Explanation
for 5th graders - I
create video game worlds for engineers to test their robots. These
worlds match up with the job that the robot performs.
Explanation
for everyone else- The robotics community has recently been
introduced to Microsoft Robotics Studio, a solution for placing virtual
robots into virtual environments. This solution comes as a godsend
to the Georgia Tech HumAns Lab, that seeks to move their simulations
into more realistic three-dimensional environments. This summer, I'm
kinda like Noah, building the arc on which we will journey to this
new and better world...
Explanation
for those that found the last explanation ridiculous and uninformative-
Seriously though, I create virtual environments for engineers to perform
robot simulations using Microsoft Robotics Studio. In my first environment,
robots will be able to perform search and rescue operations within
the environment I create, I will also set up the services neccesary
for users to communicate and control their robots using generic robot
protocols.
Because
Microsoft Robotics Studio is new and unexplored, the challenges that
I face and document over the summer will be helpful for any researcher
hoping to use Microsoft Robotics Studio as their solution. Ideally,
my work will also tackle some of the challenges posed with creating
virtual robots as prototypes for physical robots or creating useful
and accurate simulations.
Update:
Looks like now, Dr. Howard has decided to take my research one step
further by making my research a full-fledged serious game (woohoo!
now we're moving into my territory). This game will target beginner
roboticians (middle school aged), exposing them to the basics of working
with robots in a realistic setting. Stay tuned as I learn more about
this project and what my new mission is designed to accomplish.
