Researchers Try to Turn Robots Into MacGyver [VIDEO]

 By 
Lorenzo Franceschi-Bicchierai
 on 
Researchers Try to Turn Robots Into MacGyver [VIDEO]

[brightcove video="1892107758001" /]

Robots are becoming more sophisticated every day, making seemingly far-fetched sci-fi novels look more likely than ever.

The problem with robots, though, is that they're only good at the specific task they've been created and programmed for. In other words, they're not great at improvising MacGyver-style -- but that could change soon.

Researchers at Georgia Tech are developing a robot that could use random objects it finds in its environment to complete tasks. The Office of Naval Research is funding their research with a $900,000 grant.

The scientists want to give robots the ability to judge and determine the properties of surrounding objects and how they could be used to perform tasks. Think of a robot spotting a metal pole and using it as lever to lift something heavy. MacGyver robots could help in emergency situations, such as battlefields or inside burning buildings, for example.

To find out more about this futuristic robot, check out the video above.

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