Project Robotics

Increasing Sensing Accuracy with Signal Conditioning

Signal conditioning provides a distinct advantage because it enhances both performance and measurement accuracy…

Figure 4 This accuracy comparison shows that the SCXI-1112 signal-conditioning module delivered ±0.3°C accuracy compared to ±5.0°C with the SCB-68 terminal block using a calibrated input.

http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/hearst/projectrobotics_200910/index.php?startid=5

High-voltage ICs Improve Performance By Design

Next-gen analog IC s provide high-power features that can manage and survive catastrophic events. Analog IC processes have followed a path of higher integration and increasing complexity, although not to the same degree as digital ICs…

iMOTION integrated design platform

http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/hearst/projectrobotics_200910/index.php?startid=19Five Design Challenges and Solutions for Machine Builders

Intense competition is putting pressure on machine builders to deliver machines with higher throughput, reduced operating cost, and increased safety. Faster, better, cheaper, safer is the name of the game for machine builders…

Figure 1 Machine builders have traditionally used a sequential approach to machine design, resulting in a lengthened design process. Mechatronics represents an industry-wide effort to improve the design process by integrating the best available development practices and technologies to streamline machine design, prototyping, and deployment.

http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/hearst/projectrobotics_200910/index.php?startid=24

Therapy Robots

When I think about the meaning of robotics, I relate it to specific industries that use robotics, such as the automotive, medical and pharmaceutical, food manufacturing, and military to perform a specific function. This technology not only simplifies our lives, but in dangerous areas, such as in the military, the use of robotics is so significant because, not only can a robot diffuse a bomb, it can also save a life.

Recently I came across another area in which I believe the use of robots can be very valuable. It is nursing homes. I saw a video clip on CNN .com about a robot seal that is helping nursing home patients interact emotionally. The patients appeared to be happy and enjoying the robot’s company. The elderly were treating the robot like it was actually a real animal: they were petting it and talking to it. The robot seal was responding to touch and to noise, just like a real pet would interact with people. And this was due to the over 100 sensors that it had inside its cute furry body.

…a therapy robot might be the next best thing to a real pet…

I have been to old-age homes and have seen first-hand how the elderly they’re lonely and are not allowed to have live pets. Some nursing homes do have therapy pets cared for by the nursing home staff, but a therapy robot might be the next best thing to a real pet, may be also becoming man’s best friend. Watch out, Fido.

Christina Nickolas

For more on Project Robotics visit www.electronicproducts.com/projectrobotics