Linux.com Article DB: Linux.com Interview: Mark Micire of the Center for Robotic Assisted Search and Rescue at the University of South Florida.

Final Thoughts

Linux.com: In purely economic terms how does the full training of a rescuer compare to the production of a robot?

Mark Micire: Unfortunately that isn't a fair comparison because we really aren't replacing the rescuer. The robot is a tool. Prior to Sept 11th, the comparable tool used for finding victims in confined spaces was a search cam. This is basically a 18 foot retractable pole with a camera at the end. In New York, we were able to extend this reach to over 45 feet in some cases and enter voids that were completely impossible otherwise.

In simple terms, robots do not save people right now. People save people. We are just trying to make it easier for the search crews to get into locations that would otherwise be impossible, extend their senses (cameras and microphones), and give them senses that they might not otherwise have (like thermal imaging).

Linux.com: What can be done to bring the price of these robots down so they can be used in far greater numbers?

Mark Micire: A commercial driver. Like anything else that comes out of R&D, the first thousand units are the most expensive. What mobile robotics is lacking right now is a big commercial use for them. Once the robots have come out of the laboratories into the hands of the masses and proven their usefulness, you will see a drastic drop in prices just like any other technology.

New York was a great existence-proof that if the robots can be put in the hands of the rescuers, they will want to purchase and use them. The FEMA task force that we worked with in New York ordered 4 of the robots we were using within 24 hours of arriving home. While being one hell of a compliment, it also proves that the usefulness and commercial feasibility is there. Hopefully with even more exposure we can help drive the prices down through use and purchases by more rescue teams.

Linux.com: OK, so how would a curious and ambitious Linux geek get ahold of a robot to play with?

Mark Micire: Well, I grew up on RC cars and PCs. Although these are much more advanced, the basics of what I do everyday still comes from those "good ol days". Without promoting any single company, there are a lot of outlets for robotics out there. For ones that run Linux, you might want to check with your local college or clubs and see if there are robotics groups around your area. Unfortunately the bigger robots with processing power will dig your pockets out pretty quickly if you try to do it alone.

Linux.com: How do you see the future of Linux and robots?

Mark Micire: Linux and robotics are very closely tied. All of the reasons I have described above are echoed for robotics teams around the world. You only have to go to a single robotics competition and see how many people are using Linux to understand. Most laboratory and field robots are reinstalled with Linux.

It is Linux's versatility that has allowed us to use it so successfully. This versatility will certainly bring it into all aspects of robotics.

Linux.com: That sounds great. We thank you very much for taking your precious free time to speak with us here at Linux.com.

Mark Micire: Thanks for giving me the opportunity.

Learn much more http://www.crasar.org an here http://www.csee.usf.edu/robotics, including more pictures to see.

Originally Published: Monday, 15 October 2001	Author: S.A. Hayes, Linux.com
Published to: develop_articles/Development Articles	Page: 6/6 - [Printable]
Linux.com Interview: Mark Micire of the Center for Robotic Assisted Search and Rescue at the University of South Florida. Mark Micire helps build and deploy the robots used to speed the search for survivors in the rubble of the World Trade Center. The CRASAR Lab that create these remarkable robots use Linux for most of their computing needs. Linux, and the geeks, researchers and professors who use it are speeding the development of critical technologies like USAR Robotics, technologies that help save lives. Linux.com got in touch with this lab in South Florida to get a closer look at who they are, what they do, and what they do it with.

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Final Thoughts Linux.com: In purely economic terms how does the full training of a rescuer compare to the production of a robot? Mark Micire: Unfortunately that isn't a fair comparison because we really aren't replacing the rescuer. The robot is a tool. Prior to Sept 11th, the comparable tool used for finding victims in confined spaces was a search cam. This is basically a 18 foot retractable pole with a camera at the end. In New York, we were able to extend this reach to over 45 feet in some cases and enter voids that were completely impossible otherwise. In simple terms, robots do not save people right now. People save people. We are just trying to make it easier for the search crews to get into locations that would otherwise be impossible, extend their senses (cameras and microphones), and give them senses that they might not otherwise have (like thermal imaging). Linux.com: What can be done to bring the price of these robots down so they can be used in far greater numbers? Mark Micire: A commercial driver. Like anything else that comes out of R&D, the first thousand units are the most expensive. What mobile robotics is lacking right now is a big commercial use for them. Once the robots have come out of the laboratories into the hands of the masses and proven their usefulness, you will see a drastic drop in prices just like any other technology. New York was a great existence-proof that if the robots can be put in the hands of the rescuers, they will want to purchase and use them. The FEMA task force that we worked with in New York ordered 4 of the robots we were using within 24 hours of arriving home. While being one hell of a compliment, it also proves that the usefulness and commercial feasibility is there. Hopefully with even more exposure we can help drive the prices down through use and purchases by more rescue teams. Linux.com: OK, so how would a curious and ambitious Linux geek get ahold of a robot to play with? Mark Micire: Well, I grew up on RC cars and PCs. Although these are much more advanced, the basics of what I do everyday still comes from those "good ol days". Without promoting any single company, there are a lot of outlets for robotics out there. For ones that run Linux, you might want to check with your local college or clubs and see if there are robotics groups around your area. Unfortunately the bigger robots with processing power will dig your pockets out pretty quickly if you try to do it alone. Linux.com: How do you see the future of Linux and robots? Mark Micire: Linux and robotics are very closely tied. All of the reasons I have described above are echoed for robotics teams around the world. You only have to go to a single robotics competition and see how many people are using Linux to understand. Most laboratory and field robots are reinstalled with Linux. It is Linux's versatility that has allowed us to use it so successfully. This versatility will certainly bring it into all aspects of robotics. Linux.com: That sounds great. We thank you very much for taking your precious free time to speak with us here at Linux.com. Mark Micire: Thanks for giving me the opportunity. Learn much more http://www.crasar.org an here http://www.csee.usf.edu/robotics, including more pictures to see.
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