Introduction to Robotics
Baxter
Objectives
- Reflect on the costs and benefits of safety technology.
Before next time, do the following:
- Read the fifth installment in the Case
of the Killer Robot: http://faculty.berea.edu/pearcej/CSC126/bottasks/KillerRobot-5.pdf
- Read the following on a fairly new robot named Baxter: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/18/science/a-robot-with-a-delicate-touch.html?ref=science&_r=0moc.semityn.www
and
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/18/science/a-robot-with-a-delicate-touch.html?pagewanted=2&_r=0moc.semityn.www&ref=science
- Watch the embedded video on Baxter: http://nyti.ms/OV6h9s
- Watch a video on the SawStop table saw: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiYoBbEZwlk&feature=related
- Read a legal article on the fate of the legislation related to safety technology: http://www.cosgravelaw.com/uploads/2014/07/SawStop.pdf
Create a new Microsoft Word or text document named YourUserName-A6.In your Word document, you will answer the following questions. Be sure to answer each question fully in complete sentences.
- Write a summary of what happened in this installment in the Case of the Killer Robot. Use no more than two paragraphs.
- Write a summary of the NYT article on Baxter. (Be sure to read both pages.) Use no more than two paragraphs.
- Compare Baxter with the Robbie CX30 robot. How are these robots similar in their original design? How are the safety features similar? How are the robots similar in their functionality? Identify other similarities. Use one or two paragraphs.
- Contrast Baxter with the Robbie CX30 robot. How do these robots differ in their original design? How do their safety features differ? How do the robots differ in their functionality? Identify other differences. Use one or two paragraphs.
- Describe the SawStop Technology and your reaction to its development. Use one or two paragraphs.
- Take a position on whether you believe table saw safety legislation should exist to ensure worker safety. Defend your position.
- The International Federation of Robotics estimates that there are now 1.1 million working robots around the world and about 80 percent of all the work involved in manufacturing a car is now done by robotic machines. In 1970, the US congress created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to assure workers safe and healthful working conditions by setting and enforcing standards for workplace environments. Yet, OSHA's web site currently indicates that "There are currently no specific standards for the robotics industry." (www.osha.gov/SLTC/robotics/index.html) Given the ability to create safe fobots, reflect on whether or not you believe there should be some kind of OSHA standards for robots used in workplace settings. Defend your position.