Control Engineering

Paul Grayson

Achieving Autonomy
February 25, 2008

B-2 Spirit.  USAF FactFile Photo

CRASH
The 2-23-08 crash of a B-2 Spirit bomber at an airbase in Guam represents a $1.2 billion dollar loss.  While the two pilots ejected and no lives were lost, it is still sad to see the video of $1.2 billion dollars going up in smoke at the end of the runway.  The cost represents about $5 per legal resident of the USA.  

ROBOBUSINESS 2008 TOPICS
The theme for the 2008 RoboBusiness event is "Achieving Autonomy" and two days of healthcare robotics sessions under the heading "RoboMedicus" have been added.  The list of 44 topics being covered looks like a good outline the field of robotics.

Business Development and Investment Track #1
1. Global Partnering Opportunities
2. Research Advances and Commercialization Prospects
3. Investment Opportunities and Funding Trends
4. Market Sizing and Growth 

Technology and Standards Track #2
5. Navigation and Control Solutions
6. Sensors and Sensor-Based Systems
7. Power Systems
8. Robot Kits, Research Robots and Development Platforms;
9. COTS Robotics
10. Motors and Motor Controllers
11. Motion Controllers, Servos and Stepper Drives
12. Computer Vision and Mapping Products

Applications and Products Track #3
13. Emerging Markets for Industrial Robots
14. Product Availability and Distribution Opportunities
15. Products and Services for the Consumer, Commercial Civil and Government Markets
16. Robotics Suppliers and Manufacturers

Robotics Workforce Development Track #4
17. Locating and Keeping a Skilled Workforce
18. Curriculum Development
19. Framework for Workforce Development
20. Integrating Work and Learning
 
RoboMedicus (Healthcare Robotics) Track #5
21. Hospital/Pharmacy Automation
22. Surgical Robotics
23. Assistive Technology
24. Rehabilitation Technology
25. Telepresence Systems

Security and Defense Track #6
26. New Technologies for Military Robotics
27. Search, Rescue and Recovery
28. Mobile Surveillance
29. Tactical Operations
30. Military Logistics, Operations, Transportations and Other Non-traditional Uses

First Responder Robotics Track #7
31. Law Enforcement and Public Safety
32. Search, Rescue and Recovery
33. Explosive Ordinance Disposal
34. Unmanned Vehicles
35. HAZMAT Operations
36. Law Enforcement and Public Safety Robotics

Intelligent Transportation and Field Robotics Track #8
37. Teleoperation
38. Autonomous Transportation
39. Warehousing

Consumer Robotics Track #9
40. Intelligent Toys
41. Entertainment Robots
42. House Care / Lawn Care
43. Assistive Technology
44. Educational Robotics

MOON RUSH UPDATE  $30 MILLION IN PRIZES
http://www.frednet.com 
http://www.googlelunarxprize.org/
http://www.frc.ri.cmu.edu/project/lri/
http://www.cnbc.com/id/22421401  (with video)
http://www.odysseymoon.com/


2007 DARPA Urban Challenge


Photo by AIM Team members Linda and Tom Graham

GO ROBOTS !

Paul F. Grayson - Chief Engineer
AMERICAN INDUSTRIAL MAGIC, LLC
Racing to build technology that saves soldier's lives.
390 4-Mile Rd. S.
Traverse City, MI 49686-8411
(231) 946-0187, (231) 883-4463 Cell
pgrayson@aimagic.org
http://aimagic.org
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/robotcluboftraversecitymi/
http://www.controleng.com/index.asp?layout=blog&blog_id=1180000318

Posted by Paul Grayson on February 25, 2008 | Comments (0)