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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 modules¹, each with its own processor, that can be assembled in various configurations², 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 underneath³ the hood⁴ 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 coordinate⁵ 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 robust⁶. 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 attachments⁷, 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。