Interacting Mobile Robots on the Web

Abstract

The internet has become the most important network for communication and the biggest data storage. However, real interaction through this fast growing network is only possible through robots connected to it. This paper discusses the approach and preliminary results of interdisciplinary projects in Internetrobotics. After a discussion of the basic issues, our modular framework for mobile robots on the Web is described. Running and future applications at EPFL, ranging from mini-robots up to experimental robot connected to the Web, are presented. 1 Introduction The Internet connects millions of computers all over the world, giving access to communication, data, pictures, videos and even real images of distant environments. However, only a few examples of real physical interaction with distant places is available at the moment. The goal of the described projects at EPFL is to add a new dimension to the Internet by combining network technology with the capabilities of mobile robots. Thi...