05/31/12 — It had always been the intention of the open source movement to create an independent body that could take open source robotics and grow it. Growing it meant to push it out beyond its place of nurturing and early maturity, which was Willow Garage. Now the intention has become reality as leading members of the global robotics community who are committed to open-source robotics have founded the Open Source Robotics Foundation, Inc. (OSRF) an independent non-profit organization.  The mission of OSRF is to support the development, distribution, and adoption of open source software for use in robotics research, education, and…

05/17/12 — Researchers have demonstrated that tetraplegics, people unable to use their limbs, can control a robotic arm via neuro signals conveyed by a microelectrode array implanted in the brain. The scientific advance holds promise for people who are paralyzed or otherwise seriously injured, including wounded soldiers. The results of this latest research into robotic arm control were reported in the scientific journal Nature. Two study participants were able to control a prosthetic limb to reach and grasp. One used the arm to take a sip of coffee from a bottle with a straw. The report's authors are affiliated with a half…