Sing the body electric at museum's robot show

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

•	'Robotics' An interactive robotic display Opens Saturday, continues 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily through Sept. 2 Castle Memorial Building, Bishop Museum $14.95 general, $11.95 ages 4 through 12; free for children younger than 4 and museum members; kama'aina rates available 847-3511

An android talks back.

Another robot takes your picture, studies the data, and regurgitates a drawing of your likeness.

These, and more interactive feats, are part of "Robotics," an exhibit premiering Saturday at Bishop Museum.

"When you say 'robot,' a lot of people have their own idea of what a robot is," said Wayne Castro, project manager and installation honcho of the touring exhibit, which showcases what robots can and can't do — and how technology and robotics are changing the way we live.

"There are about 20 hands-on components within the exhibit," he said. "And the exhibit dispels some myths about robots and what what they are and how they'll change in the future."

The creations in residence aren't of the R2-D2 or C-3PO ilk from the "Star Wars" movies. Some robots look more like scientific experiments in progress than working mechanisms. And how the robots function is part of the fascination.

"There are limitations on what robots can do," said Castro.

For instance, robots are good at repetitive functions, when programmed efficiently.

In a competition at tying shoe laces, robots would lose to a child. "Robots have severe limitations on manual dexterity," he said.

But program the AAB Basketball Arm, the largest contraption in the display, and it will outshoot, outscore and outlast you. It's probably more accurate, too, in swooshing baskets, than Michael Jordan, and you can adjust the dunking apparatus to see if you're NBA material.

"It's what robots do — precision movements, done many times repetitively, and with accuracy," said Castro. "When programmed, robots will always beat the humans. And they don't suffer fatigue."

But they don't think, either, which gives humans — well, most humans, anyway — some advantage in doing certain things.

The display attempts to reflect both the similarities and differences between robots and humans, through "theme" areas that tap the senses, trigger thinking, and foster acting.

There are competitive matches where robotic visual skills and dexterity are tested.

And there are opportunities to meet several famous robot explorers, including those that have surveyed the highest mountains and the deepest seas.

Most robots are electrically operated, with industrial-strength needs — 220 volts, 30 to 70 amps — akin to automobile assembly-line gizmos.

The NASA robot — a stationary, noninteractive number — normally operates on solar energy and battery power. "It's a static display here, but its size gives you an indication of how large robots can be," said Castro.

The display, created and built by the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh, will be on view through Sept. 2.