Does Competition Bring Out the Best in Robotic Innovation?

Think working right next to a robot without safety caging is novel? Just wait until it starts second guessing your instructions.

Brown University’s Humans to Robots Lab will be presenting their algorithm that enables robots to request clarification to human commands at the 2017 International Conference on Robotics and Automation in Singapore this spring. Professor Stefanie Tellex leads the lab and specializes in human-robot collaboration.

Recognizing that humans commonly talk with their hands, Tellex’s work includes programming robots not only for speech but gesture recognition. Her team’s newest project enables the robot to ask a question when it finds itself confused, such as when it is issued a command of “Hand me a wrench” and detects a pile of differently sized wrenches. The new algorithm factors in thresholds of certainty so the robot doesn’t question everything it’s told to do but makes an educated guess at appropriate times, which makes working with the robot far more efficient.

The 2017 conference theme is Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Real-world Solutions and emphasizes innovation in research and development, entrepreneurship and using automation and robotic technology to address real-world issues like labor shortage, an ageing population and creating a sustainable environment. In addition to the standard keynotes and exhibits, the conference will offer various workshops, tutorials and robot challenges including:

• DJI RoboMasters Mobile Manipulation Challenge
  • Student-oriented competition that aims to increase public awareness of robotics. This challenge is judged on positioning, object grasping, force control, target identification, and system stability. Any age and level of expertise may participate. A cash prize is awarded to the winner.
• Humanitarian Robotics and Automation Technology Challenge
  • This competition is sponsored by the IEEE Robotics & Automation Society – Special Interest Group on Humanitarian Technology and will focus on autonomous landmine detection and clearing. Landmines kill 15,000-20,000 people each year according to the UN Mine Action Service and can cost upwards of $1000 USD to remove. This competition is in its fourth year and will be evaluated on efficiency of time and coverage, quality of detection and classification, and landmine avoidance.
• Mobile Microbiotics Challenge
  • Microbots are classified as those the diameter of a human hair. This challenge is broken down into three segments: Autonomous Mobility & Accuracy Challenge, Microassembly Challenge, and MMC Showcase & Poster Session.
• Soft Material Robot Challenge
  • Soft robotics is a sub-section of robotics consisting of robots constructed with non-rigid components made of materials such as silicone, plastic, fabric, rubber, or compliant mechanical parts such as springs. This challenge will be separated into two categories:
    • Soft Component Technologies Showcase
      • Exhibits new soft robot technologies in actuation, sensing, and other components that advance the field of soft robotics. The top competitors will demonstrate their prototype entries at the conference.
    • Soft Robots Speed Challenge
      • This competition focuses on robots drive by soft actuators. The contest will emphasize soft bodied robots which are 1m x 1m x 1m or smaller and may be powered wither on- or off-board.

Host country Singapore endeavors to become a Smart Nation where its people use technology to achieve more meaningful lives, develop stronger communities, and create more opportunities. This conference is open to all who want to contribute to the future of robotics. Share your thoughts on whether or not competition is the best thing for the robotics and automation field on our LinkedIn page.