Robots With Knives Could Accidentally Attack Humans, Say Scientists

Robots helping around the house could be dangerous, as they could accidentally inflict deadly wounds on humans, scientists have warned.

Homes of the future are often depicted as efficient spaces in which robots are programmed to carry out mundane domestic tasks, from cleaning to carrying out simple repairs or even preparing dinner, reports the Telegraph.

Accident and Trauma Care - Golden Hour - Taking Care - Don’t
Accident and trauma care is an important public health challenge that requires immediate attention. Injury (trauma) is the leading cause of death for all age groups under the age of 44.

But films like I, Robot, have imagined a world in which man-made machines programmed to serve humans turn against their creators - and a group of scientists has said this could happen.

German researchers have warned that robots in the home could prove dangerous - particularly when armed with sharp objects.

To discover what would happen if a robot wielding a sharp tool - such as a knife or a screw driver - accidentally struck a person, researchers at the Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics, part of the national aerospace agency in Wessling, south-east Germany, programmed a mechanical arm holding a variety of instruments to strike a series of substances that mimicked human tissue.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Complications, Dignosis, Treatment
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), is a mental condition triggered by a traumatic event. PTSD treatment includes pyschotherapy, behavior therapy and medications.

The robot stabbed and punctured a lump of silicone, a pig's leg and even a brave human volunteer's arm - causing damage that could potentially be lethal, according to the scientists.

So the team designed a prototype collision detection system, which they said significantly reduced injuries.

Study Finds Higher Survival Rate Among Intoxicated Trauma Patients
Study days trauma patients who were intoxicated before their injuries were more likely to survive than trauma patients who suffered similar injuries but were sober

The safety system uses sensors to detect when it has hit a new substance so it will stop movement.

While previous studies have examined the dangers of collisions with large robots, this is believed to be the first to examine the dangers of slashing injuries.

An ICU Experience may Leave Your Child Traumatized
Hospital is never a good experience for little children. Now, researchers have found sometimes, a child’s stint in the intensive care unit of a hospital may leave the little one traumatized

Sami Haddadin, Alin Albu-Schaffer and Gerd Hirzinger presented their findings on May 6 at the IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation in Anchorage, Alaska.

Source-ANI
RAS