Meet Interactive Robots at the Chicago Museum

The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI) premiered Thursday a new national touring exhibit, Robot Revolution, supported by Google.org.

Robot Revolution explores how robots, created by human ingenuity, will ultimately be our companions and colleagues, changing how we play, live and work together.

The exhibit allows guests to step into a visionary world where robots are not just a curiosity, but a vital asset. It comes to life with a collection of robots that have been secured from some of the most innovative global robotics companies and universities.

Guests have opportunities to interact with robots. Yume Robo greets guests at the exhibit entry while climbing a ladder.

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A Yaskwawa / Motoman dual-arm robot can challenge museum-goers to a game of 21; while Baxter, a robot developed to work alongside humans in factory settings, can play two people in simultaneous games of tic-tac-toe.

Guests can also drive the bug-like RHex over uneven terrain; see EMYS mimic their facial expressions with its advanced facial-coding technology; and test out the Festo Bionic Handling Assistant, modeled after an elephant’s trunk.

“Robotics is a truly fascinating field—and it’s one that is growing exponentially,” said David Mosena, president and CEO of the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago.

In the picture above: The Robotic21 System from Yaskawa Motoman Robotics of Japan allows guests to play a game of 21 as it uses two suction cups circling its grippers to pick up playing cards. [J.B. Spector / Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago]