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Laser guided robot arm can grasp and deliver

By David Womack - March 21, 2008

in Tech

According to an article on VNUNET, a team of DARPA-funded researchers (also known as "boffins") has devised a way of instructing robots to find and retrieve items identified with a simple laser pointer.

The robotic arm that carries out the command is know as El-E, "named for the arm's resemblance to an elephant trunk." EI-E can apparently grasp and deliver several types of household items including "towels, pill bottles and telephones."

Now, they're really sure about this, right? I mean, this isn't going to backfire? Because I'd hate to think what might happen if a laser pointer got into the hands of an evil-doer.

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blah

16 years ago

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Well, when you're a moronic robot I think you are more than fitting to be used as a reference picture. Especially good photo this is.
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eric

16 years ago

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So, uh, how useful is this post when it basically is half-true? There is no mention AT ALL that DARPA is somehow related to this nor does it mention any sort of military or government use (besides the universities mentioned)? And how does this even relate to GWB? It's being designed for people with Lou Gerig's Disease and old people. Bush is neither. I mean come on! I know we're designers here, but let's do some proofing here! A Picture would have been a helluva lot nicer than misplaced ranting!
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David

16 years ago

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That's interesting. Because I imagined it grabbing people's crotches. I don't think that's paranoid. I mean, I'm not afraid of it.
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Berae McClary

16 years ago

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Even if you're joking, that sort of paranoia of Dr. Evil is counterproductive. Think about the endless possibilities for good work if this becomes affordable and commonplace. I'm imagining assistance for the disabled, protecting law enforcement, construction...whoa!
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