Boston Museum of Science Invites Public to Explore the World of Robots
The Boston Museum of Science is hosting an evolving “Exploring AI” exhibit that showcases robots, including robot dogs, humanoids, and advanced machines, to educate the public about this rapidly growing…
The Boston Museum of Science is hosting an evolving "Exploring AI" exhibit that showcases robots, including robot dogs, humanoids, and advanced machines, to educate the public about this rapidly growing technology.
This exhibit showcases how robots can perform hazardous or challenging tasks, while exploring the potential of integrating AI into everyday life.
Inside display cases in the Exploring AI exhibit, visitors can see Toyota's Punyo robot, designed to lift and carry household objects. The MIT Cheetah 2 can run at speeds of up to 13 miles per hour and leap over objects up to 18 inches tall.
Also in the exhibit, visitors can see Spot, a yellow, four-legged robot dog manufactured by Boston Dynamics, which has been on display at the museum for the past three years. Spot can be seen climbing up and over an uneven staircase, making its way across rocks, and going over an obstacle before resting on its charger every 180 seconds.
A replica of Spot is also available, allowing visitors to get a firsthand experience with what the robot dog can do.
Although Spot appears to be operating independently on its own course, the robot is programmed by someone at the museum. It runs on a Nintendo Switch-like controller with two joysticks and three camera angles.
The Museum of Science is also home to Stompy, a humanoid robot by Unitree. This robot can squat, wave, stand up, and shake hands. On Sept. 27, attendees got to see Spot, Stompy, and other robots complete tasks and walk in a parade during MassRobotic's eighth annual RoboBoston Robot Block Party in the Seaport.
Museum of Science educator Kate Macakanja told Boston.com that the goal of the project is to educate the public on the role of AI and robots.
“The question is, how do we want to make sure that people are using [AI] in ways that we decide are ethical and responsible and kind of productive and useful to people? But, I do really think that that really starts with the education piece,” she said.
