Dr. Peter Neuhaus Dr. Peter Neuhaus introduced the internationally acclaimed Atlas Robot and the Institute of Human and Machine Cognition team of 30 research scientists who competed with teams from around the world last June. Dr. Neuhaus is a senior research scientist at IHMC with a mechanical engineering degree from MIT, and a masters and PhD from UC Berkely. His expertise is in lower body exoskeleton and orthotic devices.
The DHARPA Robotics Challenge was an initiative to advance the use of humanoid robotics in high risk scenarios such as the Fukushima nuclear power plant disaster. The first stage of the competition was a virtual simulation that included walking, manipulation and driving skills. The IHMC team came in first, and the top six teams advanced, and began work on an actual robot. The second stage involved eight trials including the earlier skills, but also climbing ladders, opening doors, turning spigots and climbing over debris. IHMC again came in tops of those teams using the Atlas robots, and second overall. The top 25 teams advanced to the finals last June – the IHMC robot was one of only seven Atlas robots in the competition. During preliminary trials, the robot fell twice on Friday and crashed – leaving the team unsure that they would be able to make repairs in time for the competition. The team’s work paid off as the robot not only was able to begin competition, but actually placed second, only six minutes behind the winning robot.
Dr. Neuhaus said that IHMC funding comes through grants and contracts with agencies such as NASA and DoD. The Atlas Robot cost anywhere from $1 to $2 million, so don’t look to see them on store shelves any time soon. IHMC has an “open door” policy, sharing research findings and technical help to many other entitiies.
IHMC is currently expanding, adding a new building for research, and plans to add more classroom space in the future. It hosts experts for monthly lecture series that is open to the public. You can sign up to receive notice of upcoming events.
IMHC Website
The DHARPA Robotics Challenge was an initiative to advance the use of humanoid robotics in high risk scenarios such as the Fukushima nuclear power plant disaster. The first stage of the competition was a virtual simulation that included walking, manipulation and driving skills. The IHMC team came in first, and the top six teams advanced, and began work on an actual robot. The second stage involved eight trials including the earlier skills, but also climbing ladders, opening doors, turning spigots and climbing over debris. IHMC again came in tops of those teams using the Atlas robots, and second overall. The top 25 teams advanced to the finals last June – the IHMC robot was one of only seven Atlas robots in the competition. During preliminary trials, the robot fell twice on Friday and crashed – leaving the team unsure that they would be able to make repairs in time for the competition. The team’s work paid off as the robot not only was able to begin competition, but actually placed second, only six minutes behind the winning robot.
Dr. Neuhaus said that IHMC funding comes through grants and contracts with agencies such as NASA and DoD. The Atlas Robot cost anywhere from $1 to $2 million, so don’t look to see them on store shelves any time soon. IHMC has an “open door” policy, sharing research findings and technical help to many other entitiies.
IHMC is currently expanding, adding a new building for research, and plans to add more classroom space in the future. It hosts experts for monthly lecture series that is open to the public. You can sign up to receive notice of upcoming events.
IMHC Website
