1. A Robot With a
Reassuring Touch
John Markoff
September 18, 2012 Main point: Make robots safe
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/18/science/a-robot-with-a-delicate- enough for humans to work with
touch.html?ref=science&_r=0moc.semityn.www
Safety and overcoming human
fear are the biggest factors.
• Most robots are large and
powerful enough to completely
crush a human.
• E-stop button (Locomotive Acts
19th century British Law)
Safety mechanisms and sensors
to protect humans
• Ex. crown of sonar sensors
• Demonstration
Already tested in many companies
Human employees are not losing
Baxter their jobs
Created by Rethink Robotics • Reassigned to higher skill level
Has a 9 foot wingspan jobs
Available for purchase in October for $22000
Not programmable – “Training by
• Train the robots
Lopa Nath
demonstration” September 24,
2012