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Dean Kamen is an American inventor, a robotics engineering innovator and an entrepreneur, and he has invented a robotic arm that can be controlled by the human mind and offers the same range of motions as a human arm. The delicate sensors in the fingers allow it to wave, pick up a piece of paper, hold a wine glass or even grab a grape without smashing it. Unlike the clamping claws of the past, this new robotic hand and arm, dubbed “Luke” (Skywalker) offers a amputee a more normal life.

Starting in 1975, robotic arms have been used for industrial purposes. In some cases, they do the work more quickly, more accurately and more efficiently than human workers ever could. Yet in other instances, they simply perform work that is too monotonous, dangerous or undesirable for men and women. In the US auto industry, for example, there is one robotic arm for every ten workers. Industrial robots lift heavy objects, handle chemicals, and paint and assemble parts. Rather than replace jobs, the robotic system is intended to free up more creative, fulfilling work for people instead. After all, the Czech word “robota” translates to “drudgery work.”

There are several different types of industrial robotic arms. The Cartesian Robot/Gantry Robot has a robotic arm with three prismatic joints, which makes it ideal for pick and place work, assembly, arc welding, using machine tools and applying sealant. The Cylindrical Robot is used as a welding robot, as well as for assembling, handling machine tools and die casting. The Spherical/Polor Robot works in gas welding, spot welding, arc welding, die casting and handling tools. SCARA Robots pick and place items, apply sealant, assemble products and handle tools. The Articulated Robot also has arms with at least three joints, and can assemble, gas weld, arc weld and spray paint.

The first robotic arm was a crude device, similar to arcade games. However, the latest robotics automation technology has arms functioning more like the human anatomy, able to perform a wide range of motions, with fingers waving and wrists rotating. Perhaps the greatest challenge will be to devise a way to make these devices affordable to more people so it becomes a practical solution for hospitals, small businesses and homes.

Robots are one of the most popular visions of the future, evident in many science fiction novels, from Isaac Asimov’s “I Robot” to Douglas Adam’s “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.” Often humankind fears that robotics technology could get so advanced that these cybernetic organisms will begin thinking and acting for themselves, with little regard for human hierarchy. However, the robots we use today are quite harmless and perform a number of useful functions.

Scientists are looking at how robots may function medically to help people live longer, more productive lives. For instance, researchers found that test monkeys can move a robotic hand simply by using their minds. That hand can wave, peel a banana and pick up items, just by reading the brain’s electrical output. Doctors say medical robots can help stroke victims or paraplegics accomplish everyday tasks. Currently, electronic wheelchairs can maneuver and computers can type based on one’s thoughts. Dr. Bruce Volpe of the Burke Medical Research Institute is developing a “robotic therapist,” which will help stroke patients perform arm exercises. “By improving movement in the shoulder and upper arm, patients can do simple things like push objects across a table, use a computer mouse or write,” he explains.

Rehabilitation is another fascinating use for robots. At a consumer electronics show in Las Vegas, Paro Roberts revealed his $6,000 robotic seals that may replace cat and dog therapeutic robots used in hospitals and nursing homes. These exotic machines are also finding their way into homes, as they’re cheaper (and easier) than caring for a traditional pet. This robot, named Paro after its creator, reacts with noises and expressions of approval or disapproval, depending on how it’s handled. Japanese robotics engineering creators say that robots could be the key to helping an aging population with problems of loneliness. “Playing with robots reduces problem behavior and they gain a certain peace of mind,” explains Toshiyo Tamura, a professor at the National Institute for Longevity Sciences.

Robotics technology is rapidly advancing. The robot can follow commands as well as it can follow its master. It can perform drone-like tasks but can also adapt to new situations. Humanoid robots can display emotions and teach us more about how our own brains work. While many people fear that humans and robots cannot peacefully coexist, it seems this breakthrough technology can make life much easier and more enjoyable, if we can afford it.

There is some concern that American children aren’t as inspired to pursue careers in math, science and technology as our foreign counterparts in Asia and India. How can we possibly compete and be the leaders of the future if our young people simply aren’t interested in picking up the torch? Inventor/engineer Dean Kamen knew it was just a matter of exposing some kids to the wonder of the robotics studio. If he could take young children and high school students as his studies, he knew they’d feel inspired. Thus, in 1989, the FIRST Robotics program was born, offering students the opportunity to build robots and compete for the best design.

FIRST Robotics founder Dean Kamen is an inventor, physicist, engineer and entrepreneur. He is perhaps best known for inventing the Segway Human Transporter, an environmentally friendly short distance travel solution. He’s also developed the HomeChoice portable dialysis machine (Baxter Healthcare) and the Independence IBOT 4000 mobile robot system (Johnson & Johnson). He’s currently working on a water purification system that promises to provide clean drinking water to 1.1 billion people around the world. For his efforts, he’s received the Heinz Award in Technology, the National Medal of Technology presented by President Clinton (2000) and the Lemelson-MIT Prize (2002), among others.

For 2009, the FIRST Robotics Competition will be called “Lunacy” to celebrate the 40th anniversary of our moon landing and will be held in Atlanta April 16-18. This year’s autonomous robots will be restricted by size and weight (no more than 5 ft tall, no wider than 38 inches, no deeper than 28 inches and no heavier than 150 lbs) and must be able to pick up orbit balls (2-point moon rocks, empty cells and 15-point super cells) and transfer them into a trailer hitched to their opponent’s robot in just two minutes and fifteen seconds. While 80-90% of the teams participating this year will be returning from previous years, there are 300 rookie teams joining as well. Of course, even given the charitable contributions, each team will likely need to come up with $9,000 – $10,000 to cover meals, transportation, lodging, food, robot parts and lab fees.

Research indicates that early exposure and hands-on involvement inspire young people to get involved in science and industrial robotics. The FIRST Robotics program hopes to plant the seed. Then it’s up to businesses and partnerships to water that seed and help these youngsters grow into brilliant visionaries. “One of the reasons we’re so successful at attracting and retaining engineers is because we keep them interested in more than just a paycheck,” said Darren Goodlin, manager of instrumentation for one of North America’s largest breweries. “We want our engineers to constantly challenge themselves and create an environment where they feel that they can sketch a new brewing or bottling process on the back of a napkin and transform it into reality.” With the right amount of sunlight, these students will grow into the next generation of engineers, scientists, physicists and inventors.