Whenever we take up a cup with our hand, wrapping a finger around the ear of the cup, we do not give much thought to that. Ask a robot, and it will probably require a whole lot of programming and moveable joints to get the job done. Perhaps there is a small breakthrough in this arena with Boris the robot that is capable of “seeing” objects using its depth sensors that are embedded within its face and wrists. These sensors will then be able to help Boris figure out how to approach and handle that particular object without dropping or breaking it.
Unveiled at the British Science Festival, Boris is touted to be able to load dishwashers next year. In fact, it holds the distinction of being one of the very first robots worldwide that can intelligently manipulate unfamiliar objects thanks to a grasp that is not too different from that of a human.
Developed by scientists over at the University of Birmingham, Boris took half a decade to develop, running up a total bill of £350,000 along the way. It requires 10 seconds to run an algorithm that tries to figure out up to a thousand possible ways to pick up a new object using its five robotic fingers, and will have plotted out a path of arm movements in order to reach its target so that it can avoid obstructions. This is a leap from before, since it has been specially programmed to pick items up.
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