Dyson and Imperial to develop next generation robots at new centre

Enabling robots to work in the real world, through improved vision and computer processing power, will be the focus of a new collaboration. Currently, robots do not have the ability to understand the ever changing challenges of a real world environment. This has meant that they have been confined to working in controlled environments such as on assembly lines in automotive plants, where they work within a strict set of parameters on a range of repetitive tasks. The world could be moving towards a new era where robots for the house and business could be used to make our lives more efficient, cost effective and easier. Professor Andrew Davison Director, Dyson Robotics Laboratory at Imperial College London Researchers at the Dyson Robotics Laboratory at Imperial College London, a £5 million collaboration between the College and manufacturer, will develop computer vision programs that will enable robots to move beyond these controlled environments and successfully navigate the real world. Developing robots that can process visual information in real-time could lead to a new range of handy and helpful robots for around the home and in industry. The development of the Centre is part of Dyson's plans to develop new robotic technology.