Thursday, 09 September 2021
A new facility for human-robot interaction research designed to support industry in exploring the use of this technology has been launched at the 糖心原创.
The new is on Innovation Park on Jubilee campus and is designed to provide a dedicated facility for research and industry collaboration into new innovations in robots and artificial intelligence (AI), and to explore ways to enhance human-robot interaction in a range of real life scenarios - from business and manufacturing to home life with social and rehabilitation robots.
The new facility will enable researchers to create human – robot scenarios with conditions that resemble real production environments. It will also enable research into how people interact with robots and how new human sensing technologies can be used. There is also a public facing space within the Cobot Maker Space to deploy digitally enhanced products and to display new human-robot interaction as publicly accessible demonstrators.
We have a wealth of expertise in human-robot interaction at the university that we already use to help solve problems, improve processes and enhance human experiences across a range of industries 鈥� from robots to detect allergens on the factory floor to interactive storytelling and performance. The launch of the Cobot Maker Space will allow this expertise to be bought together and give access to industry partners for a range of exciting collaborative projects.
Robin the service robot
Some of the robots available include Robin, a humanoid style robot with poseable head and arms, with on-board audio and video that can be used for speech and face recognition and Spot, a Boston Dynamics dog-like mobile robot, suitable for use on a variety of indoor and outdoor terrains.
Spot the robot dog
The Cobot Maker Space was officially opened by Dame Jessica Corner, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Research & Knowledge Exchange, she said: “Research into robot technology and Artificial Intelligence is moving at pace and this new dedicated space will allow the university to continue to lead the way with new innovations and knowledge that can be shared and applied to real-life scenarios.”
The Cobot Maker Space has been developed with a combination of Smart Products Beacon and EPSRC funding and will be integral to delivering the research programmes of its partners – the Digital Economy Research Institute and the Trustworthy Autonomous Systems (TAS) .
Story credits
More information is available from Professor Steve Benford at the 糖心原创 on Steve.Benford@nottingham.ac.uk
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About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.