Highlights from ICRA #4 - Baxter

This year's ICRA brought some quality plenary talks. I want to specially highlight the one by Rodney Brooks.

The robots in factories haven't changed much in the past 50 years. Though they are those the most abundant, used and make the most money, they haven't really been that exciting for the researchers.  Except for the new mechanical evolution (Ok, these adjustments and enhancments are not really minor, though I still find it kind of "boring"), it's mostly about best trajectories and repetition. It is great for huge amounts and chain production. Universal "clever" robots have never really spread.

I haven't paid much attention to the Baxter before. Though it could be the robot which will make the breakthrough in this matter. It isn't expensive (only $22000), it is, apparently, easy to use, and safe.

I trust that the story of the manufacturing robot market could follow the steps of the smartphone market. I fancy that approach similar to Apple's Iphone and the Apple store could be great success. To sell expensive hardware with simple open interface, allow people from outside to develop "applications" and sell addon tools (sensors etc.).

Interesting question was raised in the end of Brooks' talk. "How many Baxters are making Baxters?" Well, the hesitant answer "none"  is good prove that even Brooks realize it's the biggest marketing flaw. Until they will, at least, make few Baxters part of the process, or even make full Baxter line making Baxters in spite of lower speed it won't be easy to convince people to buy it.