AUVSI Day Wraps Up National Robotics Week

AUVSI Day on Capitol Hill wrapped up National Robotics Week with congressional speakers and AUVSI-member exhibits highlighting the various uses for unmanned systems.

Rep. Mike Doyle, D-Pa., cochair of the House Robotics Caucus, started the day with a breakfast speech in which he highlighted the many uses of unmanned systems, from the war zone to the hospital.

"In the past eight years, the U.S. Army has bought more than 7,000 robots and robotic devices for use in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, which has saved the lives of countless American soldiers," Doyle said.

Attendees had 65 meetings with 38 members of Congress during the event.

In the exhibit hall at the Rayburn House Office Building foyer, 16 exhibitors showcased the latest developments in unmanned systems and robotics, highlighting how members of Congress can get involved in the awareness and funding process. For example, engineers from Carnegie Mellon University demonstrated their snake robot, useful for building inspections, mine rescues and other jobs requiring the ability to move through tight spaces. A much smaller version of the coiling robotic critter is currently in use as a heart surgery tool.

"As robotics become more and more important in all our daily lives, not just the military, there are going to be some ethical and legal questions that come up about what the impact of robotics is going to be," says Alan Bignall, president and CEO of ReconRobotics. ReconRobotics literally tossed around it's Scout XT throwbot as part of a live demonstration for congressional members and staff.

By Brett Davis and Stephanie Levy, AUVSI