UT Arlington Researching, Programming In-Home Robot

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FORT WORTH (CBS11) – Scientists at the University of Texas at Arlington Research Institute (UTARI) are researching the future of robots and how they can make life easier for all of us.

Researchers Mike McNair and Cody Lundberg of UTARI have been programming and studying the use of the PR2 robot which was manufactured in California.

So far they have figured out how to do make it do small tasks in a mock apartment-style laboratory.

Some of the tasks the PR2 can accomplish are opening doors, pickup up objects, and even pouring a glass of wine among other things.

McNair said, "Robots really aren't here to take over instead it's causing people to re-think how do they get their jobs done."

He went on to say that elderly people, wounded veterans, and those with disabilities can all benefit from having a robot assist with daily chores around the house.

Although their research is tailored towards that kind of help it is far from over, and there are still many more advancements that are necessary before a handy home robot is available for consumers.

McNair described their stage in research by saying, "We are right at the edge of being able to move this technology forward."

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