VOA双语新闻：1、模块化机器人越来越接近现实（在线收听）

模块化机器人越来越接近现实

For years, researchers at Carnegie Mellon University experimented with a snake-like robot that could crawl through pipes and climb up trees.

多年来，卡内基梅隆大学(Carnegie Mellon University)的研究人员一直在实验一个蛇形机器人，这个机器人可以爬过管道，也可以上树。

Gradually, their robot evolved into motorized modules, each with its own processor, that can be assembled in various configurations, such as a six-legged insect-like machine they call the Snake Monster.

渐渐地，他们的机器人进化成电动模块，每一块都有自己的处理器，可以被组装成不同的外形，例如这个六条腿像虫子一样的机器，他们叫它“蛇形怪兽”(Snake Monster)。

Howie Choset, a professor at the Carnegie Mellon Robotics Institute, said researchers were "able to put the modules together as easy as Lego, but there is a lot going on underneath the hood to allow that to happen.”

豪伊?乔赛特(Howie Choset)是卡内基梅隆机器人研究所的教授。他说：“我们能够把模块组装起来，像乐高积木一样简单，但是做到这一步牵涉到大量的工作。”

What happens "underneath the hood" is the most interesting part. The modules are able to communicate with each other, in order to coordinate the robot’s movements.

所谓“引擎盖下”发生的事情是最有趣的一部分。各个模块之间可以相互交流，来协调机器人的动作。

End modules with wheels instead of feet allow the robot to move faster on smooth surfaces. Modules may also be equipped with a camera that can survey the surroundings.

模块末端以轮子代替脚，让机器人在平滑的表面移动更快。模块也可以装备上一台相机，来勘察周遭环境。

Another feature is a so-called “master-and-slave” system, through which an operator can manipulate a robotic twin, remotely controlling the twin and even feeling the resistance it encounters.

另一个特点是所谓的“主人与奴隶”系统，通过这个系统，操作员可以遥控一个机器人双胞胎，甚至还能感受到它遇到的阻力。

Choset said the robot is ready for real-life testing. "That robot is field-deployable," he said. "You can take that robot and throw it around. It's robust. You can kick it, and it is still going to work.”

乔赛特说，这款机器人已经可以进行真实的试验。他说：“这个机器人已经可以实地部署。你可以拿着这个机器人，随便扔。它很坚固。你可以踢它，它还是照样工作。”

Modular robotic arms can be programmed for various tasks, including feeding handicapped persons.

模块化机器人的手臂可以从事各种任务，包括给残障人士喂食。

Researchers are already working on other modular attachments, such as force-sensing feet or tank-like tracks that will allow customizing robots for even more tasks.

研究人员已经开始从事其他模块附属部件的工作，例如能够感应力量的脚，或是像坦克一样的履带，使机器人可以按照不同的任务进行定制。