at the back HUMANOID ROBOT
HOW IT WORKS special material called of the head houses the
“frubber” for its main electronics.
Artificial intelligence, computer algorithms, flesh-meets-rubber
and cameras determine Sophia’s choice of surface texture.
facial expressions and conversation. First, SOPHIA
an image recognition algorithm detects a
recognizable face, which triggers another
Perhaps the most famous humanoid robot,
algorithm to supply prewritten possible Sophia whips up a media storm wherever it goes,
statements to use. Sophia chooses a phrase with appearances in television interviews and
to say and awaits a person’s first response.
S P E C I F I C AT I O N S

A transcription algorithm turns the response on fashion magazine covers. More than just a
into text before this information is analyzed face, this superstar robot can hold a conversation
for Sophia to choose the best matched option,
and the conversation continues.
with a human by answering questions, telling
jokes, expressing empathy, and ultimately making
This facial map highlights
adaptable areas, for
emotional connections with people. In speeches, it
humanlike facial
expressions, in blue.
explains how robotics and artificial intelligence
MANUFACTURER
Hanson Robotics

will soon become an accepted part of modern-day

life. Sophia is also the first robot to be granted
citizenship of a country.
ORIGIN
Hong Kong

The facial features were

modeled after British
actress Audrey Hepburn.
2015
DEVELOPED

The 3-D-printed arms

and robotic hands are
dexterous enough to
HEIGHT

perform basic tasks and

hold delicate items.
33 in (85 cm) for
the head and torso

A camera and
control panel
allow operators
WEIGHT

to monitor
40 lb (18 kg)

Sophia remotely.
Approximately
 Power
POWER

cable, battery
FEATURES

cameras, and
Facial recognition,

conversation software

ARTIFICIAL
INTELLIGENCE
The term “uncanny valley” The back of Sophia’s
At least 10 different versions of
is used to describe the head is a transparent
Sophia are being worked on by
phenomenon where some dome, exposing wires
experts around the world to advance
people find robots that look a and mechanics. It houses
its artificial intelligence so any chat
lot like humans creepy. Some the “brain” or internal
flows with the twists and turns of
robot makers design their bots processor, which is used
natural conversation instead of being
to look less like humans, but for facial recognition,
restricted to specific subjects.
others try to make their bots visual data and language
look so similar to humans in the processing, speech systems,
hope that people will not be put and motion controls.
off interacting with them.
81
82

ROBOT
WORLD
Not too long ago, robots were created to carry out only
repetitive or dangerous tasks to save people time and effort.
Today, many robots are designed to entertain and enhance
ROBOT RUNAROUND our everyday lives with an array of technological talents.
Help is at hand in hospitals with this
Meet the mind-blowing machines ready to share our world.
health-care honcho. RoboCourier is the
go-to delivery service for transporting
laboratory specimens, surgical equipment,
and patient medication around a hospital.
A built-in laser guidance system provides
smooth navigation through hospital corridors,
while a secure locking container ensures that
supplies arrive safely. With staff rushed off
AMUSING ANDROID
their feet, this robot takes the strain.
Japanese inventors created this
humanoid comedian after researching
what people find funny. Kobian has
its own stand-up routine, which uses a
mix of exaggerated stories, repetitive
gags, and daft impressions. Although
some jokes may fall flat, this rib-tickling
robot is guaranteed to give you a giggle.
Studies have proven that people find their
general moods have lifted after watching
Kobian perform.

▲ Three levels of storage allow

◀ The robot’s facial expressions
RoboCourier to multitask on
convey seven different “emotions,”
different deliveries.
ranging from joy to disgust.

PROGRAMMED PERFORMER
All the world’s a stage for RoboThespian.
This fully articulated humanoid robot loves
performing in front of an audience. Its
smooth moves and easy chatter make it
the ultimate crowd-pleaser at shows, theaters,
and exhibitions. RoboThespian can turn
teacher, actor, or salesman on cue by
choosing one of the preprogrammed
settings on a tablet, but its best
party trick is telling jokes in
30 different languages.

▲ The screens inside

RoboThespian’s eyes maintain
eye contact with people.
 83

ROCK ON, ROBOTS

Made from recycled scrap metal,
Compressorhead are the heavyweights of
heavy metal. These robot rockers line up with
a singer, lead guitarist, bassist, and drummer,
playing both electric and acoustic instruments.
Made in Germany and playing live since 2013,
Compressorhead not only play classics—without
breaking into a sweat—but have also made their
own album called Party Machine.

◀ The band consists of drummer

Stickboy, lead guitarist Fingers,
bassist Bones, second guitarist Helga Ta,
and new vocalist Mega-Wattson.

STRING STAR ROBOT RECEPTION

Let the music play with Toyota’s violin- Don’t be alarmed by the unusual front desk
playing robot. This humanoid musician hit of Henn-na Hotel in Japan. Here, the check-in
all the right notes when it played the violin to process is overseen by robot receptionists,
thrilled audiences. The dexterity of its hands including one in the shape of a sharp-clawed
and the joints of its arms allowed the same dinosaur. This odd hotel has an almost
freedom of movement as in a human violinist. entirely robotic workforce to cut costs and
Solo performances were what this first-rate increase efficiency. An automated trolley
fiddler did best, but similar robots by Toyota carries luggage to the rooms, a robot waiter
can bang the drums and toot the trumpet. The brings room service, and a tank showcases
lifelike movements of these musician bots mean swimming robot fish.
they can also perform chores at home.

◀ Robot receptionists welcome guests

arriving at the hotel.

▼ A talking Velociraptor with moving

eyes, arms, and jaws greets guests.

◀ The violin-
playing robot
no longer moves
and is only on
display now.
84 S P E C I F I C AT I O N S

MANUFACTURER ORIGIN RELEASED HEIGHT

ABB Switzerland 2015 22 in (56 cm)

COLLABORATIVE ROBOT

YuMi
This twin-armed bot has conducted
orchestras, solved Rubik’s Cube
puzzles, and even made paper planes,
but it is most at home on the assembly
line. Its fast, deft pair of arms move with
incredible accuracy so that it can repeat
a task to within just 0.00079 in (0.02 mm)
every time, thousands of times. Roughly
the same size as the top half of an adult
male, YuMi is designed to work closely with
humans (its name stands for You and Me,
working together), assembling fussy and
delicate smartphones and watches or putting
together and testing complex vehicle parts.

The plastic casing

is soft to the touch.

ROBOT SYMPHONY
In 2017, YuMi became the first robot
to conduct an orchestra. It successfully
conducted three pieces of classical music
at a live performance, with the Lucca
Philharmonic Orchestra, in Pisa, Italy.
Before the performance, the renowned
Italian conductor Andrea Colombini
trained YuMi, guiding it through the
precise movements that YuMi later
mimicked for the music.
 85
WEIGHT POWER FEATURES
83.8 lb (38 kg) Electrical grid Cameras with
object recognition

YuMi allows
robots to work
hand in hand
with human
beings.
Sam Atiya, President, ABB

The tool flange

can be fitted with
different sizes of
robotic grippers.

Each arm is made of

lightweight magnesium
covered in a plastic
casing. It can reach up
to 22 in (56 cm) in
all directions.

Each joint is powered

by its own electric
motor. Together, they
allow smooth, speedy TRUMPET PLAYER
movement—up to
4.9 ft (1.5 m) Toyota’s trumpet-playing Partner robot
per second. wowed audiences with tunes played on
a regular trumpet in 2006. The 4.9-ft
(1.5-m) tall humanoid robot used a
pneumatic system to blow air through
the trumpet, and its articulated hand
pushed the trumpet’s piston valve
buttons to play different notes.
86 S P E C I F I C AT I O N S

HOW IT WORKS

A human chef uses the Robotic Kitchen’s

technology to create a meal. Once the
robot has been taught how to make a
dish, the data is added to the Robotic
Kitchen’s database and can be reused
whenever the operator desires.

1 The robot has a 3-D camera and

wired sensory glove. These turn
the human chef’s movements into
digital instructions that the robot
can understand.

2 The robot’s two flexible hands are

able to use the same utensils that
the human chef used. The robot can
blend, stir, beat, shake, pour, and
drizzle the ingredients.

HOME-HELP ROBOT
HANDY WORK

ROBOTIC
The Moley’s Robotic Kitchen has two
multijointed robot arms with sensor-packed
artificial hands, providing the same dexterity
and movement as your own hands. It also works

KITCHEN
at the same speed as the original master chef
who demonstrated the recipe. This humanlike
motion means the robot is able to use a wide
range of cooking appliances and utensils.

There’s a new chef cooking up a storm in the kitchen.

The Moley’s Robotic Kitchen is the first fully automated
cooking robot, able to copy an expert cook and repeat
his movements step by step at the touch of a button.
The articulated robotic arms work with the same care
and attention as human hands to ensure every dish is
delicious. Sit back and let the Robotic Kitchen tickle
your tastebuds from a library of mouthwatering recipes.
 87
MANUFACTURER ORIGIN DEVELOPED HEIGHT FEATURES
Moley Robotics UK 2014 Standard kitchen, Tactile sensors and
designed to fit into a 3-D camera allow
existing spaces replication of human
actions with precision

The robotic arms follow

the same design as those
commonly in use on car
production lines.

Each utensil or
appliance is used
in exactly the same
way as the human
chef used them.

FUTURE FOOD
Moley’s Robotic Kitchen could become
a feature in hospitals and care homes,
where time is precious but diet is
important. Machines like this could
lead a robot revolution by allowing
people around the world to share or
even sell recipes, enjoy international
cuisine, and dine on the dishes of
celebrated chefs.
 88
SOCIAL ROBOT
The HD cameras inside the
eyes help Zeno recognize and
remember different faces.

ZENO
A big star of interactive humanoid robots
is Zeno. This cross between a young boy and
a cartoon character is known for its flexible
S P E C I F I C AT I O N S

face and its range of expressions. This smart

bot is also a whizz at reading books, learning
foreign languages, and teaching students. But
it is not all work and no play. Zeno kicks back
in style by telling jokes, playing games, and
MANUFACTURER

showing off his dance moves. Thanks to

Hanson Robotics

advanced computer software and artificial

intelligence, there is no end to his talents.
ORIGIN
Hong Kong

Freedom of movement
in the arms allows for a
range of gestures.

TOUCHSCREEN
Zeno’s chest contains a touchscreen with
2007

multiple options, including educational

RELEASED

programs, university research, games

store, general knowledge, and two-way
conversation. Children with special needs
particularly respond to the robot’s
compassionate chat and therapy sessions.

ote
> Em
Demo
1/2
HEIGHT

Page
27 in (68.6 cm)

Demo > Emote

ed Page 1/2
l Excit
Denia
Angry
Panic
Hurt
An option can
py Angry Denial Excited
Hap be selected by
rised pressing the
Surp
d Happy Hurt Panic
Scare right part of
Sad
the touchscreen.
Zeno communicates Sad Scared Surprised
WEIGHT

through the speakers

4.5 lb (2 kg)

in its chest.
 The bot recognizes
beats and moves in
FEATURES

sensors, and
time to the music.
voice recognition
HD cameras, touch
Artificial intelligence,

EXPRESSIVE BOT
Zeno’s face is made from frubber, a unique rubbery
elastic material used to produce a skinlike effect.
Motors in the face instantly mold the frubber into
recognizable facial expressions. Zeno’s expressions
are used to add to the information the robot is trying
Zeno can to display.
walk forward
and backward,
turn, and dance.

SURPRISED SAD

HAPPY HURT

TIRED WORRIED
89
90 S P E C I F I C AT I O N S

MANUFACTURER ORIGIN DEVELOPED HEIGHT WEIGHT

SoftBank Robotics France 2006 22.5 in (57.3 cm) 11.9 lb (5.4 kg)

HUMANOID ROBOT
HOW IT WORKS

NAO is packed with more than 50 sensors, including sonar

for distance measuring. Its sensing unit can detect when
the robot is lying down, and its controller can trigger a
sequence of movements of its electric motors and joints
to get back up. NAO moves its arms back to lever itself
NAO
Dancing, playing robot soccer, understanding human speech,
up to a sitting upright position before bending its legs and entertaining the elderly in care homes—there is no end
to propel itself upright. to this humble humanoid’s talents. NAO is versatile enough to
be programmed by school students and experienced robotics
Touch sensor
engineers alike. It is very flexible, and its four microphones
can recognize voices and obtain instant translations to words
in 19 different languages. Its balance sensors help the robot
stay on its feet as it walks, but if it does fall over, NAO knows
how to get back on its feet all by itself.
Loudspeaker Camera

VISION
NAO has two cameras, but they aren’t in its
eyes. One camera sits on its forehead, with
the other in its “mouth.” NAO’s eyes are
instead used to help it communicate with
humans by changing color.

Sonar allows
NAO to estimate
distance to objects.

Gripping
hand can
grasp small
objects.

Knee joint

Ankle joint

The loudspeaker can

Foot bumper acts as a sensor
for detecting nearby objects. broadcast information
from the Internet.
 91
POWER FEATURES
Battery Can detect faces and objects,
and recognize speech

AMAZING AVATAR
Kids with injuries or illnesses often
miss out on a lot of school. One of
NAO’s capabilities is to act as the
absent child’s avatar—a representation
of the child in one place when he or
she is somewhere else. A child can use
a tablet to control NAO from afar,
getting the robot to collect information,
video, or sound from the classroom
and send it back to the child.

Three buttons on
the head can be
programmed to wake
NAO up or perform
an action.
SMOOTH MOVES
The small humanoid robot
NAO has wowed many with
its ability to dance. More
than 10,000 of these smart,
fluid movers have been
built. Many of them have
been programmed
to perform complex dance
routines on their own or
with other NAO robots,
staying perfectly in sync by
communicating wirelessly.
94 S P E C I F I C AT I O N S

The robot gets a grip

with an enormous
grappling claw borrowed
from a logging machine.

The MegaBot
can extend its two
legs to grow nearly
1 ft (0.3 m) taller.

Hydraulic systems enable Eagle

Prime to pull back an arm and
deliver a massive punch.
The heavy-duty treads
were originally designed
for military tanks.

ROBOT DUEL
In 2017, Iron Glory and Eagle Prime—a pair
of massive robots built by MegaBots Inc.—faced
Japanese robots in a smackdown challenge.
The winner would be the first bot to disable or
destroy its opponent, or whose pilots surrendered.
One of the Japanese robots, Kuratas (above),
knocked out Iron Glory but failed in its battle
with Eagle Prime.
 95
MANUFACTURER ORIGIN DEVELOPED HEIGHT WEIGHT POWER
MegaBots Inc. US 2015 16 ft (4.9 m) 15 tons Gasoline-
(13 metric tons) powered engine

HOW IT WORKS
The working parts
are covered with The “guts” of the Eagle Prime MegaBot contain more
an armor of tough, than 1 mile (1.6 km) of cabling. There are more than
protective steel. 650 cables and 300 electronic devices inside this
hulking machine. Each pilot manipulates a complex
array of joysticks, pedals, and more than 40 toggle
switches to control and move the bot. A booming
gasoline-powered engine and a transmission taken
from a boat keep the MegaBot moving. When fully
operational, the bot is strong enough to lift and
crush a car in the air.

The cockpit is made of

bulletproof glass to protect
the pilot and gunner.

Engine
The grapple
exerts 3,000 lb The caterpillar
(1,360 kg) treads let the
of force. bot squat
and roll.

The double-barreled
cannon shoots powerful
paintballs heavy enough
to shatter glass.
PILOTED ROBOT

MegaBots
The engineers behind MegaBots are making the stuff of science fiction a
reality—a giant fighting robot battling another mechanical monster in
an epic sporting combat. MegaBots are operated by a pilot and a gunner
sitting inside a protective glass cockpit atop the bot. Complex control
panels inside allow them to control the robot and its formidable weapons.
An array of HD cameras give them an amazing overview of the battle.
96 S P E C I F I C AT I O N S

MANUFACTURER ORIGIN RELEASED HEIGHT WEIGHT

Intelligent Japan 2001 22 in (57 cm) 6 lb (2.7 kg)
System Corporation

SOCIAL ROBOT

PARO
PARO is a super-soft robotic seal designed for use in hospitals and
Artificial antibacterial fur
is soft but strong and also
resistant to dirt and damage.

nursing homes as a robotic form of pet therapy. Pets have been

shown to help the emotional, social, and even cognitive (brain)
functioning of patients with certain illnesses, but sometimes
patients lack the ability to properly care for a real animal. PARO is
modeled on a baby harp seal’s appearance and behavior, while
swapping blubber for batteries. More than 1,300 PARO robots are
already hard at work in Japan, with others being introduced to
Europe and the US. Simply irresistible, the friendly fuzzball is one
of the world’s most commonly used therapeutic robots.

Head moves in
different directions
to follow sounds.

Big, beautiful eyes

blink regularly and
close during petting.

CHARGED UP
A hungry PARO is even cuter! PARO shows
when its battery is running low by calling
out twice before finally turning off. With
fish off the menu, the robot’s charger is
a yellow or pink pacifier. This is placed
inside PARO’s mouth while electricity
recharges its batteries.

PARO’s voice can Sensitive whiskers do not

imitate the sound of like being touched, so PARO
Charger a baby harp seal. turns away, as if by instinct.
 97
POWER FEATURES
Internal Microphones,
rechargeable battery motors, and sensors

SET THE SEAL

PARO’s job is patient care,
particularly for elderly people
suffering with memory loss. The
enthusiastic way in which PARO
responds to gentle touch has been
proven to reduce patient stress
and create a calmer atmosphere.
It is also programmed to remember
previous responses and adapt its
personality to please the patient
by repeating positive patterns
of behavior.

Just like animals used in pet

therapy, PARO can help relieve
depression and anxiety—but it
never needs to be fed…
Takanori Shibata, Designer, PARO

Twelve sensors
embedded in the
fur react to touch.

RELIABLE RUNNER
Feelings are shown Another home help robot is HOBBIT. This mobility
by facial expressions, assistance bot makes life easier by performing
body movements, jobs that can be challenging for elderly or disabled
and sounds. people. The makers of HOBBIT wanted to foster a
relationship of mutual care between the robot and
humans, similar to the bond between a pet and its
owner. The robot can tidy up trip hazards away
from floors, play games with its owner, and sound
an alarm in emergency situations.

PARO can lift its flippers

like a real seal, thanks
to motors inside it.
98 S P E C I F I C AT I O N S

MANUFACTURER ORIGIN DEVELOPED LENGTH

Festo Germany 2013 17 in (44 cm)

BIOMIMETIC ROBOT The wings are made from

BionicOpter
carbon frames covered in
lightweight polyester.

Dragonflies are among the fastest and most maneuverable insects in the
animal kingdom. At 17 in (44 cm) long and with a whopping 2 ft (63 cm)
wingspan, this dragonfly drone—called the BionicOpter—is much bigger
than real dragonflies and almost as quick. This robot can continually
adjust the performance of its fast-beating wings and the position of its
OVERHEAD VIEW
head and tail during flight. As a result, it can switch from climbing to
diving, swoop left or right, or hover in midair smoothly. It can even
fly backward, just like a real dragonfly.
The tail can move
up or down to
steer the robot.

IN CONTROL
The motors, which turn
lightweight gears, are
instructed by the robot’s
microcontroller, which
coordinates all the different
actions required for the robot
to fly. This leaves the user to
simply choose flight direction
or destination using an app.
The bot’s head and eyes
are sculpted to look
like a large dragonfly,
but BionicOpter has
no cameras and
cannot “see.”
 99
WEIGHT POWER FEATURES
0.38 lb (175 g) Battery Coordinates complex
actions to produce
smooth movement

SHAPE CHANGER
A special type of metal alloy,
called nitinol, is used as a form
of muscle in BionicOpter’s tail.
When an electric current is
passed through it, the nitinol
warms up and shrinks in size,
pulling the tail either up
The four wings can
or down.
beat at 15–20 strokes
per second.

The body covering is

made of lightweight
and flexible materials.

HOW IT WORKS

The robot’s microcontroller it moves on each stroke. The

constantly monitors and adjusts wings can also be twisted up to
the wings. A main motor in the 90° from a horizontal position
body can vary the speed of to alter the direction of the
the up and down movement wings’ thrust. The movable
of the wings. Two tiny motors head and tail add further ways
in each wing alter how deeply to help steer.

The wings have

a 50° range Individual
of movement. wings can be
twisted by 90°.
Head and tail
move to alter the
direction of flight.

BionicOpter’s rib cage is

packed with twin batteries, Motors control the
a microcontroller, and nine depth of each stroke.

different motors.
100 S P E C I F I C AT I O N S

MANUFACTURER ORIGIN DEVELOPED

Faraday Future US 2016

PILOTED ROBOT
HOW IT WORKS

FFZERO1
This stunning, sleek, single-seat racer is packed full of the latest
Driverless cars rely on many different
sensors, which work with high-resolution
digital maps to navigate and drive safely.
A driverless car’s sensors sweep its
immediate surroundings to provide
tech—from smartphone control of aspects of the vehicle’s real-time tracking of other vehicles and
performance, such as level of grip and ride height, to using pedestrians and the directions and speeds
they are moving at. Cameras capture a
batteries instead of fuel to power the car. The FFZERO1 is 360° view around the vehicle, which is
a concept car, acting as a showcase for new advances and analyzed by object recognition software
to spot other vehicles, traffic lights, stop
technologies, some borrowed from robotics and electronics.
signals, and other road signs. The car’s
Most fascinating of all is its potential to be fitted with sensors controller continually instructs the vehicle’s
and controllers to make it a self-driving vehicle, which might motors to change speed, alter direction,
or to stop, depending on the information
be able to take control on a racetrack and guide drivers it receives.
around, showing them the quickest racing line.

The transparent tail fin

improves aerodynamics.

HIGH PERFORMANCE
The FFZERO1’s high performance
batteries are linked together in the
floor of the vehicle to give it a hefty
8–10 times the power of a small
hatchback car. This, in turn, gives this
fast vehicle a startling acceleration.
It can travel from a stationary
position to 60 mph (96 km/h) in
less than three seconds.
 101
POWER FEATURES
Battery Autopilot mode

SMART COCKPIT
The driver sits cocooned in the center
Bus of the car, protected by a band called a
halo. A smartphone can be clipped into
the steering wheel to control some aspects
of the vehicle’s performance and to visualize
the track and other data on its screen.

The glass roof has

hinges at the back
to open up for the
driver to enter and
A driverless car’s cameras and sensors track a bus going past at
exit the vehicle. A smartphone
a junction. The car slows down to obey a stop sign it has spotted. sits inside the
steering wheel.

The sculpted body shell

is made of strong but
lightweight carbon fiber.

Multiple air tunnels channel airflow

along the length of the car, reducing
The lightweight alloy drag and cooling the vehicle’s
wheel is turned by electric motors. In addition, the air
its own dedicated tunnels help increase downforce,
electric motor. giving the car more grip.
EXTREMES
GOING TO
The solutions to many robotics
questions are found in the natural
world. Roboticists are increasingly
studying animals to find new ways
of completing tasks. As a result,
robots are going into places they
have never gone before—from
underwater robotic eels to robots
that work together like bees.
104 S P E C I F I C AT I O N S

MANUFACTURER ORIGIN RELEASED HEIGHT POWER

Stanford University US 2016 4.9 ft (1.5 m) Lithium-ion battery,
electric tether

WORK ROBOT

OceanOne
Robot submersibles have been at work for years, but OceanOne is really
making big waves. This bot was developed to use the experience of a skilled
human diver, while avoiding many of the dangers humans face underwater.
OceanOne has stereoscopic vision to enable its pilot to see exactly what the
robot sees in high definition. Its arms and hands are controlled by joysticks,
and it can grasp delicate objects without damaging them, allowing the bot
to perform highly skilled tasks in dangerous conditions. Eventually, it will
The arms can keep the
dive alongside humans, communicating with them as they explore together. bot’s hands steady even
if the body is moving.

The cables provide

power as well
as the signal and
mechanical links
between OceanOne
and its controllers.

HOW IT WORKS

OceanOne is shaped like a human diver, making

it an avatar of its operator. The upper body holds Eight multidirectional
thrusters move the bot
the cameras, two articulated (flexible) arms, and through the water.
a pair of hands packed with force sensors. The
robot’s batteries, on-board computers, and power Battery

thrusters are found in the lower part.

Wrist

The on-board electronics

are immersed in oil instead
of being waterproofed.
The head houses Rigid foam
stereoscopic
cameras. Forearm
Elbow
 105
FEATURES
Stereoscopic vision and
turbulence sensors

An electric
tether attached
to a ship also
provides power.

The wide-angle camera Specially strengthened

mounted under the body cables resist damage
helps with navigation from water pressure
through the ocean depths. and tidal sea motion.

GET A GRIP!
The force sensors inside
OceanOne’s hands relay
touch feedback to the pilot.
This means that the pilot
can “feel” whether the robot
is holding something heavy
or light, strong or delicate.
The robot makes sure that
its grip is firm but delicate.
106

SENSORS
Sensing acceleration and tilt
Accelerometers are sensors that measure
acceleration—the change in speed of an object.
They are used in robotics not only to sense changes

AND DATA
in motion but also to help robots measure
tilt and angles and to keep their balance.

Piezoelectric accelerometer
This type of sensor features a weight (called
Robots rely on sensors to acquire information about the world around the mass) on a spring and a small piezoelectric
crystal connected to an electric circuit.
them. They also need data about themselves and the position and
functioning of their various parts. Sensors come in many forms.
Some sensors, such as cameras or microphones, mimic human senses. The weight is
Others give robots data-gathering abilities that humans lack, such as held on a spring.

identifying tiny traces of a particular chemical or detecting distances

accurately in total darkness.

Piezoelectric Electric
crystal circuit

Sensing danger A magnetic field travels out

ahead of the sensor and robot.
Sensors can be the difference between success or failure
for robots deployed in remote regions far away from
their human operators. Some sensors alert the robot of
impending problems or dangers if the robot continues to
perform its work. Radiation sensors, for instance, can
warn a robot that a highly radioactive source is near that
could damage or even destroy the robot’s circuits.

Sensing metal
An inductive proximity sensor can detect
Metal
metal nearby before the robot comes into
The circuit detects changes An amplifier inside the sensor
contact with it. This could be critical when in oscillation as the metal increases the signal before it is
a robot is in an area containing land mines. gets nearer to the sensor. sent to the robot’s CPU.

Different ways of seeing

Human eyes see a particular range of light, but
PEDESTRIANS DRIVERLESS CAR’S
robot sensors are able to see more. These include PROJECTED PATH
thermal imaging sensors that can see things by
the heat they emit, or sensors that use lasers,
radar, or sonar to build up a 3-D picture of the
environment around a robot. CYCLIST

Rotating LiDAR sensor OTHER CAR

emits and collects
pulses of light to
measure distances.

DRIVERLESS CAR
Putting it together
An onboard computer takes the sensor
data to create a real-time image of the
car’s surroundings. It strips out
unimportant information from the data
Combining sensors
and focuses on roads, traffic signals,
Driverless cars use cameras to spot traffic signs
and moving vehicles and people to aid
and LiDAR to create a 360° image of the car’s
the car’s navigation.
surroundings. Radar and other sensors track
vehicles and other moving objects.
 107

Underwater sensing
Accelerometers are constructed in a number of Fish and some amphibians have a fascinating
different ways. Many use piezoelectricity—the extra sense: the ability to detect changes in
property of some materials to give out an electric water pressure and flow caused by other moving
voltage when they are squeezed or compressed. creatures, or water flowing around static objects
nearby. This is their lateral-line sense, and it
Acceleration allows fish to detect prey or predators nearby.
An acceleration force pushes the weight down Tiny electrical parts called thermistors have been
onto the crystal. This compresses the crystal, used to give some robots this sense. A thermistor
which causes it to produces an electric voltage features a microscopic heated wire that changes
that is measured to find the acceleration rate. temperature when the flow of water changes.
The lateral-line sense may give robots a way of
understanding environment in poor visibility. Six jet thruster
motors power the Snookie’s casing is
The spring
2.5-ft (0.75-m) long made of plexiglass
stretches as
underwater robot. and aluminum.
the weight
ACCELERATION

moves down.
Snookie
This underwater robot was built by researchers in
Germany. Its nose contains an artificial lateral-line
sensor that helps the robot detect obstacles.

The crystal is compressed by the

weight and emits an electric charge.

AIR PRESSURE HUMIDITY WIND SPEED

HEAT POLLUTION

Environmental sensors
Wind gauges, thermometers, pollution sensors, and
other environmental sensors allow robots to measure
their surroundings. This data may be of scientific Snookie’s sensors
Snookie can reverse detect a rock ahead due
interest or, in the case of detecting severe heat, its thrusters to avoid to changes in water
to protect the robot itself. rocky obstacles ahead. flow and pressure.

Future driverless cars

In the future, the sensors used by
driverless cars will create faster, more
A 4-D camera
detailed “vision” by using 4-D cameras. image covers
These take wide-angle images, which an angle of
138º—more
are packed with other information,
than a third
including the direction and distance of a circle.
of all the light that reaches the
camera’s lens from objects.

ORIGINAL SCENE

The image is
processed to
include data on the
distances of objects
from the camera
(the blue areas are
closer and white
further away).

4-D CAMERA IMAGE PROCESSED

108 S P E C I F I C AT I O N S

MANUFACTURER ORIGIN DEVELOPED HEIGHT WEIGHT

Festo Germany 2015 1.7 in (4.3 cm) 0.23 lb (105 g)

SWARM ROBOT

BionicANTs
This six-legged scuttler is the size of your hand
The legs are made
of 3-D-printed
ceramic and plastic.
and crammed full of technology. The BionicANT’s
movement is guided by stereo cameras, first used
by MAVs (micro aerial vehicles), and an optical floor
sensor originally from a computer mouse. Much of
the rest of each BionicANT, though, is innovative—
from its low-power system for movement to how
the autonomous ants work together to solve a
problem, sharing data over a wireless network.
Technologies tested on the BionicANTs may lead
to more productive factories as well as robust
robots that can explore tough terrain.

HOW THEY WORK

The robot’s leg and gripper movement come from

tiny, power-thrifty devices called piezoelectric
transducers. These bend when they receive an
electric current. Each leg has three transducers
so that it can lift or move backward or forward
to take 0.4-in (1-cm) steps. The robot’s processor acts
as its controller. It synchronizes all the signals and Some of the robot’s
the electric current sent to the transducers to electrical circuit runs
coordinate the legs’ movement. on its outer surface.

The transducers lift The ring circuit supplies

and move each leg. 300 volts of electricity
to the transducers.

We already have
autonomous devices
but they get more and
more intelligent and
The grippers
open and close
to hold objects.
more functional.
Elias Knubben, Head of Bionic Projects, Festo
 109
POWER FEATURES
Battery Works with other robots
without human supervision

The stereo cameras SMART CHARGING

perceive depth and Each BionicANT can work for around
enable the robot 40 minutes before it seeks out its charging
to position itself station autonomously, with no human
in relation to direction. The robot’s head antennae
other objects. connect with the charger to recharge
its twin lithium-ion batteries.

Wire antenna

Rubber foot pads

help the ant grip
smooth surfaces.
COLLABORATIVE WORKERS
This is no three-way battle. It’s actually a group of
extraordinary BionicANTs working together to move
a large load between them. Based on the teamwork
exhibited by real-life ants, these 3-D-printed robot
insects constantly share information by using radio
signals sent and received from electronics in their
abdomens. Similar collaborative robots could play
major roles in search and rescue missions and
exploration in future.
112 S P E C I F I C AT I O N S

MANUFACTURER ORIGIN DEVELOPED SIZE POWER

Harvard University US 2016 2.5 in Fueled by
(6.5 cm) long hydrogen peroxide

MAKING THE MACHINE A tiny reservoir holds the

liquid hydrogen peroxide.
A combination of 3-D printing,
molding, and soft lithography (a
type of printing technique) is used to
manufacture Octobot in a simple, quick,
and repeatable process. The bot’s
“brain” is a fluid-based circuit placed
inside an octopus-shaped mold, before
a silicone mixture is poured on top.
Next, a 3-D printer injects platinum ink
into the silicone. The complete mold is
heated for about four days until the The platinum ink
injected into Octobot
bot’s body is ready. glows in the dark.

BIOMIMETIC ROBOT

OCTOBOT
An octopus has no skeleton, and, similarly, there is no tough technology
in Octobot’s tiny tentacles. Octobot is the world’s first completely soft,
autonomous robot. Forget batteries, microchips, and computer control.
Instead, this bot is 3-D printed using soft silicone and powered by a
chemical reaction. It took a team from Harvard University more than
300 attempts to successfully create Octobot, using a fluid-filled circuit
flowing through its silicone body. In the future, similar soft bots could
be used for sea rescue and military surveillance, as they can fit into
narrow spaces and mold into their environment.
 113

HOW IT WORKS

Octobot is powered by a chemical reaction. A tiny amount of liquid hydrogen peroxide

pumped inside Octobot pushes through the tubes until it comes into contact with platinum
and turns into gas. This chemical reaction causes the tentacles to inflate, which moves the
bot through water. Octobot’s creators plan to add sensors to it so it can navigate on its own.

1 Thin tubes feed

colored hydrogen
peroxide into Octobot.
2 As the chemicals
inside the body react,
Octobot’s tentacles move.
3 Octobot can run for
eight minutes on
0.03 fl oz (1 ml) of fuel.

The colors represent

the pathways taken by the
hydrogen peroxide fuel.

EDIBLE ACTUATOR
Soft robotics also includes making
certain parts of regular robots
edible. Scientists in Switzerland have
been working on making a digestible
robot actuator (a part that makes
something else move). If actuators
were safe to digest, they could be
The silicone rubber placed on tiny, edible robots and
body fits easily into swallowed by humans or animals.
the palm of your hand. Digestible robots could explore our
bodies to scan our insides closely
or assist with medical procedures. Ingestible
parts
114

STRONG AND STABLE MICRO BOTS

A front-runner among humanoid robots, These micro-robots are built using miniature
Atlas can make sophisticated movements printed circuit boards and magnets.
of its arms, body, and legs. Its hands can lift Thousands of them working together
and grab objects, while its feet stay upright on like a factory assembly line can
tough terrain. The battery-powered hardware manufacture large-scale products.
is partly 3-D printed to create a lightweight Micro-robots like MicroFactory
compact robot with stereo vision and sensors. could revolutionize the future of
medicine by entering and exploring
the body to test and improve human
and animal health.

▶ A collection of micro-robots can perform a variety

of tasks, including carrying parts, depositing liquids,
and building fixed structures.

EXTREME
BOTS Even the trickiest terrain is no problem for these all-action
technological trailblazers that push the boundaries of
exploration. These remotely controlled robots help humans achieve their
goals and stop at nothing to get the job done—whether they are battling
germs inside the human body, adventuring into unknown territories,
diving into the oceans, or even soaring into space.

EXPLORING TITAN
NASA’s Dragonfly is a proposed spacecraft that
will be able to take off and land repeatedly on
Titan, the planet Saturn's largest moon. Using
multiple rotors, Dragonfly is expected to take
off in 2024 to explore the dense atmosphere
and methane lakes of Titan, as well as take
samples from the surface to look for possible
signs of life. This would be the second craft
ever to reach Titan, after NASA’s Huygens
probe, which landed there in 2005.

▶ Dragonfly will drop down at regular landing

▲ Atlas can pick itself up when pushed over sites on Titan, using its suite of scientific
or after slipping on unsteady surfaces. instruments for investigation.
 115

DEEP-WATER SUBMARINE
Robot submarines, such as NOC robots, are leading
scientific research in oceans around the world.
These long-range autonomous underwater vehicles
(AUVs) can now dive under water as well as under
ice, reaching depths of 19,700 ft (6,000 m). These
robots are preprogrammed with set tasks, and
the information they discover is transmitted via
a radio link to scientists on board ships or on land.

Most AUVs are shaped

like torpedos.

◀ Deployed from ships, AUVs can stay

underwater for months at a time.

UNDERWATER GUARDIAN GROWING BOT

This marine robot is on a mission to protect coral A new soft bot that can grow by spreading in
reefs from increasing numbers of lionfish. Covered one direction without even moving its body,
in venomous spines, the lionfish reproduces rapidly, vinebot’s design was influenced by natural
reducing fish stocks and destroying coral reefs in organisms, such as vines and fungi, that
the process. Diving to 400 ft (120 m), Guardian LF1 grow by spreading out. When put through
stuns the lionfish with electric currents and sucks its paces by an experimental design team,
them inside a container. the flexible vinebot could cross a tricky
obstacle course and navigate steep walls,
long pipes, and tight spaces. Experts hope
that in the future vinebot can be used for
▼ The Guardian LF1 robot can medical devices as well as search and
reach depths unsafe for humans. rescue operations.

▲ The 328-ft-long (100-m-long) tether is

attached to a controller on the surface.

The lights spot

lionfish in the
ocean depths.

The electrodes
produce tiny
electric currents.
The thrusters ▲ A lightweight soft tube, vinebot can
power the robot.
move toward a set location or grow into
its own structure.
116 S P E C I F I C AT I O N S

MANUFACTURER
Festo

 The eMotionButterflies 
are fully maneuverable,
very agile, and come
extremely close to their
biological role model. Wings are made of a
frame of curved carbon
Festo rods covered with a thin
and lightweight capacitor
film, a material that
stores electric charge.

ELECTRONIC UNIT
The butterfly’s electronics include a microcontroller,
compass, accelerometer, gyroscope, and two infrared LED
lights. These are all powered by a pair of batteries, which
can be recharged in just 15 minutes. All of this is stored SWARM ROBOT

eMotion
in a lightweight package that mimics nature. Each
butterfly bot weighs just 0.07 lb (32 g)—about a third of
the weight of a deck of playing cards.
The butterfly
has a wingspan

Butterflies
of 19.7 in (50 cm).

Beautiful robotic butterflies, with wingspans of 1.5 feet, all

flutter close to each other in a tight space. How do they do
TOP VIEW this without colliding? The secret is in how they are controlled
from afar, using infrared cameras linked to a powerful central
computer. The butterflies themselves are amazing feats of
engineering, cramming in a microprocessor, sensors, and twin
motors that beat their wings. Powerful batteries may allow
this sort of technology to lead to flying robot flocks or
swarms that can monitor remote pipelines and structures.
 117
ORIGIN POWER FEATURES
Germany Battery Collective “swarm”
intelligence

Onboard electronics adjust

each wing’s flapping
speed and turning point
to enable the robot to Wings beat up to two times every
move through the air. second, giving the butterfly bot
a top speed of 8 ft per second
(2.5 m per second).

HOW THEY WORK

Ten high-speed infrared cameras

map the area in which the robots
fly. They track each butterfly’s
infrared LEDs, which act as
markers. The constant stream of
data is sent to a central computer,
which works like air traffic
control at an airport. It has the
considerable task of analyzing
3.7 billion pixels per second
to update the position of each
butterfly. If a butterfly deviates
from its expected flight path, the
computer sends instructions to
the robot to correct this. Each infrared camera captures 160 images per The butterfly robots are instructed by radio signals
second. They’re placed so that each butterfly bot from the central computer. Each robot is given its
is recorded by at least two cameras at all times. own flight path to travel safely.
118

The BionicKangaroo hunches down over its An electric motor moves the
hind legs, which, along with the tail, form tail upward. This balances
a stable tripod. The robot’s weight is tilted out the swinging forward
down and forward, ready to jump. movement of the legs, which
are powered by hip motors.
Leg casing View under
the leg casing

Pneumatic cylinders powered

by compressed air drive the
15.4-lb (7-kg) robot strongly
up into the air.

UNUSUAL
Slithering
Some snakebots move by curling and uncurling their
long, flexible bodies the way real snakes do. For
example, to move forward, a snake might pull its

MOVES
body up in a series of curves and then thrust
it forward, uncurling as it goes, in a concertina
motion. A sidewinder motion (see below) enables
a segmented snakebot to climb up uneven terrain.

Legs, wheels, and tracks are not the only ways robots can move.
In the search for more efficient methods of robot locomotion,
robotics engineers have considered unusual ways of propelling
their robots so they can keep their balance, overcome obstacles,
A snakebot begins its
and operate in difficult locations. Some engineers have looked to
climb with the front
portion of its body at
nature for inspiration, building robots that mimic the movement
right angles to the slope. patterns of particular creatures.

Tarzan holds a wire cable

with grippers fitted to the ends
of its arms, which are made of
aluminum and carbon fiber.
The robot throws its head
forward and up the slope.
The rest of the body moves
as horizontal waves travel The rear gripper releases,
down the length of its body. and its arm swings forward
aided by an electric motor
and gravity.

Swinging
The robot’s body houses Brachiation means moving by swinging one’s arms to travel from one
sensors to handle its
movement and cameras grip to another. It’s a technique used by apes, such as gibbons, to move
Less than half the and other equipment from tree to tree, and now robots are getting in on the act. The Tarzan
robot’s underside is in aimed at collecting data
robot, developed by the Georgia Institute of Technology, has been
contact with the ground about the crops below.
as it moves in S-shaped designed to swing between a network of wires suspended above a field
waves up the slope. on a farm to examine crops without damaging them.
 119

Sensors detect the body’s angle The robot’s rubber spring

during the hop. The robot’s element cushions the landing
back stays parallel to the and stores energy from its
ground throughout the jump. impact. This energy is used to
help power the next hop.

Hopping and jumping

Some legged robots use springs or pneumatic pistons
to thrust themselves up into the air. The 3.3-ft (1-m) tall
BionicKangaroo uses both pneumatics and a rubber
spring element to generate the sudden power needed
to jump forward. The ability to jump or hop can
enable a robot to clear an obstacle quickly or fling
itself out of the way of danger.

The circular frames that

house the propellers tilt to face
the wall. The thrust they generate The 3-D-printed front wheels are
keeps the robot’s wheels pressing steerable, enabling the robot to
against the wall’s surface. turn while traveling on the wall.

An inertial measurement unit

fitted to the robot’s carbon fiber
baseplate judges whether the robot
is on the ground and horizontal or
vertically climbing a wall.

Moving vertically
Moving up walls and across ceilings can be a useful
skill for robots designed to work in exploration or in
danger zones. Some legged robots have been fitted
with suction grippers powered by pneumatics to
cling onto walls. Other prototype bots have a similar
solution to the adhesive hairs of geckos, which provide
a sticky grip on vertical surfaces. Another ingenious
locomotion system uses propellers in circular frames
that can change their angle to generate the thrust
needed to keep the robot traveling against gravity.

The other arm

anchors the robot
to the wire.

The rear propeller The front propeller is

spins, pushing air angled to thrust the front
back and propelling wheels of the robot up
the robot forward the wall.
toward the wall.

The arm swings down,

reaches the bottom of
its arc, and then travels
back up again.
120 S P E C I F I C AT I O N S

MANUFACTURER ORIGIN DEVELOPED WEIGHT

Eelume AS Norway 2016 Up to 165 lb (75 kg)

HOW IT WORKS

Eelume is a flexible robot made of many

joints and thrusters. It is powered via a Our vehicles are
connection to an operator station. Many
remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) are engineered to live
too big to fit inside the limited space
of underwater installations, but this robot’s permanently under
size and shape allow immediate and easy
access. It can be lengthened and shortened water, where they
depending on the requirements of each job
and can utilize a variety of tools and sensors can be mobilized
for underwater inspection and repairs.
24/7 regardless of
Different tools can be added
to Eelume’s main body.
weather conditions.
Eelume

The joint module

extends or changes
the bot’s shape.

SWIM STAR
Trials have demonstrated Eelume’s
impressive performance at depths
up to 492 ft (150 m) in challenging
currents and stormy seas. By docking
at designated stations on the seabed,
it can stay underwater indefnitely,
meaning bad weather on the surface
poses no problem. The bot’s fluid, smooth
movement results in highly efficient
cleaning and repairs as well as detailed
photographs and video footage.

The front-facing HD camera

can capture crystal-clear
photographs and video footage.

The LED lights provide

a clear view in even the
murkiest ocean depths.
 121

The tether module

The camera is attached connects to an external
to a swivel mechanism power source to charge
The longitudinal and can rotate to cover Eelume up.
thruster module every angle.
enables forward
and backward
movement.

GOING GREEN
Eelume provides an ecologically
sound solution to underwater site
management. In this line of work,
surface vehicles must usually be
deployed, but this aquatic bot can move
out immediately from its permanent
home on the seabed. Cameras along
its body give the operator a clear view
of ongoing inspections and repairs.
As a result, safety comes first, costs
are cut, and there is less impact on
the environment.

The bot can attach itself to the site with

one end and work with the other end.
The lateral thruster
module allows sideways
hovering movement.

WORK ROBOT

The slimline design

ensures accurate
maneuvering in
choppy currents.
EELUME
Developed for underwater use, this self-propelled bot has a serpentlike
agility and the streamlined swimming skills of an eel. Its body is made of
modules that can be swapped and adapted to the task at hand. As oil and
gas industries look for new ways to manage their offshore installations,
Eelume is at the forefront of the field of inspection, maintenance, and
repair. Equipped with cameras, sensors, and a range of tools, this aquatic
shape-shifter can be straight as a torpedo for long-distance travel but agile
and versatile enough to explore the places no diver or vessel can reach.
UNDERWATER STATION
Eelume can connect to a permanent docking station
on the ocean floor with room for multiple underwater
robots. Eelume can swim out from this base to inspect
oil rigs and pipelines without using surface vessels.
Future designs might be able to withstand greater
pressure and go deeper for further research and repair.
124 S P E C I F I C AT I O N S

MANUFACTURER ORIGIN HEIGHT

Festo Germany 3.3 ft (1 m)

BIOMIMETIC ROBOT

Bionic
Kangaroo
Everyone’s favorite Australian animal has taken a technological
twist in the form of the BionicKangaroo. This big bouncer can
jump like a real kangaroo, reaching 16 in (40 cm) high over a
distance of 32 in (80 cm). The German manufacturers studied
the kangaroo’s unique motion for two years before perfecting
this artificial adaptation. A series of motors, sensors, and
energy-storing legs ensure that the BionicKangaroo never tires.
Future endurance technology for robots and cars could be
based on this marsupial model.

The foam body shell

is strengthened with
carbon to keep the The front legs are
robot lightweight. pulled forward to
increase the jumping
distance during a hop.
The tail is a third
point of contact
with the ground to
provide extra stability
when standing.

SIDE VIEW

HOW IT WORKS
IN FLIGHT The center of gravity
A kangaroo stores and releases The tail provides a counterweight
shifts forward as the
balance when jumping.
energy for jumping via its version kangaroo jumps into
the air.
of the Achilles tendon (the tissue
that connects the calf muscles to
the heel). The robotic version uses
a complex combination of pneumatic
and electrical technology, together
with an elastic spring made of
rubber, to recreate this behavior.
A central control computer analyzes
data from the robot’s sensors to
determine how to position it
Rubber springs absorb the
for takeoff and landing. shock from landing and store
TAKEOFF this energy for the next hop. LANDING
 The motor-controlled
tail positions itself to
provide stability and
balance when standing,
jumping, and landing.

An elastic
rubber spring at
the back of the
foot emulates
a kangaroo’s
Achilles tendon.

Cylinders of
compressed air
attached to each
lower leg power
the hop.

Long back legs

contain sensors that
gather data from the
robot’s environment.
126

ACTING
The robot travels along The wheels fold inward,
rough terrain on its two and the robot crawls when
motorized wheels. encountering a narrow opening.

ON DATA
A robot’s CPU constantly receives feedback and information from the
robot’s sensors. Intelligent robots use this data to make all kinds of decisions.
A roving robot’s response to the information it has gathered can be varied—
from imaging the environment, or using tools to examine and take samples, Shape shifting
to giving up on that location altogether and navigating its way to another A small number of robots have a very dramatic
place. The data it receives may indicate that the robot is facing a dangerous response to the data they collect—they change
shape. These robots alter their form for a variety
situation. In this case, it may sound an alarm, send signals to its human of potential reasons. It might help them complete
controllers, or look to protect itself by making a hasty retreat. their task, such as a tall mobile robot altering
shape to form a low, stable solid base so that
it can lift and move heavy objects. On other
occasions, a change of shape might help the
robot navigate through different terrain—for
example, if a land robot changes itself to be
able to move on water.

Different environments Water sampling

Some robots act on the data they gather by The LRI Wave Glider robot lacks the ability
physically interacting with their surroundings. to move. It drifts on the ocean waves as its
They might find things, such as an underwater probes gather and test the water for temperature,
salvage robot finding and recovering shipwreck oxygen levels, and salt and pollution levels.
treasures. Others take samples of the water, soil,
or air around them for transport back to a
laboratory for scientific analysis.
The robot is powered
by solar panels.

Rero
This toy robot features modular parts that can be
combined and arranged in a variety of ways,
including a spider bot (above) and humanoid
(below). Future robots may adopt a similar modular
construction but be able to reconfigure themselves
to alter their form and function.

The gathered air

The robot can also sample is pumped
take plant samples into this bag.
for further analysis.

Soil sampling Air sampling

Soil-sampling robots burrow into the soil and take Drones can be used to monitor air quality or
a cylindrical core sample. This can be sent to a monitor atmospheric pollution from chemical plants
science laboratory to test how acidic the soil is and power stations. Some drones can perform
(its pH level) and the levels of nutrients vital for sample testing onboard the robot, checking for the
plant growth, such as potassium, it contains. concentration of potentially harmful pollutants.
 127

Obstacle The wheels can unfold

when the space ahead of Asking for help Helping push
Individual robot workers such as these could
the robot opens up. If a robot cannot maneuver around danger itself,
primarily work on their own but come together to
it may be able to decide to call for help. This might
help each other with tasks. If one struggled to travel
involve alerting its human controllers to end
up a steep incline, for example, it might summon
its mission and retrieve the bot or possibly
help from the others to use their combined power
summoning other robots for assistance.
to push it up the slope.
Collaborative robotics is a growing field and may
one day yield multirobot teams that mostly work
The robots connect
individually but can band together when a task using electromagnetic
requires a group effort. A two-robot system, for links that can be
switched on or off.
instance, can involve an aerial or underwater robot
collecting and delivering a land robot to a
destination it could not get to alone.

PUFFER
Designed by NASA, the PUFFER (short for Pop-Up
Flat Folding Explorer Robot) prototype is designed
to head into lava tubes, narrow caves, and rocky
crevices, exploring as it goes. It can alter its shape
to squeeze under particularly tight ledges and
through low gaps.

Autonomous drones
A solar panel array in a desert can harvest a lot of
energy from the sun, but only if desert dust does
not cloud the panels. An autonomous drone could
pick up and ferry cleaning robots to the panels
and collect them when the panel is cleaned.

Soft robots
A soft robot with a flexible X-shaped body made of
silicon rubber can survive squashing and changes
of shape. Soft robots like this one are modeled after
animals that can change body shape to squeeze
through small gaps, such as octopus and squid.

ATRON
This robot consists of independently powered
spheres that can latch onto one another to form a
variety of robots, including a legged walker, a long
snakebot, and a wheeled rover.

ROVER 1 The drone hovers above solar panels and identifies those parts
most covered in sand and dust.

SNAKEBOT

2 The drone collects and flies the cleaning

robot to the solar panels. 3 The cleaning robot travels across the panel,
wiping it clean of dust.
128 S P E C I F I C AT I O N S

MANUFACTURER ORIGIN DEVELOPED

Harvard University US 2013

This thin plastic hinge embedded

Each wing can be in the RoboBee’s body acts as
controlled separately. one of its wing joints.

The ceramic actuators

are attached to the
WINGS side of the bot’s
The robot’s wings are made
carbon fiber body.
from a thin film supported
by a very slender framework
made of carbon fiber strands.
Earlier versions of the
RoboBee’s wing featured a
lattice pattern frame (right).

HOW THEY WORK

Tiny ceramic actuators, nicknamed “flight muscles,”

provide the robot’s propulsion. These work by changing
their length when an electric current is applied. The
actuators’ movement is converted into rapid flapping
(around 120 beats per minute) controlled by joints found
on the robot’s shoulder. The angle of the wings and their
flapping pattern can be altered so that the robot can
change its direction in all three dimensions—pitch, roll,
and yaw.

Roll axis
Yaw axis

Ceramic
actuator

Pitch axis

Marker
tracks
Robot’s center
motion.
of gravity
 129
HEIGHT WEIGHT POWER
0.75 in (2 cm) 0.006 oz (0.175 g) Integrated
power source
HYBRID BOT
A new RoboBee, developed in 2017, can
fly, swim, and dive in and out of water.
The bot is fitted with four boxes on its
arms, known as outriggers, which help
it to float on water. A chemical reaction
helps it propel out of the water.

Outrigger

A RoboBee’s
wingspan is
1.2 in (3 cm).

It is a centimeter-scale,
SWARM ROBOT
biologically inspired
flapping wing
aerial vehicle.
Elizabeth Farrell Helbling,
RoboBees
Great things do come in very small packages. The RoboBees
Research Assistant, Harvard University are tiny flying robots developed by engineers at Harvard
University. Assembled by hand under a microscope, RoboBees
are fabricated from single sheets of carbon fiber, which are
The markers on the ends
assembled and glued. RoboBees made their first controlled flight
of the bot’s legs can
be spotted by motion in 2013. They can take off and make short flights, changing
capture cameras to track direction easily and even hovering in midair. Each RoboBee
its movement as it flies.
weighs as little as 0.003 oz (0.08 g)—it would take a dozen of
these miniscule mini-bots to equal the weight of a jelly bean.

SMALLEST DRONE
At such small scales, it wasn’t
possible to install an onboard
power source on the bot, such
as a rechargeable battery, so the
designers provided power supply
via a hair-thin electrical tether
that trails below the robot (right).
Further advances have seen
RoboBees fitted with an antenna
to measure wind strength and a
simple light sensor to detect the
sun so the robot knows which
direction is up.

A penny is
30 times heavier
than a RoboBee.
BOTS
HERO
These robots are not afraid of a
little danger! Boldly going where
humans either can’t or shouldn’t
tread, these bots are specially
equipped to rescue survivors from
rubble-strewn disaster zones and
explore the vastness of the space,
without getting us in harm’s way.
132 S P E C I F I C AT I O N S

MANUFACTURER ORIGIN SCHEDULED HEIGHT WEIGHT

NASA US 2020 7 ft (2.1 m) 2,315 lb (1,050 kg)

HOW IT WORKS

Mars 2020 is a rolling science lab, packed with scientific instruments and
experiments as well as 23 cameras to document and further understand
The SuperCam will fire
the geology of Mars and to find out if life existed there in the past.
a laser to vaporize small
One of the instruments—MOXIE—seeks to turn samples of Mars’s thin
areas of rock for analyzing
atmosphere (containing 95 percent carbon dioxide) into oxygen—a gas
their composition.
crucial to chances of a future human-supporting Mars base.
Electronics for Mastcam
RIMFAX experiment cameras

PIXL microscopic
image sensor

SHERLOC
sensor
RIMFAX
antenna

A pair of black-and-
Twin MEDA white navigation
wind sensors cameras will be
Air
able to spot a golf
SuperCam body unit
temperature ball–sized object from
MOXIE sensors 82 ft (25 m) away.

The front cameras

will help detect
obstacles and
targets ahead.

The 20.7-in-wide
(52.5-cm-wide)
aluminum wheels
will allow the
rover to ride over
knee-high rocks.
 133
POWER
Generator using
radioactive isotope

SPACE ROBOT

MARS 2020
PRESERVING SAMPLES
One of the rover’s key tasks will be to
drill down to collect core samples of rock
2 in (5 cm) below the surface of Mars. It will
store these samples in individual, sealed tubes
Hefty and rugged, the latest in a long line of NASA rovers will reach inside its body until mission control back on
Mars after a nine-month journey through space following its expected Earth commands the rover to create a cache
(store) of tubes on the planet’s surface. The
launch in 2020. It will be working on its own on the rocky and sandy rover will note the precise location of the cache
planet about 140 million miles (225 million km) away from Earth—the for potential recovery by future missions.
same distance as 586 trips from Earth to the moon. It therefore needs to
be both tough and smart, to be able to navigate itself, and to tackle steep
Landing site
slopes. Multiple tools on the end of its 7-ft-long (2.1-m-long) robotic arm The core
The core
samples will be
samples will
can drill holes in rock, extract samples, take microscopic images, and collected from
be stored
this region.
at this site.
analyze the make up of Martian rocks and soil.

BUILDING THE ROVER

Construction of the car-sized robot
involves thousands of specialist
technicians working on different parts
This mission will
of its structure, electronics, and sensors.
The rover’s 10-ft-long (3-m-long) body
further our search for
contains heaters to protect its sensitive
electronics from Mars’s cripplingly
life in the Universe.
cold environment. John Grunsfeld, Astronaut and
Associate Administrator, NASA

The SHERLOC instrument will

scan the surface with a laser
to detect organic chemicals
from possible living things.
134

FINDING
Remote piloting
Large numbers of robots working in disaster zones
and other hazardous environments are remote-
controlled. A human operator can be in constant

A WAY
command of the robot, guiding its movement using
a joystick, touchpad, or some other computer input
device. The instructions can be sent along cables
when the robot is operating close by. Most systems,
though, transmit commands wirelessly using radio
signals, allowing the operator to stay safely away
Mobile robots need to travel to specific places to perform
from danger.
their work. The paths some bots take are controlled by a
human, but others are capable of going it alone and finding
their own way. Finding a stable path to a destination can
be especially difficult for robots working in unknown
terrain or unsafe environments, such as a rubble-strewn
disaster zone. In these scenarios, the robot may have to
both detect and find a way around obstacles in its path.

1 Deployment
Rugged yet weighing just 11 lb (5 kg), the
Dragon Runner robot can be hurled around corners
or thrown through building windows to investigate Human and machine Mini Manbo embarked on a hazardous mission
a suspicious device such as a bomb or booby trap. Some robots are partly smart. They may be mostly through the flooded remains of the damaged
remote-controlled by humans but do have some Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan. It was
autonomy and make their own decisions during guided by humans but could override their control
certain parts of their tasks. Some roving exploration if its sensors detected it getting too close to a
robots, for instance, are given their destination by highly radioactive “hot spot.” The robot successfully
human operators but choose themselves how to tracked down and discovered the nuclear plant’s
plot a path and make their way to their target. In missing uranium fuel, an achievement that had
2017, one partly smart underwater robot called eluded other searches for six years.

Mini Manbo’s materials and sensors

are specially designed to withstand
highly radioactive environments.

2 Guidance
Using wireless communication links, human
operators remotely control the robot’s movement
from a safe distance using a laptop computer or
handheld controller. The operator uses the robot’s
camera feed to plot its route.

Small propellers
help the craft to
navigate underwater.

3 Action
The operator can also command the robot to
perform a variety of actions, such as opening doors,
The camera can
Lights at either end of the
craft help to illuminate
capture images the video feed sent back
cutting cables, or even defusing a bomb. in a 180° arc. to the human operators.
 135

Detecting obstacles
To travel freely, a robot needs to know what obstacles lie in its path
and precisely where they are located. The most simple of obstacle
detection sensors are contact sensors, which register a signal when
they physically touch another object. These come in many forms,
from antennae or whiskerlike feelers to switches on the bumpers
of AGVs. Other sensors send out streams of light or sound to detect
obstacles before the robot gets too close.

The front of the robot has

a light-sensitive sensor.

ROBOT

The robot travels around

a corner with its front
sensor detecting the line.

OBSTACLE
Following a path
Path- or line-following robots are designed
to be able to autonomously follow a clear
path. Many automated guided vehicles (AGVs) Rear
sensor
in factories, hospitals, and nuclear facilities
follow a path formed from electrical wires
embedded in the floor. The robot senses
the magnetic field given off by the electric Infrared
current running through these wires to stay Infrared distance sensors work by sending out beams
on track. Optical systems use light sensors to of infrared light, invisible to the human eye. The light
detect their route. When the sensors detect reflects off any surfaces it strikes and is gathered in by
that the robot is veering away from the path, one or more infrared receivers. The length of time this
signals are sent to the robot’s controller, takes, and the angle at which the light returns, helps the
which instructs the robot wheel motors robot to calculate how far away and where the obstacle is.
or steering system to adjust their course.

Avoiding a fall
Cliff sensors are fitted to the underside or
edge of some mobile robots, particularly
robotic vacuum cleaners. The sensor faces
downward and bounces sound or light
off surfaces. If the signal is not returned Vacuum-cleaning robot approaches
top of stairs. Its cliff sensor will
immediately, it means the robot is close to alert it to reverse its direction
a ledge, which causes it to change direction. to stop itself from falling.
The front sensor detects that
it is to the left of the line. The
robot’s controller instructs
the robot to turn right.

With both front and rear

sensors detecting the line,
the robot is on track and
continues straight ahead.
136 S P E C I F I C AT I O N S

MANUFACTURER ORIGIN RELEASED WEIGHT

The Ripper Australia 2016 33 lb (15 kg)
Group International

HOW DRONES WORK

The drone’s lightweight
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), propellers allow it to fly
commonly known as drones, are smoothly, keeping it
perfect for rescue missions. Operators stable in flight.
can control the drone remotely from
another location. The drone uses battery
power to operate the rotor motors and
turn the propellers for flight. Drones
are used all over the world, especially
where human-flown aircraft would be
too big or dangerous. They can assist
in war zones and disaster situations,
map and inspect territory, or be flown
just for fun.

The propeller
blades provide
lift, helping the
drone to fly.

The landing
gear can
be fixed or
retractable.

The camera records videos

of the drone’s surroundings.

PILOTED ROBOT

LITTLE RIPPER SHARK SPOTTING

The Little Ripper Lifesaver features
SharkSpotter technology, which can

LIFESAVER
identify and track sharks in the local
area before hovering over swimmers
or surfers to warn them of the danger by
using its loudspeaker. It can also identify
other objects in water, including boats,
whales, rays, and dolphins. Live video
Unpredictable currents and hungry sharks can make surfing and swimming taken by the drone can be transmitted
dangerous activities. Helping to keep people safer on Australian beaches in real time to lifeguards in beach
towers and clubs.
is the Little Ripper Lifesaver. This is a high-tech drone that can spot sharks,
sound alarms, look for missing people, drop emergency supplies, and bring
Shark
flotation pods. The Little Ripper Lifesaver moves fast and travels far—
reaching a top speed of 40 mph (64 km/h) and flying as far as 0.9 miles Shark

(1.5 km) out to sea. It works well in extreme weather and challenging
locations, putting it at the forefront of modern search and rescue Shark
technology. In 2018, the Little Ripper Lifesaver saved two swimmers
caught out in turbulent waters off the coast of New South Wales,
Australia, by dropping an inflatable pod to carry them ashore.
 137
POWER FEATURES
Battery Camera, speaker system,
artificial intelligence,
and remote control

The cameras are used to

explore, investigate, and
keep watch over areas
of sea determined by
the remote operator.

RIPPER RESCUE
In case of an emergency, the Little Ripper Lifesaver drops a flotation device, which
inflates upon impact with the water. This device can hold up to four adults for
24 hours in the water. The drone uses an onboard loudspeaker system to explain
how to use the device and to confirm that an emergency rescue is on the way.

If required, the operator

can drop a flotation
device or rescue pack
from the drone.

Little Ripper Lifesaver spots Drone drops flotation device that Rescued people use float to
people in distress inflates in water help them swim ashore
138 S P E C I F I C AT I O N S

MANUFACTURER ORIGIN HEIGHT WEIGHT

Hankook South Korea 13.8 ft (4.2 m) 1.6 tons
Mirae Technology (1.5 metric tons)

GET IN
Method-2 follows its pilot’s commands.
Sitting inside a cockpit sealed to give
protection from environmental hazards,
the pilot makes movements via levers,
The protective and the bot copies them—if the pilot
glass cockpit raises an arm, so does the bot. Since it
keeps the pilot is a little wobbly on its feet, the cockpit
safe while has cushioning to protect the pilot from
working in
the impact of shaky movement.
hazardous
environments.
Movements are controlled by
two mechanical levers.

The bot can walk

forward and
backward, tethered
to a pair of steel
power cables that
help keep its balance.

FRONT VIEW

Our robot... is built to work The arms and torso are

made of an aluminum

in extreme hazardous areas alloy and carbon fiber.

where humans cannot go.

Yang Jin-Ho, Chairman, Hankook Mirae Technology

FIERCE GRIP
More than 40 computer-controlled motors housed in
Method-2’s torso help transmit the pilot’s movements
to the arms, hands, and fingers, giving the pilot an
incredible level of control and accuracy over the
robot’s movements.

Each finger is
about 11.8 in
(30 cm) long.

The bot’s lower body

is completely made
of aluminum alloy.
 139
POWER
Electric motor

Each enormous arm

weighs 286 lb (130 kg).

PILOTED ROBOT

METHOD-2
With its enormous size and ground-shaking weight, Method-2 has
stomped into the tech world as the first bipedal robot to be piloted
by a human inside. This hulking bot was created to work in very
dangerous places, such as ruins left behind by nuclear explosions,
where humans cannot go without protection. Safe inside the cockpit,
its human controller moves the robot through a number of tasks.
A team of 45 engineers have built and tested each of the bot’s
cables, motors, nuts, and bolts. Method-2’s movie-star looks are
no coincidence, as its designer also works on robot concepts for
big-budget movie blockbusters and video games.
140

◀ Cylinder-shaped SEWER PATROL

Luigi is controlled The first automated sewage-searching robot,
by smartphone, Luigi is happy to get down and dirty collecting
and researchers waste beneath the streets of some American cities.
at street level The samples may be stinky, but they provide
use GPS devices scientists with information about bacteria, viruses,
to track it. and diseases living inside the human body. The
findings build up a clear view of a city’s health
and can predict future patterns of disease. Similar
smart sewage systems are set to spread around
the world.

▲ This drone can fly for 6 miles (10 km) at

speeds of 25 mph (40 km/h) for four hours.

SURVEILLANCE DRONE
The Lockheed Martin Indago is used in all
kinds of operations—from search and rescue to
disaster relief. Before a mission, a remote
operator first chooses a suitable payload
A pack of or surveillance for the task. The lightweight,
batteries portable quad-copter is then unfolded in
powers the
sewage bot. 60 seconds and is airborne in just over two
minutes—whatever the weather. A wireless
hand controller with a touchscreen keeps track
of its movements in the skies, while video
footage is live-streamed back to the screen.

The pump sucks

up samples in the
same way as a
vacuum cleaner ▲ Lowered manually into sewage drains, Luigi
sucks up dirt.
surveys for about an hour, collecting samples
ASSISTING DOCTORS
from the sewage that passes by.
Robots and AI are also helping people, such as
soldiers, who return from pressurized situations.
The virtual human Ellie was created to help
people suffering from stress disorders to be
able to talk about their feelings, after studies
The sample is found that people could be more open with
pushed through someone anonymous. This AI robot operates
a filter to prevent
water, toilet paper, automatically, using computer algorithms to
and other waste determine its speech, gestures, and movements.
from entering.
Ellie has already interacted with 600 patients
for training purposes.

Gender: Female
LEAN FORWARD
LEAN BACKWARDS
Horizontal Gaze Smile Level

Vertical Gaze Speaking fract

Right Eye
Closed: 35
Mouth
Left Eye Open: 16
Closed: 51

TactMty:
21

▲ Luigi’s predecessor was the robot Mario, which SimSensei MultiSense

was equipped with sewage-sucking syringes.
Sensors keep the However, its design was flawed, so the Luigi ▲ Ellie’s sophisticated AI can read and
robot hovering
robot was developed as an improvement. respond to human conversation in real time.
16 in (40 cm)
above its target.
 141

DANGER SAFETY INSPECTOR

The portable PackBot is used on dangerous missions, including chemical
detection, building clearance, and bomb disposal. Two gaming-style hand
controllers are used to remotely operate the robot. It features a range of

ZONES
sensors, cameras, and payloads to carry out safety inspections. At least
2,000 PackBots have been deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan, and 5,000
more are used by defense teams around the world.

Robots have emerged as modern-day heroes by doing

some of the world’s most challenging work. When the
going gets tough, tough robot workers get going. This
is not technology taking over but robots braving danger
zones that humans would rather not enter. From wading
through waste to clearing out chemicals, these robots
make themselves at home in the most difficult, dirty,
and dangerous places, making sure that humans do not
risk their health or their lives for these hazardous jobs.

▲ Moving at speeds of 5.5 mph (9 km/h), PackBot can navigate any

surroundings, including grass, snow, rock, rubble, and water.

Each leg is
hydraulically
powered.

SPIDER BOT
This six-legged spider bot is a lifesaver at nuclear hot spots. Latro
was originally designed to clean up Sellafield, a contaminated
nuclear storage site in England, but is expected to decommission
other nuclear storage facilities. In environments where people are
at risk of radiation exposure, Latro can keep working without getting
damaged. The stainless steel legs provide forward motion, while ▲ Latro has six legs that can easily scramble over
two arms carry grippers and cutters for managing nuclear materials. obstacles and take samples of radioactive material.
142 S P E C I F I C AT I O N S

MANUFACTURER ORIGIN DEVELOPED WEIGHT

Sarcos US 2015 16 lb (7.2 kg)

WORK ROBOT

GUARDIAN™ S
The Guardian™ S snakebot can stealthily slither into the world’s most
dangerous situations, providing two-way voice, video, and data
VERTICAL LIMIT
communication with a human operator back at base. Packed with
On horizontal surfaces, the sensors and cameras, this portable powerhouse carries out surveillance
snakebot can carry loads of
up to 10 lb (4.5 kg), while and inspection in the most hazardous locations and disaster areas.
on the steepest walls, the The lifesaving technology can check for poisonous gas, radiation, and
bot’s magnetized body can
harmful chemicals without posing any risk to human life. Confined
slither up at dramatic angles.
It stays balanced while spaces and rough terrain are no problem for Guardian™ S, which has
navigating through snow, magnetized tracks for skillful sliding in any direction.
rubble, mud, or water.
Enclosed spaces, such as
narrow pipes and storage
tanks, are ideal spaces to The sensors along
test this compact technology. the bot’s body provide
Even when structures real-time data, such as
have collapsed or become temperature and humidity.
unstable, Guardian™ S can
enter and explore in detail
without endangering the
lives of human helpers.

The forward and

rear tracks enhance
the bot’s mobility.

BENDY BOT
This ground-based bot is adept at reaching
places that are inaccessible to humans.
Thanks to the mobile treads on either
end, Guardian™ S can easily glide up stairs.
Its bendy body makes light work of sharp
turns and is rugged enough to keep rolling
on all kinds of terrain.

Its magnetized body

allows the robot to climb
up walls and stairs.
 143

EXTREME PLACES
The LED light
Guardian™ S is at home in the most illuminates
dangerous and deadly terrain. It can dark places.
assist in many operations, including bomb
disposal, rescue and recovery, fire prevention,
and surveillance tasks. First on the scene,
this snakelike robot can take readings and
collate data before professionals positioned
at a safe distance away are given the all clear
to start work. Guardian™ S is water-tight and
can be decontaminated after exposure to
hazardous materials.

The bot’s flat design

allows entry into tight
openings measuring
just 7 in (18 cm).

HOW IT WORKS

Guardian™ S is carried by hand to the inspection site or disaster This snakebot can move in all directions, feeding data and footage
area. The operator turns the robot on and wirelessly connects back to the operator as well as marking the coordinates of trouble
it to a special operating pendant that is fitted with joysticks spots. Analysts in different locations can study and share the
similar to those on a game console. The operator can then information before agreeing on a plan of action. Guardian™ S
steer the bot from afar and track its movements on a screen. can cover a distance of 3 miles (4.8 km) on one charge.

Guardian™ S is lowered or placed by hand into It can perform a 360° roll if required or The bendy middle section gives the robot a great
the inspection area, where it can snake sideways to right itself if it is flipped over. degree of flexibility to operate in awkward areas.
into tight spaces.
 144
The drive joints Strong grippers can PILOTED ROBOT
enable a humanlike lift and carry toxic
grabbing motion. hazards or debris
from disaster sites.

CHIMP
There is no monkey business with Chimp (Carnegie Mellon University
Highly Intelligent Mobile Platform). This rescue robot could be
crucial in an emergency, bringing vital assistance in the most
S P E C I F I C AT I O N S

challenging situations. Robot humanoids can struggle to balance

on two legs, but Chimp overcomes this with strong, stabilizing,
motorized treads on all four limbs to move, turn, and climb
with ease. Chimp has opposable thumbs, which
help it to grasp effectively in restricted spaces.
University

Chimp brings the best in rescue robotics by

MANUFACTURER
Carnegie Mellon

combining strength and stability with

dexterity and capability.
US
ORIGIN

The head is loaded with

cameras and sensors.
2013
DEVELOPED

Chimp’s long arms can

reach distances of
almost 10 ft (3 m).
 The rubber tracks on the
Chimp is never arms and legs provide
superior balance and
at risk of falling advanced mobility.

over and is never

The chest contains
actively balancing, electronics, computer
software, power
because it doesn’t distribution, and
safety systems.
have to.
Clark Haynes, Carnegie Mellon University

The legs and

arms are jointed
and dexterous.
HEIGHT
4.5 ft (1.4 m)

The rollers on the

feet allow the bot
to move smoothly.
WEIGHT
441 lb (200 kg)

HOW IT WORKS

Chimp has six cameras and The tracks on Chimp’s Chimp uses its surround
limbs provide stability
POWER

LiDAR (light radar) sensors and mobility for vision to locate an object
power supply

inside its head, which give moving on two feet. and motion algorithms
External tethered

the remote human operator to take hold of it.

a 3-D view of the bot’s
immediate surroundings. The flexible Its limbs help
grippers hold Chimp to scale the
The operator manually and turn a wheel. rungs of a ladder.
controls Chimp’s movements
and actions, but the robot
can also be programmed Climbing is easy for
FEATURES

to work autonomously. The balanced stance the monkeylike Chimp,

Lasers, sensors,

is exceptional for which uses all four limbs

cameras, and motors

a humanoid robot. for balance and safety.

145
TESTING BALANCE
In 2015, Chimp was among the top champs of a
humanoid robot competition at the National Robotics
Engineering Center in Carnegie Mellon University. For a
year, roboticists tested robot designs to find the best uses
for their capabilities in real-life settings. Chimp’s balance
and mobility were tested in challenging situations.
148

FIGURING
Making maps
Some robots, especially those working in space
or in dangerous places on Earth, build up a map
of their surroundings that they can understand

TERRAIN
and work with. Mars Exploration Rovers (MER) are
given a target to head to on Mars by mission control
on Earth but are left to compute their best path to
the destination. The robots achieve this task using
their cameras and terrain-mapping software.

Humans are pretty good at figuring out where they are—a skill known
as localization. They may recognize objects and places around them and
sometimes use sensory cues, such as “hearing traffic means a road is
nearby.” Robots, in contrast, do not come with a built-in sense of where
they are. They must be equipped with sensors and sophisticated
algorithms in their software that together work to localize the robot
and allow it to plan its next move.

1 Imaging
The rover’s stereo cameras take images of
the landscape ahead. These are merged to give a
Global positioning system simple depth map. The distances to a large number
A network of more than 30 satellites in orbit around precise distances from three satellites allows
of individual points on the terrain—as many as
Earth provide accurate localization information the receiver to use trilateration to calculate its
16,000—are also calculated.
to robots and other devices equipped with a GPS exact position on Earth. When four or more GPS
receiver. The receiver measures the time taken for satellites are tracked, the receiver’s position and
signals sent from the satellites to reach it and its altitude can be figured out.
converts this into distance away. Knowing the

GPS satellite orbits at an Satellite signals sent as radio

altitude of 12,540 miles waves reach GPS receiver. It
(20,180 km) above calculates how far the signal
Earth’s surface. has traveled by the time it
has taken.

2 Terrain difficulty
The rover’s software assesses the terrain,
measuring the steepness of slopes and how rough
or smooth they are. The areas are color-coded for
SATELLITE
ease of travel across them, with the most difficult
areas shown here in red.
LOCATION
SATELLITE

SATELLITE

Each satellite sends out

signals indicating their
precise position,
time-stamped with

3
when they were sent.
Route picked
The software calculates a number of different
paths to its target. It compares them for speed and
safety and picks the optimum path. As the rover
travels on this route, the entire mapping process
is repeated many times.
 149

Mirror The images produced by LiDAR

can be colored to make elevation
or distance clearer.

Return beam

LiDAR Momaro
Object
laser beam Built by the University of Bonn,
LiDAR
sensor Germany, Momaro is a flexible
Laser source
robot that can adopt a number of
Photo detector gathers Momaro’s claws are
reflected laser light dexterous enough to allow shapes to get around. The LiDAR
the robot to drive a car. sensor on its head spins around
to image the robot’s environment.

LiDAR SENSOR

LiDAR
A light-detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor bounces
light energy off its surroundings to build up a map
of a robot’s local environment. The light reflects off
objects and is regathered by photo detectors, which
calculate the distance to the object using the time
taken for it to return. First deployed on aircraft to
map the land below, LiDAR is now used in driverless
cars, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and other
robots. Some LiDAR systems send out 150,000 laser
pulses every second as they sweep around to build
a very detailed depth map around the robot.
Momaro’s wheeled legs can
extend upward and even
lift up to avoid obstacles.

Sonar HOME
15 20 25 30
An acronym for “sound navigation and ranging,” 12.7 ft
sonar sensors work much in the same way as LiDAR 284°F
sensors, only they send out sound waves. Sonar is 455KHz
used underwater because sound waves can travel
further underwater than light or radio waves. Sonar
is typically used to map the ocean floor, search for
underwater hazards, or locate shipwrecks on the
ocean floor.

The sound waves are Sonar image

reflected off a sunken ship. A sonar system produces an image of the
shipwreck, along with information on how
far away and how large it is.

The drone’s top speed

is 25 mph (40 km/h).
SLAM
Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) is
an exciting branch of robotic navigation that could
really aid future UAVs and land robots searching
disaster sites for survivors. SLAM calls for substantial
computing power to build and continually update
a detailed map of a robot’s precise location and
surroundings. One autonomous drone, the
Skydio R1, uses SLAM and six pairs of navigation
The drone’s cameras cameras to build a 3-D map of its local environment,
Object recognition map the location in all avoid collisions, and keep track of a moving object, Tracking
software on board directions in real time. The drone is able to track a target, such as this
instructs the drone to which it films using its video camera.
avoid collisions with person, even if the target makes sharp turns to
trees and other objects. try to throw it off.
 150
SPACE ROBOT

The dark visor covers

a 3-D vision system
R5 VALKYRIE and camera.

The closest robotics has come to a modern-day superhero is NASA’s

hotshot humanoid robot R5 Valkyrie. This battery-powered bipedal The bot’s head can
bot can work alone in extreme environments without human tilt and swivel around
S P E C I F I C AT I O N S

like a human head.

assistance. Valkyrie is named after supernatural characters from
Norse mythology who decided which warriors were rewarded in
the afterlife. The robot builds on many years of NASA tests and
Each arm has seven
feedback of previous robotic humanoids and features numerous joints and a group of
sensors and actuators (moving parts) designed to help it carry out actuators for motion.
NASA

complex tasks. Its next mission is to Mars, with Valkyrie expected

MANUFACTURER

to take its first steps on the Red Planet before human visitors.
US
ORIGIN

MOON MACHINE
One of the robot world’s latest lunar
exploration rovers is ATHLETE The padded
(All-Terrain Hex-Legged Extra- chest provides
Terrestrial Explorer). Like a futuristic, protection should
super-sized, six-limbed insect, this the humanoid
rover can walk or roll over bumpy fall on its front.
moonlike surfaces. Complete with a
releasable grappling hook and a range
of excavation instruments, ATHLETE
is designed to move 100 times faster
than existing exploration rovers.
2013
DEVELOPED
 A robust, rugged, entirely electric
humanoid robot capable of operating HEIGHT
6.2 ft (1.8 m)
in degraded… environments.
NASA

PREPPING FOR FUTURE

WEIGHT

The limbs are

The Valkyrie team is constantly working to improve
300 lb (136 kg)

removable and can

the bot’s dexterity to enable it to work alongside be replaced quickly.
astronauts in preparation for future exploration.

A series of tests have pushed

POWER
Battery

Valkyrie to its limits. The robot

can drive, climb a ladder, use
power tools, and walk through The actuators
unstable terrain in the bot’s legs
without stumbling. ensure easy
This intensive movement.
preparation will
prove beneficial
when Valkyrie
makes it to Mars.
The plastic shell covering
on the leg includes fans
The fabric-wrapped to keep the robot cool.
foam armor encases
the robot’s body for
Valkyrie’s upgraded version added protection.
includes modified humanoid
hands to improve performance
on the job. Each hand has three
fingers and a thumb to grasp,
manipulate, and work a variety
of objects and instruments with
precision and care. The actuators
allow the wrists to roll The bot’s heavyset
easily, bringing further legs and wide feet
freedom of movement. ensure balance when
the robot is walking.
151
152

GLOSSARY
3-D AUV computer chip
An abbreviation of “three-dimensional,” An acronym for “autonomous A set of electronic circuits on a small
meaning something that creates the underwater vehicle,” a crewless piece of semiconducting material,
impression of depth, height, and length. robot submarine used for usually silicon. Also known as an
underwater exploration. integrated circuit.
acceleration
A change in speed. avatar console
A representation of a human in a place A device that contains controls
accelerometer where one is not physically present. for a machine or robot.
An instrument for measuring
acceleration. biomimetic robot data
A robot that has a design inspired by Measurements or other basic
actuator some aspect of the natural world, such information collected and stored by
A moving part of a robot, such as a as plants or animals. a robot or artificial intelligence as
motor or a robot’s arm. it operates. A computer uses data
bionic to decide what the robot should do.
aerodynamics Having a body part or parts that
The study of how solid objects move are artificial. debugging
through air. The process of finding and fixing bugs
biped robot (errors) in programs.
algorithm A robot that uses two legs to move.
A series of steps taken by a computer dexterity
to solve a problem or carry out a task. central processing unit (CPU) A robot’s skill in performing tasks,
The part of a computer that controls especially with its arms or end effectors.
android robot most of its operations. Also known
A robot that is a convincing imitation as the microprocessor. domestic robot
of a living human being rather than A robot designed to work alongside
just a humanoid. Androids exist only cloud people in their homes.
in fiction at present. A term used for specialized computers
that provide services through the drone
application (app) Internet, such as storing files. A remotely controlled pilotless
A piece of software designed to flying machine. Some drones
achieve a particular purpose. code are not true robots as they lack
Instructions written in programming autonomy and usually have only
artificial intelligence language that tell a computer to a basic level of intelligence.
The simulation of intelligence that is do something.
demonstrated by computer programs edible robot
and machines. collaborative robot A robot that can carry out a task
A robot that is designed to work within a human or animal after being
automatic alongside humans. Collaborative robots swallowed, before its parts dissolve
A word for an action that happens by normally need to have extremely high harmlessly. No fully edible robot
itself with little or no human control. safety precautions so that they will not has been developed yet.
hurt the humans they work with. Also
automaton known as a cobot. end effector
A machine that imitates the actions A part connected to the end of a robot
of a person or animal but without component arm where a hand would be in humans.
having any intelligence. An automaton A part of something. In robots, parts End effectors are designed to carry out
is only able to perform a set of such as a sensor or a touchscreen are specific tasks and, as such, come in a
predetermined movements. called components. variety of designs.
Plural: automata.
computer environment
autonomous An electronic device that The location and conditions that a robot
A term for anything artificial that can manipulates data. or other machine works in.
make decisions and act upon them
without human help or control.
 153

exoskeleton home assistant lateral

A hard external covering for the body. A type of AI that is typically for the Referring to the side or sides of
Many insects have exoskeletons, and home and uses powerful microphones, something. In movement, it means
some kinds of robots do, too. special software, and an Internet going sideways.
connection to respond to questions
facial recognition and instructions from its owner. LED
The ability for a robot to remember An acronym for “light-emitting diode.”
human faces or to be able to respond home-help robot A LED glows when a voltage is applied
to human facial expressions. A robot that helps its user carry to it.
out tasks at home. Some home help
flowchart robots are designed to be used by LiDAR
A diagram that describes a sequence. A disabled people. An acronym of “light-detection and
flowchart can be used to explain to ranging,” a system that involves
a human what a computer program is humanoid robot sending out beams of light and
doing and how it arrives at its decisions. A robot with a face or body that measuring the reflected light when
is designed to be similar to that of a it bounces off solid objects. Some
GPS human. Humanoid robots usually have robots use it to detect things in
An acronym for “global positioning a head and arms and sometimes legs. their environment.
system,” a system for determining the
position of something on the Earth’s hydraulic longitudinal
surface by comparing radio signals from Relating to the phenomenon of a Referring to something that runs
several satellites. The time differences liquid moving in a confined space lengthwise as opposed to across.
between the signals are used to work under pressure. Hydraulics are used
out the position of a GPS receiver to to cause parts to move in some robots. machine
within a few meters. Something artificial that is powered by
industrial robot energy and is used to carry out a task.
gripper A robot that works in a factory
A part of a robot that has the ability manufacturing things. Most are single MAV
to hold and manipulate objects. arms that can move in several directions An acronym for “micro aerial
and can use a range of tools. Industrial vehicle,” a miniature UAV
gyroscope robots make up the bulk of robots in (umanned aerial vehicle).
A device consisting of a wheel or disc use worldwide.
mounted so that it can spin rapidly mechanical
about an axis, which is itself free to alter infrared Operated by or relating to a machine
in direction. The orientation of the axis A kind of light that lies just beyond the or machines.
is not affected by tilting, which makes a red end of the visible light spectrum,
gyroscope a useful component in many invisible to the human eye. Some robots medical assistant robot
machines to provide stability. use it for navigation and communication. A robot that performs a task or tasks
to help its disabled operator, and
haptic interface sometimes used to refer to robots
Relating to the sense of touch. A A device through which two different that help in medical procedures.
robot may give haptic feedback to systems, or a human and a robot, can
a human in the form of vibrations communicate. Remote controls and microcontroller
or physical resistance. touchscreens are examples of interfaces. A controlling device that
includes a microprocessor.
hardware Internet
The physical parts of a computer, such as A massive global network created microphone
the exterior casing and internal circuitry. from connections between billions A device that takes sound waves and
of computers. turns them into a digital signal that
HD can then be amplified, transmitted,
An abbreviation of “high-definition.” joystick or recorded.
HD relates to the resolution (quality) of A small lever used to control a machine.
video, photograph, or sound data. microprocessor
laser The part of a computer that controls
hexapod A device that emits a focussed beam most of its operations. Also known
A six-legged robot that displays a of light. Sometimes the word is used as the CPU.
walking motion based on that of insects. to refer to the beam of light itself.
154

module piloted robot robot

A self-contained section of a robot A robot that is controlled wholly A moving machine that is programmed
or a computer program. Modules can or in part by a human. Piloted by a computer to do different
be designed and tested separately and robots are not true robots as tasks. Most robots can sense their
then joined to form the finished product. they do not have a reasonable environment and have some ability
level of autonomy. to respond to it autonomously.
monitor
A screen that is used to display pneumatic robot arm
computer information. Relating to the phenomenon of air A versatile, computer-controlled, jointed
moving in a confined space under arm that can handle tools and do factory
motherboard pressure. Pneumatics are used to work. It is the most common type of
The place where various parts of a cause parts to move in some robots. robot in use.
computer connect. The motherboard
houses the CPU, memory, and other portable roboticist
parts and is where sensors connect. A term for something that is easy A scientist or engineer who specializes
to carry or move around. in making or studying robots.
motor
A device that changes electricity into program rotor
movement. Motors are used to make A collection of instructions that A part of a machine that turns
robots move. performs a specific task when around a central axis. Rotors
executed by a computer. are primarily used to provide
nanorobot lift in aircraft but are also used
A robot so small it is visible only programming in gyroscopes.
under a microscope. No nanorobots The process of giving instructions
have yet been made, but possible to a computer. rover
techniques for making them are A robot designed to roam around,
being explored. programming language typically on a remote planet, to
A formalized set of words and survey the landscape, take samples,
navigation symbols that allows a person to and make measurements.
The process of a human or robot give instructions to a computer.
accurately figuring out where they are sensor
and planning and following a route. propeller A component of a robot or machine
A mechanical device that is used to that picks up information from its
network drive something forward. A propeller surroundings, such as eyes or a camera.
A group of connected devices consists of a central revolving shaft There are many types of sensors.
that can share resources and data. with two or more broad, angled
Networks can be classified by size blades attached to it. simulation
or topology (layout). A computer model of something.
prosthetic Robot simulations help operators
neural network An artificial body part that understand how the instructions
An artificial brain made by connecting replaces one that is missing, they want to give a robot will likely
large numbers of electronic nerve cells, such as a leg or hand. be understood and executed by the
often simulated on a computer. Neural robot in a safe environment.
networks can do difficult jobs, like proximity sensor
recognizing faces. A sensor that is designed to measure snakebot
very small distances between a robot A type of robot that features a long,
OS and an object. flexible, slender body that looks and
An acronym for “operating system,” moves much like a snake.
a piece of software that manages a radar
computer’s hardware and software An acronym for “radio detection and social robot
resources and makes it easier for ranging,” a system that involves sending A robot that is designed to interact
them to be used. out radio waves and measuring the and converse with humans.
reflected radio waves when they
piezoelectric bounce off solid objects. Some soft robot
Something that produces an electric robots use it to detect things in A robot made using soft, pliable
charge when put under stress. their environment. materials as opposed to hard,
rigid ones.
 155

software thruster
The operating system, programs, and A small rocket engine on a spacecraft,
firmware that allows a user to access or a secondary jet or propeller on a
a computer’s hardware. ship or underwater craft, used to make
small alterations to the craft’s position
sonar or route.
An acronym for “sound navigation and
ranging,” a system that involves sending transducer
out sound waves and measuring the A device that converts variations in a
reflected sound waves when they bounce physical quantity, such as pressure or
off solid objects. Some robots use it brightness, into an electrical signal,
to detect things in their environment. or vice versa.

space robot transistor

A robot that is designed to explore A tiny device that is used to amplify
planets, moons, and other things or switch electric current. Transistors are
beyond Earth. the building blocks of computer chips.

stereo camera transmitter

A camera with two or more lenses, Something that generates and sends
or two or more cameras that work a signal.
in tandem, with the aim of creating
an effect similar to a human’s tread
stereoscopic vision. The thick part of a robot’s wheel that
grips the ground or any other surface.
stimulus
A thing or event that causes a reaction trilateration
in something. Plural: stimuli. The method of determining location that
a GPS device uses. It involves the GPS
submersible device receiving location and time data
A craft that is designed to from three GPS satellites and then using
operate underwater. the information to pinpoint exactly
where it is.
swarm robot
A small robot that has its own Turing test
intelligence and can act autonomously, A blind test outlined by English
but also as part of a large group of mathematician Alan Turing that centers
similar robots. on the ability for an evaluator to assess
whether any particular machine can be
tablet computer said to be intelligent.
A type of portable computer that accepts
input primarily via a touchscreen and UAV
outputs information mainly through An acronym for “unmanned aerial
apps (applications). vehicle,” an aircraft piloted by remote
control or on-board computers.
tactile
Relating to the sense of touch. A wireless
robot may give tactile feedback to A type of technology whereby data
a human in the form of vibrations is sent to or from a machine or robot
or physical resistance. without the use of a physical connection.

teaching pendant work robot

A digital device that is used to A robot primarily designed to carry
instruct or program a robot to do out tasks for humans.
a task. It is usually tethered to the
robot in some way.
156

INDEX
3-D printing 80, 112, 114 BionicOpter 98–99 coding 45, 62–63
bipeds 34 collaborative robots 26, 54–55, 84–85,

A
accelerometers 106–107, 116
blocks 63
body language 71
108–111, 127
comedians, robot 82
body structure 14 companion bots 24–25
Achilles tendon 124, 125 bomb disposal 141, 143 compasses 116
Ackerman steering 35 Braava jet 240 40 components 14–15
actuators 15, 30, 113, 128, 150, 151 brachiation 118 Compressorhead 83
aeolipile 17 computers 12, 20, 21, 36, 47, 134

C
aibo 24–25 conductors, orchestral 84
Al-Jazari 16 controlled machines 46
algorithms 45, 47, 67, 80, 140, 145, 148 cameras 15, 106 conversation 70, 80, 81
animals see biomimetic robots 3-D 59, 87 cooking robot 86–87
Antikythera mechanism 16 4-D 107 coral reefs 115
apps 38, 41, 45, 47, 49, 56, 100 depth perception 32, 39, 109 Cozmo 44–45
Archytas 12 driverless cars 100–101

D
artificial intelligence 46–47, 74, 75, 80,
and facial expressions 42–43, 70
81, 140
HD 70, 88, 95, 120
assembly lines 10–11, 84
infrared 117 Da Vinci Surgical System 58–59
assistant robots 42–43, 70–71, 72–73
Mars rovers 132 Daleks 22
astronaut robots 150–151
stereo 108, 109 dancing robots 88–89, 90–93
astronomical clocks 17
video 77 danger, sensing 106–107, 126
ATHLETE (All-Terrain Hex-Legged Extra-
wide-angle 105 dangerous tasks 12, 60–61, 140–141
Terrestrial Explorer) 150
care homes 87, 90, 96 data
Atlas 114
cars acting on 126–127
ATLAS 2030 25, 37
driverless 25, 75, 100–101, 106–107 gathering 106–107
ATRON 127
factories 10–11 debugging 62
automata 16–19
valet service 60 decision making 46, 47, 126–127
automated guided vehicles (AGVs) 135
central processing unit (CPU) 15, 45, 126 decontamination 143
autonomous drones 127
center of gravity 35, 124, 128 deep learning 74
autonomous robots 46
chargers 96, 109 demonstration, teaching by 52, 55, 57
autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs)
chemical reactions 112, 113 disabled people 25, 32, 36–37, 42–43, 97
115
chess 46, 76–77 disaster response 134, 140, 142–143,
avatars 91, 104
children 144–147

B
ill/injured 36–37, 91 divers 104–105
with special needs 48–49, 88 Dr Who 22

balance 34, 35, 118 Chimp 27, 144–147 doctors

batteries, high performance 100 circuit boards 13 remote 61

Baxter 54–55 citizenship 80 virtual 140
biomimetic robots 20–21, 24–25, 27, 30–33, cleaning 40–41, 46, 127 dolls, mechanical 18–19
96–99, 108–113, 116–119, 124–125, clocks 16–17 Dragon Runner 134
128–129, 144 Cobalt 60 Dragonfly spacecraft 114
BionicANTs 108–111 cockpits 138, 139 drones 24, 46, 98–99, 126, 127, 128–129,
BionicKangaroo 27, 118–119, 124–125 smart 101 136–137, 140, 149
 157

E G
integrated circuits 21
intelligence
Eagle Prime 94–95 games 44, 48, 49, 71, 88 artificial 46–47
edible robots 113 gardening bots 40 higher 74–75
Eelume 120–123 gas power 113 interaction 13, 75
Egyptians, ancient 17 gears 45 Internet 13, 45, 90
elderly people 97 general artificial intelligence 74, 75 The Iron Giant 23
Elektro 20–21 geological samples 133

JK
Gimme gripper 42
electronics 21
Gita 72–73
Ellie 140
GPS (global positioning system) navigation Jaquet-Droz, Pierre 19
Elmer and Elsie 20
40, 61, 148 Jibo 24
eMotionButterflies 116–117
Greeks, ancient 16 jokes 82, 88
emotions
grippers 53, 54
recognizing human 70, 71 joysticks 56, 134
GroundBot 14, 61
robots 31, 38, 44, 48, 54, 76, 80, jumping robots 118–119, 124–125
Guardian LF1 115
88, 89 Karakuri 18
Guardian™ S 142–143
end effectors 15 Kempelen, Wolfgang von 18
gyroscopes 72, 116
endurance technology 124 Kilby, Jack 21

H
ENIAC 20 Kilobots 27, 64–67

environmental hazards 134, 138–139, kitchens 86–87

140–141, 142–143 hands 76, 77, 78–79, 83, 85, 86, Kobi 40

environmental impact 121 138 Kuratas 94

environmental sampling 126 hazards 134, 138–139, 140–141,

Euphonia 19
exoskeletons 25, 36–37
142–143
help, asking for 38, 127 L
Hero of Alexandria 17 language processing 80, 81
EXOTrainer 27, 36–37
hexapods 34 languages
exploration 110, 134
HOBBIT 97 foreign 19, 22, 82, 88, 90

F
home-help robots 27, 32–33, 38–39, programming 62, 63
40–41, 97 lasers 15, 71
Faber, Joseph 19 hospitals 58–59, 61, 82, 87, 96, 97 LaserSnake 60
facial expressions hotels 83 Latro 141
human-controlled robots 26, 27, 46, 56, LBR iiwa 52–53
recognizing human 43, 44
134, 138–139 learning difficulties 48–49
robots 31, 38, 39, 42, 48, 54, 76, 80, 88,
humanoids 27, 70–71, 76–83, 85, 88–89,
89, 97 learning, robotic 47, 74, 75, 76
90–93, 114, 150–151
facial recognition 40, 77, 80, 81, 88 legs 34, 35
hydrogen peroxide 112, 113
factories 10–11 Leka 26, 48–49
LiDAR (light radar) 106, 145, 149

I
FFZERO1 100–101
fighting robots 94–95 light-sensitivity 30, 31, 39,
films 22–23 106, 135
iCub 27, 76–79
flotation devices 136, 137 inaccessible places 142–143 Little Ripper Lifesaver 136–137
flowcharts 62 industrial robots 52–53 localization 148–149
flying robots 24, 46, 98–99, 116–117, infrared 15, 64, 65, 116, 117, 135 locomotion see movement
128–129, 136–137, 140 insects see biomimetic robots loudspeakers 136, 137
food 86–87 inspection and maintenance 116, 120–123, LRI Wave Glider 126
frubber 80, 89 127, 142–143 Luigi 140
158

M
Octobot 112–113 rescue robots 136–137, 144–147
offline programming 62–63 ReWalk 6.0 exoskeleton 36
Machina Speculatrix 20 OLED (organic light-emitting diode) 25 Rimac C_Two 25
machine learning 74 online programming 56–57, 62 Robby the Robot 22
mapping 148–149 operations, surgical 58–59 RoboBees 128–129
marine robots 115 RoboCourier 82
Mars 150, 151
Mars 2020 26, 132–133 PQ
PackBot 141
Robot Operating System (ROS) 63
RoboThespian 82
Mars rovers 15, 132–133, 148 robotic arms 14, 21, 26, 52–55, 75,
MAVs (micro aerial vehicles) 108 parking 60–61 84–87, 133
medical assistant robots 27, 36–37 PARO 15, 96–97 Robotic Kitchen 86–87
medication, dispensing 40 Partner robot 85 roboticists 15
medicine 58–59, 61, 113, 114, 115, 140 path-/line-following robots 135 robotics, rise of 20–21
MegaBots 94–95 pendants, teaching 56–57 robots
memory loss 97 Pepper 70–71 in culture 13, 22–23
Method-2 138–139 personal assistants 47 how they work 14–15
Metropolis 22 pet robots 30–33, 96–97 modern 24–25
micro bots 114 piezoelectric accelerometers 106–107 types of 26–27
microcontrollers 98, 99, 116 piezoelectric transducers 108 what they are 12–13
MicroFactory 114 Pillo 40 Roomba 900/980 41, 46
microphones 70, 106 piloted robots 27, 94–95, 104–105, 134, ROVs (remotely operated vehicles) 120
microprocessor controllers 65 138–139 RP-VITA 61
Mini Manbo 134 play 48–49 R.U.R. 22
MiRo 12–13, 30–31 power supply 15
Mirra 41
mobile robots 14, 64–67, 134–135
Prague Astronomical Clock 17
problem-solving 75 S
safety inspections 141
mobility assistance 97 programming
Momaro 149 offline 62–63 sampling 126, 133
monk, mechanical 18 online 56–57, 62 satellites 20, 148
moon 150 PUFFER 127 schools 91
movement 12, 13 puppet-robots 18 science fiction 13
finding a way 134–135 quadrapods 34 Scratch 63
legs, wheels, and tracks 34–35 search and rescue 110, 112, 115, 136–137,
localization 148–149
unusual 118–119 R
R5 VRalkyrie 150–151
140, 143, 144–147
security 60, 61
musicians, robot 83, 84, 85 self-driving robots 100–101
radar 106 sensors 12, 13, 106–107

NO
radio signals 46, 110, 134 3-D 70
radioactivity 60, 106, 134, 139, 141, 142 contact 135
NAO 90–93 reactions distance 135
navigation 32, 33, 61, 72, 105, 106, 126, chemical 112, 113 drop/cliff 39, 135
133, 148–149 interactions 71 environmental 107, 126
nitinol 99 reactive artificial intelligence 46 fingerprint 73
NOC robots 115 receptionists, robot 83 fingertip pressure 77, 78
object recognition 100 remote control 38, 46, 114, 134 force 104, 105
obstacles 34, 115, 118, 134, 135, 148 remote piloting 134 light 30, 31, 39, 106, 135
OceanOne 104–105 repetitive tasks 12 motion 15
octopods 34 Rero 126 optical floor 108
 159

perception 32, 46 stress levels 48, 97 vertical movement 119

pressure 15 submarines, robot 115 vibration motors 65
proprioception 32, 76 submersible robots 104–105 vinebot 115
sonar 30, 39, 90 supermarkets 61 violin-playing 83
sound 13, 30, 31, 70, 76, 77 surgical robots 58–59 vision, stereoscopic 104, 105
thermal imaging 106 surveillance 61, 112, 140, 142, 143 voice assistant robots 24
touch 12, 30, 45, 71, 76, 77, 87, 90, 97 swarm robots 27, 64–67, 116–117, voice commands 39, 97
vision 76, 77, 90 128–129 voice recognition 90
sewers 140 swimming pools 41
shape shifting 126–127
SharkSpotter 136
swinging 118–119
WYZ
T
shelf-stacking 61 walking 36–37
shops, automated 47 Walter, W. Grey 20
simulators, robot 63 tablet apps 49 water clocks 16–17
SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Tally 61 water pressure 107
Mapping) 149 Talos 16 weapons 95
slithering 118 Tarzan 118–119 wearable bots 25, 36–37
smackdown 94 teaching pendants 56–57 wheelchairs 42–43
smartPAD controllers 52, 53 teamwork 110 Wheelie 7 42–43
smartphones 45, 46, 47, 56, 84, 100, 101, television 22–23 wheels
140 Terminator 22–23 movement 35
snakebots 14, 118, 127, 142–143 tethers, electrical 129 pendants 56
Snookie 107 theater 22 wings 98–99, 116–117, 129
snow clearing 40 therapy robots 96–97 wireless controllers 64, 134
soccer 90 thinking 10, 12, 13 wireless network 108
social humanoids 80–81 thumbs 76 work robots 26, 60–61, 108–111
social interaction 71 Titan 114 YuMi 26, 84–85
social robots 24, 26, 80–81, 88–89 touch control 39 Zenbo 27, 38–39
soft lithography 112 touch feedback 105 Zeno 88–89
soft robotics 113, 127 touchscreen 56, 88, 134
soft-body robots 112–113 toy robots 44–45
software 62 tracks 34, 94, 95, 144–145
solar cells 15 training 52, 55, 57, 86
Sophia 80–81 transducers 108
Space Race 20, 21 transistors 21
space robots 26, 114, 132–133, 150–151 translations 90
Sparko 20–21 trumpet-playing 85
speech recognition 38, 47, 75 Turriano, Juanelo 18
spider bots 141
spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) 36
Spot 33 UV
UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) 24, 46,
SpotMini 32–33
Sputnik 1 20 136–137, 140
stability 34, 35 ultrasound 15, 71
Stan 60 “uncanny valley” 81
Star Trek 23 underwater robots 104–105, 107,
stereo vision 32, 33 112–113, 115, 120–123, 134, 149
storage boxes, moving 72 vacuum cleaners 41, 46, 135
160

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Dorling Kindersley would like to thank the Universal Images Group (tc). 23 Alamy Stock APA-PictureDesk GmbH (br). 98-99 Festo.
following people for their assistance with Photo: AF Archive (br); Everett Collection 100-101 Farady Future. 100 Farady
this book: Tony Prescott, Michael Szollosy, Inc (cr). Dreamstime.com: Mark Eaton (tr). Future. 101 Farady Future. 102-103
Jonathan Aiken, Daniel Camilleri, Michael 24-25 Alamy Stock Photo: Aflo Co. Ltd. Festo. 104-105 Teddy Seguin: © Osada
Port, Giovanni Reina, Salah Talamali, and (bc). 24 123RF.com: Alexander Kolomietz / Seguin / DRASSM (c/main robot image).
Natalie Wood from the robotics laboratory (bl). Getty Images: The Washington Post (tl). 105 Teddy Seguin: © Osada / Seguin /
in the University of Sheffield, UK; Priyanka 25 Dorling Kindersley: Richard Leeney (bc/ DRASSM (br). 108-109 Festo. 109 Festo.
Kharbanda, Smita Mathur, Sophie Parkes, ball). Marsi Bionics: (cr). Rimac Automobili: 110-111 Festo: (c). 112-113 Harvard
Neha Ruth Samuel, and Vatsal Verma for (tl). 26 ABB Ltd.. Dorling Kindersley. John A. Paulson School of Engineering
editorial assistance; Mansi Agarwal, Priyanka Leka: (cl). NASA: JPL (bl). 27 ASUS: (cr). and Applied Sciences: (all photos). 114
Bansal, Kanupriya Lal, Arun Pottirayil, and Dorling Kindersley. Festo. Getty Images: Courtesy of Boston Dynamics: (cl). Johns
Heena Sharma for making illustrations; David Hecker (tl); Chip Somodevilla (tr). Hopkins University Applied Physics
Katie John for proofreading; and Helen Marsi Bionics. 28 ASUS. 29 ASUS. 30-31 Laboratory: (br). SRI International: (tr).
Peters for indexing. Dorling Kindersley. 32-33 Courtesy 115 National Oceanography Centre,
of Boston Dynamics. 32 Courtesy of Southampton: (tc). RSE:RobotsISE.org.
Picture Credits Boston Dynamics. 33 Courtesy of Boston Stanford News Service. : Linda A. Cicero
Dynamics. 36-37 Marsi Bionics. 36 (br). 116-117 Festo: (all photos). 120-121
The publisher would like to thank the ReWalk Robotics GmbH: (bl). 37 Marsi Eelume AS: (all photos). 122-123 Eelume
following for their kind permission to Bionics: (tc). 38 Dorling Kindersley: AS. 124-125 Festo. 128 Harvard John
reproduce their photographs: Dreamstime.com / Prykhodov (tl). 38-39 A. Paulson School of Engineering and
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photos ). 44-45 Anki. 44 Anki. 45 Anki. A. Paulson School of Engineering and
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