Juggling with a Robot

Robots are the tangible products of advances in technology and artificial intelligence; these advances seem to occur in leaps and bounds. Robots are machines that have been programmed (usually by people with the use of computers) to perform tasks or actions automatically.

Robots are used in all kinds of industries. For example, the automobile, agriculture, and healthcare industries. Robots are also used in the entertainment industry. There are robot toys, humanoid robots in theme parks, and robot assistants.

Disney Research, an international network of research labs, developed a humanoid robot for entertainment applications. Disney Research is part of The Walt Disney Company.


Screenshot of https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83eGcht7IiI

Watch the video clip below which shows people juggling with that robot.

Robots in entertainment environments typically do not allow for physical interaction and contact with people. However, catching and throwing back objects is one form of physical engagement that still maintains a safe distance between the robot and participants. Using an animatronic humanoid robot, we developed a test bed for a throwing and catching game scenario.




The technology presented in the video is certainly noteworthy. What is also interesting is how the people and the robot appear to interact with each other as they play catch or juggle.



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