Augmented reality makes robots more useful for disabled people

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Spotted: The Georgia Institute of Technology has found a simpler way to control complex robots. It could lead to the development of faster and more productive assistive robots for those with significant motor impairments.

The interface uses augmented reality to help control what is essentially a robotic body surrogate. It displays a “robot’s eye view” of surroundings, allowing the user to interact with the real world through the machine and control how it moves.

The robot used in testing, a PR2 mobile manipulator, is large, slow and has wheels, two arms and a head. It can perform tasks that some disabled people would otherwise find difficult. These include feeding oneself, scratching an itch and applying skin lotion. It is able to interact with objects including water bottles, hairbrushes and electric shavers.

Takeaway: Springwise has reported on how robots can perform complex human tasks like constructing buildings. This shows how the technology is developing to help accomplish everyday actions most people take for granted. While sophisticated robots are not typically meant to be operated by those with little experience doing so, this interface is designed to be user-friendly. But the cost and size of the robot will need to come down for such a system to be used widely.

Website: www.gatech.edu
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