In the future, computers and humans will cooperate more
seamlessly. May it be by easier access to data or by the intuitive
control of programs and robots. At the CeBIT, latest innovations in this
area will be presented by the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and the
FZI Research Center for Information Technology (hall 9, stand D13). The
exhibits range from gesture-controlled communication to firewalls to
computer-supported surgery.
Writing without Keyboard: Handwriting Recognition Based on the Hand’s Movement
Writing into the air instead of typing text messages on the mobile
phone via the tiny keyboard? This may be done using a sensor bracelet on
the wrist, which records hand movements. A computer system translates
them into texts. The novel airwriting system of KIT
uses gestures as inputs and is suited in particular for mobile
communication devices and so-called wearable computing applications.
The airwriting system made in Karlsruhe may be applied in future
mixed-reality applications. In combination with smart glasses, i.e.
glasses displaying information in the users’ field of view, the
airwriting bracelet can be used to input commands and texts by gestures
without holding a mobile device in the hand. The prototype airwriting
system can be tested at the CeBIT stand. More information is available
at:
cls.anthropomatik.kit.edu/airwriting.php
Surgeons Feel and See via Operation Robots
Within OP:Sense, KIT develops methods for future
robot-supported surgery. The system focuses on supporting and relieving
the strain of the surgeon. It provides novel options for interactive
control and sensor feedback. OP:Sense is a modular platform to study
novel methods for the secure and precise execution of robot-supported
operations.
OP:Sense consists of two robot arms controlled by the surgeon via
haptic input devices and several 3D cameras monitoring the working space
around the field of operation. Based on this scene monitoring, new
safety concepts are developed for close human-robot cooperation in the
operation theater. On this basis, further research is conducted in
particular in the area of situation recognition. At the CeBIT, the
system will be presented live.
