TECHNOLOGY FOR CHANGE

Are Robots Taking Over the Universe?

Dennis McCafferty | Date: 08-16-10 | Comments

If so, no reason to panic. Robotic solutions promise to help doctors deliver better care and improve warehouse operations�and even take the act of sewing "off our hands."

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Are Robots Taking Over the Universe?
Robot technology isn't exactly new�just ask any downsized auto worker. But what's new are the innovative ways organizations are using robots these days. When it comes to health care, retail-inventory distribution and even reducing the amount of household tasks�chores that, frankly, most of us don't want to do�there are a host of robots out there more than willing to do the job. Here are some innovations that caught our eye:

● Tending to stroke victims. Ohio and Pennsylvania hospitals are using robots to evaluate stroke victims as part of the Cleveland Clinic Telestroke Network effort. The network provides immediate, around-the-clock remote access to patient consultation services. In a typical case, a stroke victim arrives in the emergency room at a remote hospital. A call is placed to the network and, within minutes, a videoconference is placed with a Cleveland Clinic stroke neurologist who can help. The physician uses the robot�which is at the remote hospital with the patient�to conduct the "examination" using imaging tools such as CTs that are transferred through Telestroke in real time. The videoconferencing is actually conducted through the robot's "eyes," so the Cleveland-located specialist can "see" the patient, check for vital signs and conduct other aspects of critical care.

● Robots can be a stitch. SVP Worldwide, the world's largest sewing machine company, has introduced a sewing robot called the Husqvarna Viking QuiltSewClever to remove human hands from the process of stitching clothes, curtains, tablecloths, quilts and other household items.
The QuiltSewClever provides fast, hands-free robotic sewing (source: Viking).

It works like an iPad for the user, who only needs to input via a large, full-color, interactive touch screen what's needed, and the robot takes over the rest. The touch screen uses intuitive drop-down menus for simplicity and utility. Users can see their design on screen in the work area prior to and throughout the stitching process. It also features an extensive collection of 160 designs, ranging from blocks, corners, letters, numbers and florals that are automatically loaded into the system.

Next: Robots Take Over the Warehouse >>

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