Will wireless do robot control?

March 20, 2007
The development of more intelligent and easy-to-operate robots will begin to drive the development towards improved control and interface capabilities between humans and robots.

Kuka Robotics demonstrated a new wireless robot control concept at February’s ATX West Expo in Anaheim, Calif. The company exhibited an application using a KR16 robot and KRC 2 controller being manipulated by individuals using a Nintendo Wii controller and Bluetooth technology.

Kuka reports this concept cell was designed to show the next step in the trickle down of robotic technology to consumers from the industrial robot market. The exhibit’s concept cell was developed by Kuka system partner SEIS Group of Huntington Beach, Calif.

“The development of more intelligent and easy-to-operate robots will begin to drive the development of more capable service robots for applications such as medical and ultimately for consumer use in individuals’ homes,” said Kuka’s Kevin Kozuszek. “This concept cell is an example of the next step forward towards improved control and interface capabilities between humans and robots.”

To view an SEIS video of the application cell, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qEotHQgUsg.