Virtual Research Centre in Personal Robotics

个人机器人是机器人和机器人技术未来最大的市场。然而，英国在这一先进机器人领域的研究努力是分散的，缺乏重点。个人机器人的发展在很大程度上取决于众多研究挑战的解决，而这些挑战并没有得到同样的认可。一些领域研究不足，可能成为发展瓶颈。与此同时，其他领域的研究相对过度。更平衡和有效地利用研究资源，主要是人力资源，将减少个人机器人助理的面市时间。这可以通过将研究人员(虚拟)放在一个促进公开和非正式交流的虚拟研究中心(VRC)，以一种非直接的方式实现。预计VRC将产生现实世界主机代管的一些常见好处。例如，位于同一研究所的研究人员自然会分享知识，避免重复工作。机器人导航专家可以帮助快速启动其他需要导航机器人平台的项目。对于人-机器人自然界面、操纵、人工视觉、机械设计甚至是优秀的C++程序员的专家来说，情况也是如此。新中心的成员将能够通过视频链接进行非正式交流，并在虚拟咖啡厅举行会议。将有每年一次的研讨会，成员将亲自参加。会员还将能够虚拟地参加远程研讨会。一项重点任务将是编制关于个人机器人愿景的年度联合报告。这些信息将部分来自中心网站上进行的调查。预计还将产生合作赠款申请。这项提议的目的是启动一项实验，利用现代信息技术工具在虚拟空间创建这样一个社区。其目标是在英国实现个人机器人研究的更高水平的整合和影响。它得到了英国领先研究人员的支持。

Personal robotics is the largest of the future markets for robots and robotic technologies. Yet, the UK research effort in this area of advanced robotics is fragmented and lacks focus. The development of personal robotics depends critically on the resolution of numerous research challenges, which are not equally recognized. Some areas are under-researched and could become development bottlenecks. At the same time, other areas are comparatively over-researched . A more balanced and effective use of research resources, mainly in terms of manpower, would reduce the time-to-market of personal robot assistants. This can be achieved in a non-directed way, by co-locating (virtually) researchers in a virtual research centre (VRC) that facilitates open and informal communication. It is expected that a VRC would generate some of the commonly occurring benefits of real-world co-location. For instance, researchers located in the same institute would naturally share knowledge and avoid duplication of work. A specialist in robot navigation could help quick-start other projects where a navigating robot platform is required. Similarly for specialists in human-robot natural interfaces, manipulation, artificial vision, mechanical design, or even a good C++ programmer. Members of the new centre will be able to conduct informal exchanges through video links and meetings in a virtual coffee room. There will be a yearly workshop which members will attend physically. Members will also be able to virtually attend remote seminars. A focused task will be the production of yearly joint reports on a vision for personal robotics. These will be partly informed by surveys conducted on the centre's web site. It is also expected that collaborative grant applications will be generated.The purpose of this proposal is to initiate an experiment in creating such a community in virtual space, using modern IT tools. Its aim is to achieve a greater level of integration and impact of personal robotics research in the UK. It is supported by leading researchers in the UK.