Motoman Robots Featured in Chicago Museum of Science and Industry Exhibit

A new exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) in Chicago, Illinois, features Motoman robots performing a variety of interactive demonstrations designed to capture the imaginations of children and spark their interest in careers in the automation field. This permanent exhibit features eight Motoman robots that perform choreographed moves to music, play games, draw pictures, and assemble a puzzle. Additionally, the exhibit includes a video kiosk where visitors can learn about the diverse types of people involved in the field of robotics and about possible careers in the automation industry.

"We are very pleased that the nearly two million visitors who visit this popular museum each year will have the opportunity to see Motoman's leading-edge technologies, including our multiple robot control capability," says Carl Traynor, Motoman's Senior Director of Marketing.

"Motoman's ability to demonstrate complex technology using innovative, creative interactive demonstrations that are both entertaining and engaging definitely sparked our interest," says Kurt Haunfelner, MSI's Vice President for Exhibits and Collections.

The idea for the museum exhibit grew in part out of a visit by MSI representatives to Motoman's exhibit at the International Manufacturing Technologies Show (IMTS) in Chicago that featured several live demonstrations, including multiple robot control, with three robots performing a series of choreographed movements.

Several MSI representatives then visited Motoman's headquarters in Ohio where they saw a variety of live robot demonstrations involving a range of industrial applications, and even got a chance to play "race the robot" in the lobby. Motoman then worked closely with MSI people to develop several workcells appropriate for the museum's exhibit.

One cell consists of three six-axis Motoman UP20 robots holding plasma screen video monitors. The three robots "dance" to a variety of music and move the monitors around while videos on engineering, science and technology display on the plasma screens.

A second cell consists of a six-axis UP20 robot equipped with an automatic tool changer and a smaller UP6 robot, both directed by one XRC controller. These robots work closely together to perform a variety of interactive activities, including racing the robot, drawing pictures on a dry erase board, and erecting a 3-D puzzle of the museum.

Three additional cells consist of compact UPJ robots with microminiature JRC controllers. One UPJ robot plays a variation on the "shell game" using golf balls in different colors that are visible only under ultra violet light. The robot shuffles the golf balls and the user attempts to identify the order. Another UPJ robot makes "picture perfect" drawings using user-selected variations of facial components (eyes, nose, ears etc.) to complete a facial sketch. The third UPJ robot also "dances" to music. Its plasma screen monitor shows images of users making various facial expressions.

In addition to the live robot demonstrations and careers video kiosk, the MSI exhibit also features a static display of an old, scorched-looking robot that graphically illustrates the type of harsh environments that are harmful or hazardous to people, but in which robots excel.

For more information contact:

      Sally Fairchild

      Motoman Inc.

      805 Liberty Lane

      West Carrollton, OH 45449

      937-847-3202

      Fax: 937-847-3288

      www.motoman.com

      E-mail: sally.fairchild@motoman.com