If you have always wanted to get your hands on a Willow Garage PR2 Robot but can’t quite find the $400,000 in change to place the order, you might be pleased to know Willow Garage has now unveiled a new and relatively cheaper model called the PR2 SE.
Cost-Effective Innovation
Unfortunately, to save on costs and hit the cheaper $285,000 price mark, Willow Garage needed to remove a few components—well, an arm to be exact. But don’t worry, you can always buy the other arm later on once funds start rolling in. This modular approach allows for flexibility in budgeting and upgrading, making advanced robotics more accessible to a wider range of institutions and researchers.
Even with one arm, you can still carry out some amazing tasks. The PR2 SE retains much of the functionality and versatility of its more expensive counterpart. For instance, it can navigate complex environments, manipulate objects, and even interact with humans in a meaningful way. Watch a video of the PR2 SE’s bigger brother, albeit with two arms, baking cookies after the jump.
Advanced Features and Applications
Both the PR2 and the lighter, one-armed PR2 SE Robot come equipped with the Microsoft Kinect motion sensor. This sensor allows you to program and create a huge array of applications. The Kinect sensor is particularly useful for tasks that require spatial awareness and gesture recognition, making it an invaluable tool for developers and researchers.
For example, CSAIL students programmed the PR2 robot to perform the wide variety of tasks required to bake cookies (Chocolate Afghans, to be exact). This showcases the robot’s ability to handle delicate and precise tasks, which are essential in both domestic and industrial settings. The PR2 SE can be programmed for various applications, from household chores to complex research projects in laboratories.
The PR2 SE’s capabilities extend beyond just baking cookies. It can be used in healthcare for tasks such as assisting with patient care or in research labs for conducting experiments that require high precision. Its adaptability makes it a valuable asset in educational settings as well, where students can learn about robotics and programming in a hands-on environment.
Moreover, the PR2 SE’s open-source software platform allows developers to customize and enhance its functionalities. This encourages innovation and collaboration within the robotics community, leading to the development of new applications and improvements in robotic technology.
In summary, the PR2 SE offers a more affordable entry point into advanced robotics without sacrificing too much in terms of functionality. Its modular design, advanced features, and wide range of applications make it a versatile tool for various fields. Whether you’re a researcher, educator, or developer, the PR2 SE provides a robust platform for exploring the possibilities of robotics.
Source: CNET
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