Rodney Brooks (Rethink Robotics Co-founder) – Robots as Co-workers (Apr 2014)


Chapters

00:00:11 A New Generation of Collaborative Robotics
00:11:10 Building Intelligence through Subsumption: Lessons from Insects
00:13:32 Behavior-Based Robotics: From Theory to Practical Applications
00:20:17 Manufacturing in the New Millennium: A Paradigm Shift
00:31:13 Next Generation Industrial Robots
00:45:25 Changing Metrics for New Robots and the Maker Movement
00:47:40 Future Manufacturing and Changing Employment Dynamics
00:52:17 Programming By Demonstration
00:57:45 Unconventional Robot Collaborates with Surgeons

Abstract



Revolutionizing Robotics: A Comprehensive Overview of Rodney Brooks’ Contributions and the Future of Robotics in Healthcare and Manufacturing

In the field of robotics, few names are as influential as Professor Rodney Brooks, whose pioneering work has redefined the landscape of robotics and artificial intelligence. From his early inspirations to his groundbreaking contributions to the field, Brooks’ journey underscores a radical shift towards more adaptable, efficient, and user-friendly robotics. This article delves into the key milestones of Brooks’ career, the innovative concepts of the Purdue Robotics Accelerator Center (PRAC), and the emerging trends in robotics, particularly in healthcare and manufacturing. We’ll explore the transformative impact of Baxter, a robot designed for industrial automation, and Professor Juan Wachs’ GestoNurse, a cutting-edge healthcare-focused robotic system, shedding light on how robotics is reshaping our world.

Main Body:

Purdue Robotics Accelerator Center (PRAC) Launch:

The Purdue Robotics Accelerator Center, an interdisciplinary hub at Purdue University, marks a significant step forward in Robotics 2.0. With a focus on collaborative robots (co-robots) in sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture, PRAC aims to translate long-term research into practical solutions for real-world problems. As part of National Robotics Week celebrations, the center’s inauguration highlighted the coming together of four colleges to drive research and development in co-robots and their applications across various industries.

Professor Rodney Brooks: A Pioneer in Robotics:

Rodney Brooks, a renowned robotics expert, has been instrumental in shaping the field. As the founder of Rethink Robotics and co-founder of iRobot, he has been behind innovative products like Baxter and Roomba. His work focuses on autonomous robots and AI, challenging traditional methodologies and advocating for more practical, nature-inspired approaches. During his presentation at the PRAC inauguration, Brooks shared his early influences and inspirations, including W. Gray Walter’s book, “The Living Brain,” and his own early attempts at building robots based on these ideas.

Early Inspirations and Research:

Brooks’ journey in robotics was influenced by W. Gray Walter’s “The Living Brain.” His initial creations exhibited basic navigation and obstacle avoidance, laying the groundwork for his PhD research in model-based computer vision and path planning. Later, he pursued a PhD in model-based computer vision at Stanford University, focusing on geometric modeling, path planning, and uncertainty analysis for robot tasks. His research evolved to address how robots can plan tasks in uncertain environments. He developed systems using stereo vision for world modeling and path planning, achieving milestones like successful screw insertion by robots.

Humanoid Robotics and Industrial Applications:

In his research, Brooks shifted his focus from traditional robots to humanoid robots like COG and Baxter. This shift highlights his emphasis on social interaction and industrial utility. Baxter, in particular, revolutionized industrial robotics with its ease of use, adaptability, and safety features, tailored for factory environments.

Manufacturing Trends and the Need for Automation:

Brooks’ insights into manufacturing trends, particularly the rising labor costs and pursuit of innovation, underscore the increasing necessity for automation in developed countries. This shift towards automation is driven by the changing landscape of labor costs and the desire to foster innovation.

Rethink Robots’ Production Robots: A New Era of Safe, Easy-to-Use Industrial Automation

Rethink Robots’ production robots stand out for their user-friendliness and affordability. Designed for small manufacturing setups, these robots require no complex programming and come equipped with advanced sensors for environmental interaction.

Baxter Research Robot and Robotics Advancement:

Brooks’ introduction of Baxter as a research tool marks a significant advancement in collaborative robotics. Its programming by demonstration and safety-centric design make it an ideal platform for innovation in robotics research.

GestoNurse by Professor Juan Wachs:

Professor Wachs’ presentation of the GestoNurse, a healthcare-focused robotic system, indicates the expanding role of robotics in sensitive sectors like healthcare. The system’s advanced interaction methods, like speech and gesture recognition, demonstrate a significant leap in assistive technologies.

Surgical Assistance Robot:

The application of the Baxter robot in surgical environments showcases the versatility and potential of robotics in enhancing healthcare services. The integration of intuitive interfaces, like foot gesture controls, heralds a new era in medical robotics.

Past Works:

Throughout his career, Rodney Brooks has ventured into various robotics projects beyond his work with iRobot. He has explored social interactions and force-based tasks through humanoid robots like COG. Brooks’ lab also developed the Baxter collaborative robot, designed for easy training by factory workers.

Manufacturing Trends and Challenges:

Outsourcing manufacturing to countries with low-cost labor has led to a global shift in manufacturing locations. However, rising labor costs and changing living standards have prompted countries to re-evaluate their reliance on cheap manual labor.

Baxter’s Significance in Collaborative Manufacturing:

Baxter, a collaborative robot designed for industrial environments, is revolutionizing manufacturing processes. Its user-friendly interface enables ordinary factory workers to train it for simple tasks, promoting human-robot collaboration.

The Future of Manufacturing:

Brooks emphasizes the importance of bringing manufacturing back to developed countries to foster innovation and maintain control over product development. Robots play a crucial role in this transition, replacing repetitive manual labor and enabling more flexible and adaptable manufacturing processes.



New Metrics for Robots and the Maker Movement:

The shift in robotics towards adaptability and flexibility, as seen in Baxter, aligns with the broader maker movement. This trend, echoing the early days of the personal computer revolution, suggests a future where manufacturing becomes more localized and customizable.

Socioeconomic Shifts and Changing Manufacturing Models:

As the global demographic shifts towards an aging population, the demand for technologies like robotics in supporting independent living is growing. Simultaneously, advancements in 3D printing and CAD tools are paving the way for a transformation in manufacturing models, with potential shifts in design ownership and production methods.

Final Thoughts:

The advancements in robotics, as exemplified by the work of Rodney Brooks and the innovations at PRAC, herald a new era where robots are not just tools but collaborative partners in various sectors. The integration of robotics in healthcare and manufacturing promises to address current socioeconomic challenges, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of technology and its role in society.


Notes by: Ain