Feb 25 2011
A team of researchers at Aberystwyth University are working on Intrinsically Motivated Cumulative Learning Versatile Robots (IM-CLeVeR) global project. The project uses ICub robot to build robots with learning ability.
iCub Robot
ICub robot showcases different movements like a child and various theories of learning will be experimented on the robot. The robot will enable the researchers to study how babies slowly develop their learning skills, utilize their bodies to gather information regarding their environment. If the outcomes of the experiment are productive, then the technology will be utilized to build learning robots.
The European Union has contributed 5.9m euro for the project and several Italian, Swiss and German scientists from 10 academic institutions are working on this project. The researchers of Aberystwyth University have received a sponsorship of £760,000. In addition, researchers from different fields like neuroscience, robotics, machine learning and developmental psychology are also part of the program.
Dr James Law of Aberystwyth University has stated that most of the learning happens during babyhood. He mentioned that by understanding the method of human learning, robots with similar learning abilities can be developed. He said that at present, robots are mostly deployed in tough industrial environments. The robots need to learn in several adaptable methods rather than being programmed by conventional ways. He added that the robots must be able to learn for better utilization at workplaces.
The Aberystwyth University scientists are already researching on developing robots that could react and decide like human beings. Dr James Law has mentioned that the study would be utilized to support their latest project.
Source: http://www.aber.ac.uk