An Afternoon Discussion: A Robot Invasion

DATE: October 27, 2006 @ Noon
LOCATION: Room 2068 in the Kilcawley Center


DIGITAL PRESENTATION
SPEAKERS:

ARTIFACTS:



Dr. Bob Kramer


Dr. Kramer is a assistant professor of computer science. His research interests are :

  • First Polynomial Arithmetic
  • Statistical Genetics
  • Lego Robotics in the Computer Science

HanoiBot


HanoiSolver picks up Lego ‘discs’ and moves them between three different ‘posts’ to solve the Towers of Hanoi puzzle. The program is capable of solving for any number of discs between 1 and 5. The bot has a pneumatically powered claw which travels vertically on a forklift-type boom to grab the ‘discs’ and pick them up.

The ‘Towers of Hanoi’ is a classic puzzle in which you have three ‘towers’ sticking up (numbered 1, 2, and 3) and a number of different sized discs threaded on them. At the start, all the discs are threaded on post #1 in order of size -- the biggest disc at the bottom and the smallest at the top. The object is to move all the discs to post #3 -- the solution is complete when all discs are on post #3 in the same size order as they started on post #1.


Shaun Canavan


Shaun Canavan is a graduate student here at YSU, he received his undergraduate degree in Computer Science from YSU as well. His research interests include:


  • Robotics
  • Artificial intelligence
  • Parallel computing
  • Facial recognition


AmigoBot


AMIGOBOT is an affordable, mobile robot for use in multi-robot and classroom applications. It is based on an ARCS-style architecture stripped to its barest bones for affordable use in multi-robot and classroom applications. Range finding is handled by six forward and two rear sonar; shaft encoders track x, y, theta position. Differential drive and nearly holonomic design provide good mobility over carpet edges and small sills. Sensor, motor and power monitoring and control information is sent in packets over a wireless or tethered RS232 serial connection to your PC. Payload maximum is 1kg (2lbs). The AmigoBot is designed as a closed system to discourage internal tampering rather than encouraging extenisibility as do other MobileRobots bases. AmigoBot includes ARIA API libraries for C++ under Linux or WIN2000/XP.

Robot Technology Osaka: A View of the Future


A 10 minute digital presentation by “Robot Laboratory of Osaka Japan”.