Scientists develop simulation program that helps robots avoid kid bullies
10 Aug 2015 1:40 AM IST
Built-in algorithm enables robots to escape from potentially risky situations
Today's robots are wimps. Even the most powerful can lift only half their weight.
A bunch of curious kids around a robot might not always be a good thing - for the robot. When a Robovie-II robot was tasked with entertaining customers in a shopping mall in Japan, it often became the target of agressive behaviour by children. Kids were observed standing in its path, kicking, hitting and even throwing objects at it.
To tackle the problem, the experts from the ATR Intelligent Robotics and Communication Laboratories, Osaka University, Ryukoku University and Tokai University, developed an abuse-evading algorithm to help the robot to escape from potential risky situations, the IEEE Spectrum reported.
A study of pedestrian behaviour at the mall led researchers to conclude that the possibility of abuse increased when more children were around the robot. Thanks to its newly developed built-in simulator, the robot is now programmed to move away from kids and instead move toward people over 4 feet 6 inches.
According to website psy.org, the Robovie-II robot can perform a variety of other tasks as well like helping the elderly with chores or even shopping.
Check out the video below to know more:
( Source : deccan chronicle )
Next Story
