CSIRO robots team up with MIT

Australian robotics research has received some fresh input as a new partnership between the CSIRO and the MIT computer science and artificial intelligence laboratory in USA has been formed.

Announced at the annual CeBIT Australia technology trade show in Sydney, the alliance will bring researchers form MIT's computer science and artificial intelligence lab together with CSIRO researchers to work on practical applications in robotics.

"This represents a great opportunity for us to deliver our expertise in substantial projects to create robots that work in harsh and remote environment," said Dr Peter Corke, research director of the autonomous systems laboratory at the CSIRO ICT Centre.

CSIRO has a reputation for research and development for robotics for manufacturing and mining applications whereas MIT has been a leader in robotics, particularly in artificial intelligence. Dr Corke said a collaborative relationship would give CSIRO a workable niche on the international robotics scene, and research has already been expanded into areas including submarine robots.

The partnership will not only allow the two bodies to exchange researchers but also to seek funding together.

While the US-based research had access to funding from giant corporations, government and the military, the CSIRO's Brisbane-based robotics program "gets by on a bit of a shoestring", with an annual budget of about A$4 million provided by the government and coal industry.

The partnership would soon make its initial project announcement, Dr Corke said.