Current Event Posting Number: 2
Topic: Technology
Title of Article: For iRobot, the Future Is Getting Closer
Author: Christopher Drew
Publication Name: The New York Times
Date of Publication: March 2, 2012
Length of Article: 1407 words
In Bedford, Massachusetts, iRobot Corporation has
been developing a new robot called Ava. Ava is a 5' 4'' robot that uses an iPad
or Android tablet as a brain and the same motion sensors as an Xbox to glide
around. Previous developments of this corporation include the Roomba, vacuum
cleaners that glide across the floor without assistance, and the bomb disposal
robots that have been used in Iraq and Afghanistan to protect
soldiers. Companies such as InTouch Health and Texas Instruments are
partnering up with iRobot because its previous successes have proven effective
and these new companies want to make Ava a powerful tool to appeal to different
industries, such as military, health and entertainment. Mr. Angle, chief
executive of iRobot, is hoping that Ava can allow doctors to medically treat
victims and patients without actually being in the hospital or even in the same
country. Ava has already been hooked up in smaller hospitals and has saved
lives when a specialist has not been able to make it in time. The motion
sensors on the bottom allow for Ava to move quickly without running into
objects, especially in the hospital, which is an achievement compared to other
robots that do not have the ability to clearly distinct space from other
objects. The iPad/Android brain has a touch-screen, which is beneficial because
it attracts all kinds of people due to its simplicity, including the elderly
who can also use Ava as a companion (another one of Mr. Angle’s goals). Mr.
Angle is planning on having Ava more widespread by next year, starting off in
the medical field because it is estimated to cost tens of thousands of dollars.
His plans for the future involve using Ava at business meetings to speak
wirelessly through Ava headgear and to have a person in two places at once if
Ava works out in hospitals.
Ava is an amazing technological achievement that will provide assistance in the form of a robot. This robot is going to be used for treating patients in hospitals, communicating in business meetings, and assisting the elderly. Although it is expensive, if the first few function properly and end in good results, it will be worth it to have these robots around because they have the ability to save lives. Ava will change the way people live and most likely the population will become dependent on robots, which causes risks in the future if these machines fail. However, Ava is only currently being used for medical purposes to ensure that there is help available when a situation is out of human control.
The fact that Ava might be able to allow doctors to treat patients from long distances is amazing; it means that sick persons will no longer need to go to their doctor directly in order to receive treatment. Also, it is interesting that Ava will use an android or apple tablet as it's brain - from what I know these devices are way too simple to control a robot that is supposed to perform live saving functions. It is also surprising that Ava's AI is so advanced to the point where it can avoid object collision while running in a hospital filled with people. I think that if the Ava project gets to the mass manufacturing stage, it will require a lot of funding from outside companies if government subsidies are not put in place; especially because it costs tens of thousands of US dollars to manufacture just 1.
ReplyDeleteAva's ability to maneuver itself through a busy room and to be a companion to the elderly is impressive. Years ago, people never would have thought that such technology existed. Mr. Angle's goal in allowing Ava to "channel" the doctor will be very useful in the future. However, I do worry about how complex and trustworthy Ava really is. I agree with the statement in the above comment, the one pertaining to how androids and apple tablets are too simplistic. I've used both of those objects, and to be honest, I would not trust them to be my "makeshift doctor" if I was ever about in dire need of a doctor's appointment. Ava is a great invention, and can definitely save lives, however,the price at which is it manufactured is very worrisome. In our current deficit, that sort of money will not come easily. I look forward to Ava's improvement, as it will truly be a useful commodity, but I would not be surprised if it took years for it to fulfill Mr.Angle's wishes.
ReplyDeleteAva is a significant advance in the robotic capabilities. The ability to help the elderly and and to assist doctors in It is amazing to witness such a technological achievement come from everyday technologies. It is surprising that these technologies such as the iPad have long been incorporated into our lives and now provide more than just entertainment or other menial tasks. Ava is an example to which further promotes a future where robots are playing an increasing role in our society. I commend Mr. Angle for all the work that he and his company are doing to better improve our society. I wish them luck in their endeavor of acquiring the monetary resources and successfully implementing Ava into hospitals and other medical institutions.
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