March 26, 2012

Robot gives man a “haircut” to raise funds for cancer research

by Gavril Mankoo

Barbers beware! This hair-cutting robot could pretty much pull all the regular nerds who visit you out of your shops. In essence a Multi-Arm Unmanned Ground Vehicle built by Maryland-based Intelligent Automation Inc., this clever robot requires the assist of an operator. In an endeavor to raise funds for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation that conducts researchers on childhood cancer, the robot was made to give a guy cryptically known only as “Tim” a haircut. Using an electric razor, the robot did manage to cut Tim’s hair, though we’re pretty sure from the expression on his face, he’ll probably use human-expertise for any grooming exploits in future. Also, besides giving skinhead-like haircuts, the robot is capable of backpack inspection, tool handling, shovel manipulation, door breaching, knot tying and a lot more.

[Dvice]