You have been asked to explain your robot's functions to the
public relations officer at your company. Because you know so much technical
jargon, she hasn't understood your description of the robot.
Turning
your technical talk into advertising copy is a real challenge. "You really
need to communicate well to be able to convey your design to others," says
Brenda Benedetti, a robotics and design engineer.
The WXR32 is intelligent,
even for a robot -- intelligent in the respect that it has a lot of computing
and mechanical power.
An onboard microprocessor runs the robot. Unlike
previous robots, this one has its "microcomputer" built into its system.
The
robot also has self-learning software which allows it to learn from its own
mistakes. When WXR32 first enters a room, it will probably run into the walls
a few times. With this device, it will learn to avoid the walls.
It's
got a great sonar sensor that helps it detect objects in its path. The robot's
tactile sensors, which look like eight bumpers on its body, allow it to know
when it has bumped into an object.
The WXR32 comes complete with a
battery charger that can detect when the robot is running low on power. The
robot is programmed to refuel itself. The robot also has two special ports
that allow it to communicate with other computers.
In addition to these
great features, it has a robotic arm that can be fully retracted and can carry
loads of up to two pounds.
It also has a voice-sound synthesis so the
robot can produce sounds as well as words. The robot will also understand
commands such as "stop," "go" and "open the door."