Scratch Your Robot Itch

Jan. 5, 2012

Robotic, mechatronic and cybernetic intelligence projects under development at universities all over the world are showcased in a new online site.

David Greenfield, editor in chief

University Robot Research — University of Essex robotics research shows fish propulsion to be more effective than propellors.

The world of automation has no shortage of fascinating technologies, but the one facet of automation that always seems to draw the most attention are robots. Maybe it’s because of robots’ inherent interplay of the electronic and mechanical engineering disciplines; maybe it’s because of their human-like movements; or maybe its just because they’re flat out fun to watch. Regardless of the reason, robots clearly captivate human attention and spur innovative ideas.

Providing a platform for the promotion of robotics research at universities around the globe, Expo21XX has created a site where universities can show off their latest robotic developments.

Projects featured on the site include Osaka’s University’s humanoid robots, the University of Essex’s robotic fish, Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Biomimetic Robotics Lab, the University of Reading’s Cybernetic Intelligence Research Group, the University of Pennsylvania’s unmanned aerial vehicles, and Johns Hopkins University’s surgical robots, just to name a few. In all, more than 50 universities have profiled their various robotic projects on the site.

Automation World has also begun showcasing robotic and mechatronic applications created by engineering students as part of its Engineering School Innovations coverage. The first installment of which can be viewed here. Upcoming automation projects to be featured in Engineering School Innovations include a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compatible piezoelectric actuated robot and a mechatronic tuning device for trumpets.

About the Author

David Greenfield, editor in chief | Editor in Chief

David Greenfield joined Automation World in June 2011. Bringing a wealth of industry knowledge and media experience to his position, David’s contributions can be found in AW’s print and online editions and custom projects. Earlier in his career, David was Editorial Director of Design News at UBM Electronics, and prior to joining UBM, he was Editorial Director of Control Engineering at Reed Business Information, where he also worked on Manufacturing Business Technology as Publisher.