Robot from Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi based Pal Technology Robotics has launched the Reem B, a prototype for the development of one of the most sophisticated humanoid service robots in the world. The 60kg robot’s customized hardware and software development makes it an autonomous, self-contained service robot, able to communicate with humans and perform a number of unique, sophisticated tasks. In a statement, Pal Technology emphasized that the Reem B is designed to “assist people and not replace them.”
Reem B has the unique ability to map and self localize itself. This is possible in part because the robot is equipped with an infrared laser on its feet, allowing it to find its way and generate autonomously a map of its environment onto a computer screen The robot can also perform face recognition, object recognition, voice recognition, converse with humans, walk dynamically, recognize and grasp objects, accept voice commands and even provide reminders.
In terms of its ability to serve, Reem B is able to carry up to 25 percent of its weight, making it the world’s strongest humanoid robot. In addition, the 1.47 meter tall robot has a fingered hand with 12 motors, and is able to maneuver up and down stairs, with added sensors to ensure that it avoids any obstacles. Reem B boasts the longest battery autonomy of any robot - 120 minutes.
As part of Reem B’s development and to encourage the transfer of technology skills and knowledge to the local market, Pal Technology is sponsoring a scholarship program at Abu Dhabi University for outstanding post graduate students from the Computer Science and Robotics department. Through this program, students will be given the opportunity to work with the team of experts behind the advancement of Reem B and to assist first hand with Pal Technology’s future research and development plans.
Heavy metal for the PS3
The latest installment of Kojima Productions’ stealth action game, Metal Gear Solid 4 (MGS4) for PlayStation 3 launched on June 12. In MGS4, seasoned combat veteran Snake embarks on his fourth and final mission, as Hideo Kojima, creator of the Metal Gear Series, concludes his epic. Set in a bleak future dominated by private military companies, “MGS4: Guns of the Patriots” immerses the player in a world where technology and death intertwine.
MGS4 takes place in five locations: the Middle East, South America, Eastern Europe, Shadow Moses Island and Outer Haven. In MGS4, gamers play as Solid Snake. The story is framed in the year 2014 after the Plant Chapter of Metal Gear Solid 2. This has confused some players new to the series, although the game has received excellent reviews in general. PC gamers are furious that MGS4 is a PlayStation3-only release, but they’ll have to get over it because the game is selling like mad. Game publisher Konami reported sales of 1.3 million copies worldwide in the first day after release.
MGS4 wasn’t officially released in Saudi Arabia on June 12, but that didn’t matter. The game was available in Riyadh that day for SR300 – a price about one-third more than its $59.99 retail at Amazon.com. Additionally, even though the game is rated “M” and “18+” there was no effort on the part of Riyadh retailers to withhold sales of the game to youngsters.
Internet for Bangladesh
It’s a wonderful thing when nationals of developing nations who have had the chance to better themselves, give something back to their homelands. AlwaysOn Network Bangladesh (AONB), a joint venture between Oregon-based AlwaysOn Network and an organization of nonresident Bangladeshi technologists have launched a wireless network that will deliver free Internet access to all Bangladesh schools and colleges, as well as competitively priced broadband services to underserved rural and urban areas. The new nationwide telecommunications infrastructure is part of an agreement between AONB and the Bangladeshi government, in which the company will help bridge the digital divide and deliver high-speed wireless Internet service to education, government, private businesses and individuals across the country.
During rigorous live field trials in the capital city of Dhaka, AONB customers found the wireless broadband Internet service delivered superior indoor connectivity even during the most severe weather conditions, including frequent tropical storms. The network is based on a 700 MHz FlexMAX Broadband Wireless System from SOMA Networks that offers approximately five times better penetration than any other wireless service, non-line-of-sight access, easy subscriber self-installation and activation, and continuing customer care via the Internet or telephone.
