Nanotechnology, artificial intelligence and robotics are taking giant strides forward towards a future that is filled with hope, comfort and head-spinning possibilities. Yet, Hollywood script writers and doomsday mavericks have all been trying hard to convince us that one day all the robots would learn to realize their true potential and go on an armed rebellion. But if you separate the myth from reality, the devastation from the potential, you will realize that the future is anything but grave. If we learn to invest more time, money and resources in developing robotics for civilian use then we could very soon live in a world where our lives are far more comfortable and lavish. For now, here is a list of 10 robots that you wish were employed for you…

1. Robots with Air Muscles for that Sensitive Touch!

If you are going to have a robot to help you out on daily basis, the Shadow is your best bet. This latest technology assures that there is a sensitive touch that deals with everything at your place. New models by the Shadow Robot Company and Japanese researchers make use of air muscles for realistic motion. Shadow’s impressive robot hand uses air muscles which are powered by a container of 40 more specifically crafted air muscles to provide fluid, human-like movement.

2. OSP- Cleaning Up the Oil Spills

An oil spill in your own kitchen might not be a disaster, but millions of gallons of oil floating on open seas is surely a disaster for the planet. Known as the OSP, designer Ji-hoon Kim claims that this concept robot will work autonomously together by surrounding an oil spill with an inflatable barrier. Once the whole spill is contained, clean-up crews can get straight to work, sucking all those crude out. While this may not help you on a daily basis, OSP could really be a life-saver for marine life.

3. Sega-Hasbro’s Ampbot

Ampbot chases you while producing music from 12W speakers and features an integrated iPod cradle on its back. Perfect for you to get your household work done and also let some good times roll as it teaches you a step or two with its cool dancing moves

4. Robots for Sex!

According to David Levy, an expert in robotics field, we could all have robots for sex toys by 2050. You could finally have a spouse who is all you want him/her to be. Since you can program every aspect of the robot, it will be easier to get your perfect match. So, will we able to get a genetic cross-breed out of this robot-partner? Unlikely… I hope I do not live to see this.

5. Verro 600 PowerScrub

If you wish to take a cool dip in the pool on a hot summer afternoon, but do not want to do the hard work of cleaning up the pool, then we have the solution for that as well. The Verro 600 PowerScrub makes use of its set of PVA brushes that cleans the pool in 60 to 90 minutes. The robot cum vacuum comes equipped with integrated self-contained filtration system that eliminates everything from foliage, dirt, and other bigger debris to smaller items with 2 microns size. Cost- a mere $1199.

6. Rescue Robot from Tokyo

One of the major uses that robots have for us is in dangerous rescue situations. This Rescue Robot from Japan is designed to overcome all odds and rescue stranded souls from fire accidents and accident wrecks. While the price of this rescue robot might be a tad bit high, its value for us is “Simply Priceless”.

7. Jeeves, Agent 007 and BrewskiBot

Talk about an odd combinations! This set of robots thrown together by Mobile Robots is to make sure that you have that perfect gala time when you host a high profile party. Jeeves the Butler takes care of all your needs, while Agent 007 is all about security around the premises. You know what BrewskiBot is for… all about the flowing drinks. While Jeeves and Beer Boy are cool, it is Agent 007 I’m interested in. I wonder if it can say “Bond… James Bond”, in that thick British accent…

8. Twendy-One

This 147-centimetre tall (four-foot-10) robot made up of pure white body with blue eyes and red arm joints is active enough to perform his duties perfectly. This perfect blue-eyed boy of would be awesome for the perfect date when you need to impress your damsel with delicious dinner. Just make sure that your gal does not fall for those metallic blue eyes…

9. Rovio

Rovio by Wow Wee… that pretty much is as fun as a name can get. Apart from that Rovio is one of the finest Webcam-Equipped Robotic Sentry might sound like a science fiction robot but this product is made closer to reality. The Rovio comes with a great package of Audio and high-resolution. Constant monitoring of space around on wheels makes Rovio the perfect security provider for your cozy home.

10. Madeleine-Turtle under Water

While Madeleine was initially conceptualized and used to monitor the swimming techniques of marine animals and how they conserve energy, it would be a great way for you to go diving under water. Just hold on to the fins and dive into the blues for a sneak peak into the world under the blues.

Many myths and twisted facts constantly surround robots and their use. If we design them with the right intention and for the proper purpose, then surely these robots could go a long way to help our lives become a lot more pleasant that they are today.

Once in while there comes a moment in human history when fabled science fiction meets reality or rather reality goes up to meet what was once science fiction. Such moments are few far between but when they do occur they remain etched in our minds and in our civilizations as landmarks that shaped the next era in scientific development. When the dream of H.G.Wells of stepping on the Moon became a reality, it was when we dared to translate the dreams in to reality. It seems modern science will soon create a real vision of the Terminator that was envisioned by James Cameroon in the late 70’s!

Robotic hands have come a long way, in terms of human-like movement. New models by the Shadow Robot Company and Japanese researchers make use of air muscles for realistic motion. Shadow’s impressive robot hand uses air muscles. They are powered by a container of 40 more specifically crafted air muscles to provide fluid, human-like movement. This technology allows direct mapping from a human to the robot. It contracts by up to 40% when actuated with a supply of compressed air.

It is not about just creating an exo-skeleton that mimics the human structure but adding the intricate and delicate movements to it all which ultimately would prove challenging. It seems the Japanese scientists have made enormous progress in this regard. Researchers at Japan’s Ishikawa Namiki Komuro Labs have perfected grasping using high-speed visual feedback. This is all about adding sensitivity and control to form and rigidity. It seems the day we see walking robots who look much more like us than a giant metal piece is not too far away.

Via: Techeblog