Salvius: Human-like robot made from recycled e-waste

Salvaging wastes is one thing; converting wastes into something useful is interesting; converting them into a device of excellence is simply astounding! The robot Salvius represents such an astounding piece of creativity. The Android stands about 6 feet tall and weighs an impressive 162 pounds but costs well within $500! It has been built with the objective of making it completely self-sufficient, with the ability to do just about anything! 'Salvius', a Roman name, seems to refer to the fact that the robot has been made from salvaged e-wastes, making use of recycled components.

Salvius: The real life Wall-E

The array of activities and actions that this robot is capable of doing is impressive to say the least. The current range mostly consist of detecting, recording and spying. Salvius can eavesdrop into radio communications and record them in time-order. It can transmit false information in order to confuse the enemies. It's capable of controlling old radios and televisions and changing the channels. The robot can unlock the latest model cars. Those cars that have an automatic started can be ignited too. Moreover, it can make use of radio technology to either transmit or receive messages and information. It can receive radio and TV channels and act as a one-stop multimedia experience.

Salvius runs on open source and makes use of Ubuntu along with many other open source softwares. Its has been designed in such a way that it can adapt to different situations, learn and perform a wide range of tasks. It is a constantly evolving works-in-progress with the maker wishing to add a long list of sensors and devices to increase its functionality. These include a compass, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a barometer a geiger counter etc. One of the most important driving forces in its design is to make the robot capable of harvesting energy from a wide range of sources - solar, kinetic, wind - which can be added to the existing batteries.

The goal while creating Salvius was to make a robot that is capable of self-sustenance and repair. In this manner, the effort is to make the robot as close to a living system in practice. The robot should be able to generate and maintain its own power supply and also repair itself whenever necessary. Functioning dynamically in a domestic environment, Salvius, which is able to make something out of anything, should be able to make anything out of anything!

Salvius is definitely not among the good-looking robots out there. But its motion sensor capabilities and work speed is something that would be the envy of any robot. It receives instructions from a small, embedded micro-controller which can handle several tasks. It has headlights, a wireless router, ultrasonic distance finder, video camera with enabled night vision and all the necessary wiring to receive instructions remotely and carry out orders. The dream ideal for the robot is to become another Wall-E capable of rummaging for parts and materials for its own build-up or repair.

Via: TreeHugger/SalviusRobot