RoboMine

About RoboMine

J. M. Chui and J. A. Meech

The Centre for Environmental Research
University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Abstract

UBC-CERM3 has initiated a new web site dedicated to providing information and data on all aspects of the field of Robotics. In an era when technology is advancing at an unimaginable pace it can often seem difficult, if not impossible, to stay current. That is where RoboMine enters the picture as an online resource on the latest and greatest information on artificial intelligence and robotics. The site is designed for all types of interests. Experts in the field can use RoboMine to search for new ideas and stories in the field. Novices who just want to learn the basics can access a series of guides that describe the scope of the field and the new innovations taking place. With a simple, yet intuitive interface, navigation through the vast amount of information is a manageable and enjoyable task. And as the community of RoboMine continues to grow, so will the network of cutting-edge information that we supply. News stories and papers are stored in archives that reflect Past, Present and Future aspects of the field. The indices are automated to move articles from one to another hierarchy as time passes. The site is rift with audio/visual files that provide interactive features that both amuse and instruct. The essence of robotics is "intelligent" software that allows a robot to think like a human. A number of software systems to achieve these goals are freely available on the site for members. We invite you to drop by for a visit: www.robomine.com and join the new community of participants that is learning together what the future holds for this field and for mankind. This paper will present the story of RoboMine; how it was initiated, how it is to be maintained; and how it can provide you with access to incredible knowledge on the field of Robotics.

Introduction

As we enter an era where artificial intelligence and robotic systems are more intricate and advanced, it becomes increasingly difficult to keep track of all the different technologies and their uses. It is vital that all such information is found, catalogued, and made accessible to those interested in a user-friendly and informative way of gathering new intelligence. That is why Robomine was created. At its core, Robomine exists to educate, inspire, and connect to those who want to learn more about the fascinating and ever-expanding technology of robotics and intelligent systems and to share their knowledge with others. 

Background

Robomine was an answer to the increasing demand for a convenient and creditable central source on robotics and intelligent information. It is hosted by Infomine, www.infomine.com, the world's largest mining information website with information on commodity prices, stocks, geology, mining companies, education and technology. Though we are partnered with Infomine, Robomine is hardly limited to robotics technology in mining. Instead, Robomine covers all types of emerging technologies because of their relevant future applications. Dr. J. A. Meech, Director of CERM3 at the University of British Columbia and long-time advocate for technological advances, put together a team to begin searching and organizing information in this field. By partnering with Infomine, who shares the same vision in widening their market potential, the team has successfully created a website that is informative and easy to navigate for all users.

The New Era of Intelligent Systems

The definition of intelligence varies depending on its usage. For our purposes, we define intelligence to be the ability to reach one's objective. There can be more intelligent systems that can reach the objective faster or more efficient, as there are also ones that achieve the same goal with less desirable approaches. This is significant, because the ability to fulfill a need faster and more efficiently is crucial in our society's growth and productivity. A great example in the mining industry is to be able to send down "rescue-bots" to dangerous locations during an emergency. Not only would you potentially rescue lives, you would also not need to risk another in the process. Furthermore, why not send a robot down to do the mining instead. That way, no humans would be harmed by dangerous work. Many mines have begun to integrate telerobotic-controlled machines into their mines making the job of a miner much safer. Mines in Sudbury, Canada as well as in Australia, have begun using these robots and others have begun looking into autonomous ones (those that make all decisions on their own). Everywhere you look, intelligent robots have begun to appear in various shapes and sizes. Many homes owners use robots to vacuum their floor, help drive themselves to work, or even help them breathe! Since it is clear that intelligent robots are revolutionizing our homes, it isn't surprising to find a growing trend in autonomous production as we enter the Machine Age. The definition of intelligence varies depending on its usage. For our purposes, we define intelligence to be the ability to reach one's objective. There can be more intelligent systems that can reach the objective faster or more efficient, as there are also ones that achieve the same goal with less desirable approaches. This is significant, because the ability to fulfill a need faster and more efficiently is crucial in our society's growth and productivity. A great example in the mining industry is to be able to send down "rescue-bots" to dangerous locations during an emergency. Not only would you potentially rescue lives, you would also not need to risk another in the process. Furthermore, why not send a robot down to do the mining instead. That way, no humans would be harmed by dangerous work. Many mines have begun to integrate telerobotic-controlled machines into their mines making the job of a miner much safer. Mines in Sudbury, Canada as well as in Australia, have begun using these robots and others have begun looking into autonomous ones (those that make all decisions on their own). Everywhere you look, intelligent robots have begun to appear in various shapes and sizes. Many homes owners use robots to vacuum their floor, help drive themselves to work, or even help them breathe! A study carried out by Hatch Associates in Canada for Industry Science & Technology of the Canadian Federal Government mapped out four curves showing the evolution of Canadian mining technologies towards Automation & Autonomous Mining (see Fig. 3). It's clear from the graph that during these next few years, Autonomous Mining will dramatically increase as the main technology used in Canadian Mines. So imagine how much more important is it for companies and individuals to be knowledgeable in Intelligent Systems in Mining! That's where Robomine comes in!

The Exchange of Information

The creators of Robomine are increasingly aware of the evolving exchange of information as we begin the 21^st century. The World Wide Web, probably the most notable information source, is an example of this evolution. First created by DARPA for the exchange of military information, its efficient uses of hypertext and linking quickly caught the eyes of more than just the military. Hypertext Markup Language became the first widely used format on the World Wide Web as its uses to connecti thousands of links together through pages of code made it widely accepted by the general public.

This same idea drives Robomine's network of information on robotics and intelligence. Robomine focuses on mining-related robotic activities, but the term Robomine also refers to the "mining" of information about robotics. Robomine strives to be at the forefront of all intelligent robotics technologies in order to make the information accessible and understandable to the majority of the population.

Robomine's Three Goals:

1. To Educate:

As its primary objective, Robomine will provide crucial information on robotics technology so that its users can became more knowledgeable. Furthermore, because the spectrum of readers is so wide (from a young child interested in robots to a learned professor who has taught process control for a long time) it is crucial that the required experience to understand the information be user-specific.  Education must and therefore will always stand as a primary aspect for any new field because only after one has learned how something functions will one truly be able to apply it to meet a goal. Therefore, Robomine has collected hundreds of great links to articles, technical papers, journals, online journals and even online course materials to aid in this quest.

2. To Inspire:

Though a passion for technology is not a requirement for visitors to Robomine, we recognize it as an important asset for those who desire to learn more and become knowledgeable about robotics technology. Robomine does this by showing the great advances and uses of new technologies by giving application examples as well as providing hundreds of links to past, present, and future applications. For example, take the recent foldable computer displays that can be folded like paper and yet, have many of the same attributes of liquid crystal displays - this product is likely to revolutionize once again the proliferation and application of personal computers. Robomine does not intend its information to be viewed only by newcomers to intelligent robotics technology, but we will maintain its commitment to more learned and experienced visitors who require more in-depth information and technical analysis.

3. To Connect:

The third objective of Robomine is to create a community of individuals committed and eager to learn more about intelligent robotics technologies. This is desirable for two reasons: to facilitate exchange of new information as community members can inform other members about information they have found that is important and relevant (when new information is found it can be forwarded to all interested parties quickly and efficiently.); and to encourage involvement of those interested in intelligent technology, but who are still developing their curiosity. Having a network of friends interested in similar ideas is supportive of a desire to expand one's knowledge on a subject.

Conclusion

As Robomine continues to develop, the information contained will also grow. All visitors to the site are encouraged to join our community and leave suggestions on what needs improvement, as well as submitting any new links, articles, or any information they find relevant to intelligent technology. As Robomine continues to grow, we intend that its three goals will be met as the community of intelligent technology enthusiasts continues to grow and contribute. 

References:

1. http://world.honda.com/ASIMO/history/index.html History of Honda's ASIMO Humanoid Robot
2. http://robominer.com/papers/Evolution.pps  Automated Mining Systems: Presentation on the Evolution of Automation