When will one be able to catch the first robo-taxi in Russia? How can humanoids help to reduce a human's working hours? Why is it more convenient to feed and milk cows with the help of a programmable assistant? Finally, how does AI deceive humans and can we protect ourselves against it? Skolkovo Technopark is holding the largest robotic forum in Eastern Europe — almost a hundred speakers and open sessions where the discussion of man and robot is already a reality.
See Sergey Samokha's report.
He doesn't have a name, his own voice or communication skills, although he can wink like an expert. His mission is to be a companion — a robot companion.
Alexey Yuzhakov, developer: "You can order the appearance of any person".
The 26 mini-servos that fit in the artificial head are responsible for near-human facial expressions. "Near" is just because today people can think total resemblance of a robot and a man is creepy.
Alexey Yuzhakov, developer: "Today, we know how to make a robot indistinguishable from a man. We need to take some further steps and we'll make it".
Soon the android will acquire limbs. It will be able to help people. But for now, this is a task for robots that still look like robots. 460 robots made in Russia are now operating in 33 countries. They perform the duties of promoters, consultants, tour-guides, and concierges. The latest versions can even play drums.
Advanced biomechanics is another trend presented at the forum. Exoskeletons — the synthesis of man and machine. This is a passive exoskeleton type. It's driven by pneumatics. There aren't any electronics in it. It's aimed at supporting your back and legs. It may be useful for people who work standing a lot, for example, for surgeons during long operations.
This is an active medical exoskeleton. It's designed to rehabilitate severely injured people. Not long ago it was merely a prototype. Today, it's used in hospitals.
Mikhail Vershinin, developer: "There are different patterns of walking, such as ascending and descending a staircase".
Alexander was in a wheelchair after a serious injury. He started rehabilitation only three months ago and already feels able to stand up.
Alexander Belyaev: "Sensitivity in my body has improved by 30-40%. All of the other systems in my body feel much better now".
However, it's industrial robots that are developing the fastest today. At the forum, dozens of companies presented their unmanned vehicles for oil, gas, and mining industries which can operate in the air, on land, and underwater.
Sergey Samokha, Valeriy Kupry, Alexander Filatov, Vesti.
