Arielle Pardes of Wired speaks with research specialist Kate Darling about the popularity of robotic companions and the concerns about humans becoming emotionally attached to them. “Darling, who studies ethics in robotics at MIT, says it's human nature to feel those bonds with machines that mimic emotion,” writes Pardes.
Liat Clark reports on Jibo, the family friendly robot developed by Professor Cynthia Breazeal, in a piece for Wired. "Jibo is a very different concept of a personal robot where the focus is on human engagement and bringing content, apps, services 'to life' beyond flat screens," Breazeal explains.
“The robot, which is a stack of three components allowing the display to swivel freely in any direction, is intended to be a family companion performing a variety of interactive tasks,” writes John Markoff for The New York Times about Jibo, a robot created by MIT Media Lab Professor, Cynthia Breazeal.
BBC News reports on new efforts to integrate robot-assisted training into the rehabilitation process for stroke victims. "The whole concept is revolutionising the practice of rehabilitation medicine by applying robotics that can assist and enhance recovery," explains Dr. Hermano Igo Krebs.
Boston Magazine reporter Steve Annear writes about Prof. Harry Asada’s Supernumerary Robotic Limbs. When strapped to a person’s shoulder’s the device, “operates autonomously to help conquer things like securing a ceiling panel or holding open a door,” Annear explains.
IEEE Spectrum reporter Evan Ackerman writes about the robotic limbs developed by the MIT d'Arbeloff Laboratory. The Supernumerary Robotic Limbs are designed to assist in tasks where an extra hand is needed and function like an extension of the wearer’s own body, Ackerman explains.
“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.”
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.
Cynthia Graber reports for Scientific American about the robotic clam developed by MIT researchers that can mimic the digging capabilities of the Atlantic razor clam.