Roboray: the next step toward human-like robots

Photo courtesy of University of Bristol and Samsung

Many people have imagined a day where robots would be advanced enough to help them with simple and complex tasks alike, and now researchers at the University of Bristol have joined forces with Samsung and taken steps toward accomplishing that.

Roboray is the name of the robot, who relies on cameras, real-time 3D visual maps, and computer vision algorithms to move around, “remembering” where he has been before. This allows the robot to navigate autonomously, even when GPS information is not available. The technology used for Roboray also allows the robot to walk in a more human-like manner, with gravity helping him walk. This not only requires less energy, but gives the robot a more human-like appearance.

Would you consider purchasing a robot like Roboray? What kinds of tasks would you find the robot most helpful in assisting you with?