“When it comes out of the 3D printer, the robot is just a sheet made of a polymer called polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. The sheet is sandwiched between two rigid polyester films. Slits cut into the films affect how the PVC sheet will fold when it is heated,” writes UPI reporter Brooks Hays of new work with self-assembling robots.
New Scientist writer Aviva Rutkin reports that MIT researchers have developed a new process in which flat cut-outs are able to self-assemble into robots when heated. "What we would like is to provide design tools that allow people who are not experts to create their own machines," explains Prof. Daniela Rus.
In a piece for Wired, Olivia Solon writes about how Professor Daniela Rus’ research group has developed, “a system of 2D patterns cut into plastic that can self-fold under heat into 3D shapes.”
Adam Waytz and Michael Norton write for The Wall Street Journal about their research that indicates that people prefer to interact with robots that can convey emotion. Waytz and Norton cite the MIT Media Lab’s Nexi as an example of a robot that effectively conveys feelings.
Forbes reporter Jasper Hamill describes a new technique developed by Prof. Daniela Rus that allows robots to self-assemble when heated. “The components can be produced simply by heating up the plastic, which is cleverly designed so it folds itself into the right form,” writes Hamill.
“Eventually she can see a world where people can use an algorithm to analyze an image, create blueprints and print out fully functional robots. This could be a big deal in manufacturing, health care and, yes, toys,” writes NBC News writer Keith Wagstaff of Professor Daniela Rus’ work with self-assembling robots.
Writing for Reuters, Mark Miller explores how robots may soon be used to care for aging members of the population. Miller highlights Professor Cynthia Breazeal’s work developing robots that can make social and emotional connections to people.
In a piece for CNN, Professor Erik Brynjolfsson and Dr. Andrew McAfee write that the rapid rate of technological innovation is leaving a large number of people without the skills necessary to participate in the modern economy.
New Scientist reporter Hal Hodson writes about a new experiment out of the MIT Media Lab that is aimed at investigating how well children learn from robots.
Newsweek reporter Tom Parrett writes about current advances, and the future of swarm robots, highlighting Professor Daniela Rus’ work with self-assembling robots.
Writing for The Boston Globe, Leon Nayfakh examines the day he spent attending a conference via the People’s Bot, a telepresence robot developed by a team of MIT researchers.
In an article for El Mundo (written in Spanish), Carlos Betriu writes about the annual robotics competition that is the culmination of course 2.007. The goal of the course is to challenge students to solve problems with robots and to think creatively, Betriu reports.
Boston Globe reporter Carolyn Johnson writes about 2.007’s robotics competition. “Students competed at MITSKI, in which the robots they built from scratch had to climb ski slopes, descend them with grace, collect slalom flags, return flags to the ski chalet, and collect medals,” Johnson writes.
USA Today reporter Kelly Whiteside highlights Professor Hugh Herr’s work developing bionic prosthetic limbs that emulate the function of natural limbs. Herr developed a bionic leg that allowed Boston Marathon bombing survivor Adrianne Haslet-Davis to dance again.
This Huffington Post article, co-authored by Professor Max Tegmark, looks at the future of artificial intelligence. The authors stress the need to spend more money investigating the potential benefits and risks of the robotic revolution.