Robots lend a helping hand…or two

Remember the absurd notion we all loathed as kids? The one that had us believing evil robots would populate the fast approaching millennium and eventually take over the world. Well, according to new advancements in assistive technologies, scientists have countered that theory in more ways than one.

Technology news outlet The Fast Company has introduced a new piece of technology that very few believed was probable until recent years.

Robots for Humanity is a collaboration between Willow Garage , The Healthcare Robotics Lab at Georgia Tech and Henry and Jane Evans that uses the latest technology and research to help paralyzed men and women perform simple tasks. The human-sized robot gives Henry Evans, a quadriplegic eager to perform daily functions on his own, the ability to shave his cheek or scratch an itch through head tracker interfaces. Henry’s mobility in his head and one finger enables him to guide the robot’s actions.

The leading researchers responsible for PR2, the human-sized robot, foresee tweaks but hope to get their latest invention in the homes of many living with physically debilitating obstacles as soon as possible.

Taking into account the intelligence and determination of scientists today, this news breaking technology could certainly pave the way for future scientists and researchers to create similar assistive techs that specifically adapt to individual’s needs.

Watch PR2 in action:

http://www.willowgarage.com/blog/2011/07/13/robots-humanity

COMMENT: Is this robotic hunk of tech helpful, or just a hassle? What improvements would you make?

By: Tanza Loudenback
Experea Healthcare Blog Editor