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Plymouth expecting UK's first baby robotIt may not gurgle cutely or have daddy’s dimples but the arrival of the baby robot expected by the University of Plymouth is nonetheless eagerly awaited. And this ‘infant’ – the first in the UK – is likely to learn speech much more quickly than its human counterparts! A consortium led by the university and including the University of Hertfordshire and other partners from across Europe has beaten competition from 31 others to win a £4.7-million grant for the ITALK (Integration and Transfer of Action and Language Knowledge in Robots) project, which begins on 1 March 2008. The four-year project – the first of its kind in the world – will see delivery of the 1m-high baby humanoid robot ‘iCub’ to the university*, which is a world leader in cognitive robotics research. ITALK aims to teach the robot to speak by employing the same methods used by parents to teach their children. The university’s robotics experts will work with specialists in language development who have researched the ways parents teach their children to speak. They will then conduct experiments in human and robot language interaction. Typical experiments with the iCub robot will include activities such as inserting objects of various shapes into the corresponding holes in a box, serialising nested cups and stacking wooden blocks. Next, the iCub will be asked to name objects and actions so that it acquires basic phrases such as “robot puts stick on cube”. The scientific and technological research developed during the project will have a significant impact on the future generation of interactive robotic systems within the next ten years and the leadership role of Europe in this area. Speaking about the research, Angelo Cangelosi, Professor in Artificial Intelligence at the University of Plymouth, said: “In particular, the outcome of the research will define the scientific and technological requirements for the design of humanoid robots able to develop complex behavioural, thinking and communication skills through individual and social learning.” Anyone interested in finding out more about studying robotics at the university should call 01752 233322 or email technology@plymouth.ac.uk. *The iCub robot will be delivered to the university in March 2009. More information about the iCub can be found at www.robotcub.org. Additional advertising was also found in the following publications: Atlantic Radio Cornwall, 1/3/2008 (News Bulletin) BBC Radio Devon, 29/2/2008 (Breakfast Sown, News Bulletin) BBC Radio Lincolnshire, 3/3/2008 (Drive) BBC Radio Scotland, 29/2/2008 (Good Morning Scotland) BBC Online & CBBC Newsround BCS - British Computer Society ITV Westcountry News, 5/3/2008 MensHealth Metro (London) MSN The Engineer The Herald The Telegraph & Telegraph TV The Scotsman Times online Western Morning News Yorkshire Post ENDS For more information, contact the Press Office on 01752 588004. About the University of Plymouth Ranked top modern university in the UK*, Plymouth is a national leader for teaching excellence. This achievement has helped it to secure an extra £33 million in funding over the next five years. It has nine National Teaching Fellowships** and demonstrates research of both national and international excellence. With around 30,000 students (including those who study at partner FE colleges within the University of Plymouth Colleges faculty) it is one of the largest universities in the UK – and proud to retain its reputation for friendliness. With a track record of 'widening participation', business partnerships and vocational courses, it has a high rate of graduate employment and is committed to improving the student experience, demonstrated by significant investment in new facilities. For further information go to www.plymouth.ac.uk. *Guardian higher education league table, May 2007 **Including two with the Peninsula Medical School    |
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