IBM Robotic Coworker Will Help Engineers Fix Broken Systems 56
coondoggie writes "When it comes to fixing broken systems, especially in remote locations, engineers could soon turn to a new mobile robotic system IBM is developing that could help them more easily find the broken equipment, offer up information about the system and provide real-time visual support from supervising experts. The mobile maintenance, repair and operations prototype includes an application that lets a supervisor monitor an engineer's progress towards the maintenance site, and a robotic arm coupled with a camera system, a microphone and laser pointer."
What? (Score:4, Insightful)
Ok, that is the stupidest thing I've ever seen. It's a simple ticketing system just like any company has, but now it tracks the techs via GPS and watches what they do via webcam. I'm sure mentioning you use such a system will have potential employees jumping at the chance to let you track and video tape them throughout their workday. Whos idiotic idea was this?
Re:For the Two Aisles! (Score:4, Insightful)
Read it (and watch the video) again. The 'robot' is a smart phone with an app, a special pair of glasses, and a device with a camera, laser pointer, and microphone. A person is still doing all the work, the 'robot' is just a way to get assistance from someone in a remote location.
From TFA: "IBM says the smart maintenance project is the result of collaboration with the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) which works to develop high-tech systems that can resolve advanced manufacturing problems."
All the video talks about is solving manufacturing problems, nothing at all to do with datacenters.