Robot Week @ MARCS

MARCS Robotics Lab Opening

Robots are becoming ever more sophisticated and in-turn, becoming an increasingly integral part of our day-to-day life. They are permeating every aspect of the society from simple vacuum cleaners to sophisticated self-driven cars. Robots are moving out of the traditional assembly lines and into the human space. Human – Robot Interaction becomes the norm rather than the exception. Understanding this unique interaction is the essential next step for many related research domains.

Robotics Lab is a research initiative at MARCS Auditory Laboratories. The lab acts as a conduit between researchers in robotics, psychology and the arts, bringing a unique combination of individuals and ideas to explore the opportunities and challenges that these advancements in robotics would bring to our societies in the coming decades.

The Robot Week highlights the increasing research interests and activities of the MARCS Auditory Laboratories. The week begins with the arrival of Prof. Michio Okada, ICD Labs, Toyohashi University of Technology, Japan, a well-known social robotist and a robot designer funded by the UWS International Research Initiative Scheme. The week ends with the opening of the newly established MARCS Robotics Lab.

You are invited to a week full of talks, activities and entertainment at MARCS Labs. See the full program here...

Adopt-a-Robot

Have you ever dreamt of creating a robot in your own image? Well here’s your chance, thanks to the team at the new Robotics Lab at MARCS, UWS Bankstown. The small, vulnerable robots are lonely and in need of some attention. With a bit of imagination and loads of creativity you can transform these simple looking creatures into works of art, complete with their own unique personalities! MARCS are looking for some loving, gentle souls who can work with the robotisists at the MARCS Robotics Lab to create a unique, capable and happy bunch of robots groomed to perform. At the same time, you get the chance to re-shape your own understanding of robotics and provide valuable feedback to robot designers in the adoption process. Most of all, your robot will be part of a public installation/performance scheduled to be held in December 2011 at the Powerhouse Museum.

Articulated Head at Powerhouse Museum

The Articulated Head is currently on exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney.