Most robots are controlled using a joystick or other traditional input device, but this new system allows operators to issue commands to robots using simple hand and body gestures

Developed by engineer Tsuyoshi Horo at Tokyo University, the system uses a circular array of cameras to detect human movements in the room, then convey them to a robot as directional commands.

The system produces a real time 3-dimension volumetric model of people or objects inside the circle of cameras, allowing for precise tracking of movements. Be sure to check out this cool video clip showing what the cameras “see” once run through Horo’s software:

Controlling robots is just one possible application for the gesture recognition software. Horo has also implemented several computer user interface prototypes using the same basic system. You can find more information on Horo’s research website (translated from Japanese) and more videos over on his YouTube page.

The only thing worse than taking a paintball pellet in your ass is when your return fire won’t end up inflicting the same pain on your opponent. That’s what you have to look forward to if you end up going toe-to-toe with this robotic foe.

Created by builder Che Edoga (aka “darkback2″), his wood and metal robot “Gepetto” can fire paintballs while it tools around via remote control.

In addition to being able to carry a load, Gepetto has a built in video camera and screen for interacting with passersby (or maybe to remotely taunt its victims when in paintball mode).

Gepetto is actually strong enough to carry around a laptop on its back, and can manage driving on challenging surfaces thanks to independent wheel mechanisms that can travel as much as three inches in height. While the robot is strong enough to navigate on carpet or other uneven surfaces, it’s probably not going to climb hills any time soon.

Darkback2 plans on continuing to refine the ‘bot’s navigation, intelligence, vision and other systems in the coming months. Check out the details of his progress over on the Trossen Robotics forums. (by the way, Gepetto was a runner up in Trossen’s latest robot contest).

In the mean time, if I see Gepetto coming down the road, I’m heading the other way.

 quotationweb