The Institute for Intelligent Systems at The University ofMemphis is the home to an intensive research project in whichrobots modeled after human brains are being created for NASA.
Robert Kozma, professor of computer science and director of theComputational Neurodynamics Laboratory, heads the project. Kozmasaid he came to The U of M because of its strong reputation forresearch in artificial intelligence.
"We are doing work with NASA as well as prestigious institutionslike (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) and (University ofCalifornia) Berkley," Kozma said. "The University apparently offerstop quality research that measures up to the best in thecountry."
Kozma's work is to represent the FedEx Technology Institute andwill contribute to the next generation of computers that are tocover over 44 yards of ground in the same amount of time it tookthe previous model to cover 3.
"The amount of time and money we can save is tremendous," Kozmasaid. "Hundreds of millions of dollars will be saved from thesmarter decisions that the robot can make for itself withoutwaiting 20 minutes for a signal from Earth."
The two new robots, called Spirit and Opportunity, are expectedto land on Mars in January and will operate in a manner similar tothat of the human being.
"We are focusing on the senses -- the eyes, ears and touch,"said Sangeeta Muthu, Kozma's assistant and graduate computerscience major. "The robot will use them to interpret theenvironment and make intelligent decisions."
The mechanism of the robot will be modeled after the actions ofhumans, such as walking and breathing, and can also be programmedto feel tired if the battery is low and frustrated if it cannotachieve its mission.
"The robot can feel emotions that are goal driven, it has adrive or hunger to achieve its tasks," Kozma said.
Japanese firms have approached the lab for what Kozma calls"brains for their advanced robots."
"When top labs in Japan and elsewhere are approaching ourinstitution, it is very prestigious for us and The University," hesaid. "What is cutting edge about this research is we are creatingthe personality, the brain, the soul of the robot that will exploreMars in years to come."
