Friday, May 11, 2007

'Guessing' robots navigate faster

Robots that use educated guesswork to build maps of their surroundings are being tested by US researchers. The approach could let them navigate more easily through complex environments such as unfamiliar buildings, the researchers claim.

......

The algorithm was initially tested using simulated robots, placed inside virtual mazes and office environments. The simulated robots were able to navigate successfully while exploring 33% less of their environment.

......

Lee and colleagues plan to extend the method to multiple robots. "You could have two robots building their own maps," he says, "which then share them when they meet." This will allow a robot to make predictions based on data collected by its teammate.

......
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For full content, see here: Link

No comments: