![\"Dr](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/Dr-Aleksandar-D.-Rodi\u0107-dipl.-in\u017e..jpg\")
However, robots are much more than that. And their use is much broader. With this in mind,we wondered what this field looks like in Serbia. We talked about this and many other topics with Dr Aleksandar Rodic, the head of the Robotics Laboratory at the Mihajlo Pupin Institute and vice-president of the Institute Assembly in Serbia. Dr Rodic has authored more than 100 scientific publications, six research monographs, edited a number of scientific books, and he serves on the editorial board in several international and national scientific journals. His main research areas of interest \u2013 among others \u2013 include robotics, artificial intelligence, and mobile renewable energy sources.
\nHis most important acknowledgment is that which he received in March this year – awarded by the head of China\u2019s Anhui Province himself in the city of Hefei \u2013 for significant contributions in scientific and business cooperation.
\nThe Mihajlo Pupin Institute\u2019s Robotics Laboratory is one of the world\u2019s oldest robotics laboratories. It was founded in 1967 by academician Miomir Vukobratovic, a world-renowned robotics and one of the pioneers in the field of robotics. In keeping with the rich history and scientific results achieved in the laboratory\u2019s 50 years of existence, the Robotics Laboratory is one of the most successful centers of excellence in this field – not only in Europe but also in the world. Many famous robotics cite the works and results of our valued associates.
\nOur laboratory experienced a difficult period during the 1990s, when we shared the fate of our nation and literally struggled to survive. In that period, we lost a significant number of our outstanding associates who today are renowned scientists and leading managers on all continents. Nevertheless, the Robotics Laboratory survived, and it continues its efforts with notable success as an equal partner to leading European academic institutions in international
\nprojects with Germany, China, France…
![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/SAM_2648.jpg\")
On the national level, the Robotics Laboratory is promoted on regular basis through new technological innovations and projects that are challenging even for much more developed European countries. The Laboratory\u2019s associates have knowledge and skills that are far from behind that of their colleagues in developed European countries, which is why we are always invited to participate in various scientific boards and expert committees. We could say that we mainly lag behind in the availability of tools and devices since the science of robotics is very demanding. We manage to overcome this handicap thanks to international networking by testing our knowledge and results in collaboration with our colleagues and partners from wealthier Western universities.
\nFortunately, this model works well and \u2013 until conditions improve \u2013 enables us to be very productive and noticed on Europe\u2019s research map.
\nThanks to our very active commitment to international cooperation \u2013 both with European scientific institutions and with Chinese universities \u2013 we have earned good international standing and joined several international scientific committees. As a result, last year (2016) we hosted the biggest scientific robotics event that ever took place in Serbia. The event was
\nthe noteworthy 25th International Conference on Robotics in Alpe-Adria-Danube Region (RAAD2016).
![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/Dodela-Nagrada-za-zna\u010dajne-doprinose-u-nau\u010dno-poslovnoj-saradnji-Kina.jpg\")
The event brought together around 80 robotics experts – mostly from Europe, in addition to guests from Japan and the US. The two-day event\u2019s participants enjoyed interesting lectures, as well as an exciting social and entertainment program. The conference slogan was \u201cConference on the Danube River\u201d, which placed emphasis on the beauty of our country and Belgrade and the Danube\u2019s European significance in connecting people and scientists in the region.
\nThis year\u2019s RAAD2017 was held in Turin (Italy) and many of our colleagues from abroad noted the great success of the past year\u2019s conference in Belgrade with lots of emotions and good memories. It is nice to hear such praise because it contributes to Serbia having greater authority internationally.
\nIt\u2019s hard to say which project is currently the most important for us, considering that we are working on several at the same time. Financially, these definitely include projects that result in new devices intended for the market. This summer we were very active in promoting our new portable robotic solar generator – an irrigation device that uses renewable energy sources. Our goal was to provide Serbia with a technologically advanced device that would mitigate the consequences of this year\u2019s drought in a relatively short period of time.
\nOn the other hand, we have two projects that are currently the most important in terms of science and technology. The first one concerns the development of an underwater robot for the Danube and Sava rivers that is designed to help in rescue operations as well as in ecological and underwater archeological efforts. We are working on the second project in collaboration with the Anhui Province\u2019s university. Together, we are tackling the development of a remote-controlled, solar-powered, mobile ecological service robot, which is meant to be used for prevention and first response in industrial hazards and natural disasters. These robots are highly sought after in today\u2019s world – especially after the nuclear disaster in Fukushima.
\nOur scientists have specific knowledge in designing these systems, but unfortunately Serbia offers no opportunities to finance such projects and we have to manage in collaboration with
\ninternational partners.
Frankly, not yet, but we do have an interesting project in store concerning the development of robot dragons \u2013 a technological version of these mythological creatures. This robot should serve as a meeting ground \u2013 a tool that will breathe new life into the legends of the Danubian dragons from the tales of the regional peoples. Our main idea is to use this project to connect these living Danube legends and create a new tourist route in the Danubian countries, which would be called \u201cThe Trail of the Danube Dragon Legends\u201d. Robotics is such a wide, interdisciplinary scientific field that has enormous technological and economic, cultural, and social potential. This should be used to fuel the regional economies.
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/Awrad-for-Significant-Contributions-in-Scientific-and-Business-Cooperation.jpg\")
As far as I know, there is still no such thing at the moment, but irons are in the fire. Because of the lack of financial resources and interest among industrial enterprises, this idea is progressing slowly, but it will certainly be come to fruition. This is indeed an area of our interest and the goal of a research and development project that we will start in a few months with some segments of the work already completed.
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/20170421_152350.jpg\")
Mathematical models and algorithms for the microprocessor implementation have been developed. We are now verifying the results in experiments in Germany, with our partners from the University of Kaiserslautern. Several of our and German PhD students are involved in this project. However, during the peak of our project, we lost a couple of research associates who went abroad in search of better working conditions. This is our biggest stumbling block. As soon as our young experts finish training and become self-sufficient professionally, we \u201close\u201d them. That is the reason why things move slower than they could and would otherwise.
For me personally, that would be a Japanese reconfigurable robot that changes its movement mode from locomotion on uneven ground to wheels on asphalt surface. Depending on the terrain and friction, the robot changes its movement mode by turning its \u201cfeet\u201d and switching from wheels to spider-like movement \u2013 a hexapod. Biology as inspiration is always very appealing and effective in robotics.
\nThe post To Be a Robot in Serbia appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.
\n", "content_text": "When we think of robots, our mind usually goes to those that have human form seen in movies. From Robocop, Transformers, and the famous Terminator to C-3PO\u00a0 from Star Wars.\nDr Aleksandar D. Rodic\nHowever, robots are much more than that. And their use is much broader. With this in mind,we wondered what this field looks like in Serbia. We talked about this and many other topics with Dr Aleksandar Rodic, the head of the Robotics Laboratory at the Mihajlo Pupin Institute and vice-president of the Institute Assembly in Serbia. Dr Rodic has authored more than 100 scientific publications, six research monographs, edited a number of scientific books, and he serves on the editorial board in several international and national scientific journals. His main research areas of interest \u2013 among others \u2013 include robotics, artificial intelligence, and mobile renewable energy sources.\nHis most important acknowledgment is that which he received in March this year – awarded by the head of China\u2019s Anhui Province himself in the city of Hefei \u2013 for significant contributions in scientific and business cooperation.\nThe Robotics Laboratory of the Mihajlo Pupin Institute in Belgrade is a regional leader with outstanding reputation throughout Europe. How much are we on par a with Europe? Are we behind \u2013 or perhaps ahead \u2013 in the domain of robotics development and application?\n\nThe Mihajlo Pupin Institute\u2019s Robotics Laboratory is one of the world\u2019s oldest robotics laboratories. It was founded in 1967 by academician Miomir Vukobratovic, a world-renowned robotics and one of the pioneers in the field of robotics. In keeping with the rich history and scientific results achieved in the laboratory\u2019s 50 years of existence, the Robotics Laboratory is one of the most successful centers of excellence in this field – not only in Europe but also in the world. Many famous robotics cite the works and results of our valued associates.\nOur laboratory experienced a difficult period during the 1990s, when we shared the fate of our nation and literally struggled to survive. In that period, we lost a significant number of our outstanding associates who today are renowned scientists and leading managers on all continents. Nevertheless, the Robotics Laboratory survived, and it continues its efforts with notable success as an equal partner to leading European academic institutions in international\nprojects with Germany, China, France…\n\n\nOn the national level, the Robotics Laboratory is promoted on regular basis through new technological innovations and projects that are challenging even for much more developed European countries. The Laboratory\u2019s associates have knowledge and skills that are far from behind that of their colleagues in developed European countries, which is why we are always invited to participate in various scientific boards and expert committees. We could say that we mainly lag behind in the availability of tools and devices since the science of robotics is very demanding. We manage to overcome this handicap thanks to international networking by testing our knowledge and results in collaboration with our colleagues and partners from wealthier Western universities.\nFortunately, this model works well and \u2013 until conditions improve \u2013 enables us to be very productive and noticed on Europe\u2019s research map.\nThe Mihajlo Pupin Institute\u2019s Robotics Laboratory, which is under your management, is a member of EURON and EUROP. Taking into account your international reputation, knowledge, and experience, last year you had the honour \u2013 as well as responsibility \u2013 of hosting RAAD in Belgrade. Can you tell us more about the event and the participants\u2019 impressions?\nThanks to our very active commitment to international cooperation \u2013 both with European scientific institutions and with Chinese universities \u2013 we have earned good international standing and joined several international scientific committees. As a result, last year (2016) we hosted the biggest scientific robotics event that ever took place in Serbia. The event was\nthe noteworthy 25th International Conference on Robotics in Alpe-Adria-Danube Region (RAAD2016).\n\n\nThe event brought together around 80 robotics experts – mostly from Europe, in addition to guests from Japan and the US. The two-day event\u2019s participants enjoyed interesting lectures, as well as an exciting social and entertainment program. The conference slogan was \u201cConference on the Danube River\u201d, which placed emphasis on the beauty of our country and Belgrade and the Danube\u2019s European significance in connecting people and scientists in the region.\nThis year\u2019s RAAD2017 was held in Turin (Italy) and many of our colleagues from abroad noted the great success of the past year\u2019s conference in Belgrade with lots of emotions and good memories. It is nice to hear such praise because it contributes to Serbia having greater authority internationally.\n\nWhat is the most important project you are currently working on?\n\nIt\u2019s hard to say which project is currently the most important for us, considering that we are working on several at the same time. Financially, these definitely include projects that result in new devices intended for the market. This summer we were very active in promoting our new portable robotic solar generator – an irrigation device that uses renewable energy sources. Our goal was to provide Serbia with a technologically advanced device that would mitigate the consequences of this year\u2019s drought in a relatively short period of time.\nOn the other hand, we have two projects that are currently the most important in terms of science and technology. The first one concerns the development of an underwater robot for the Danube and Sava rivers that is designed to help in rescue operations as well as in ecological and underwater archeological efforts. We are working on the second project in collaboration with the Anhui Province\u2019s university. Together, we are tackling the development of a remote-controlled, solar-powered, mobile ecological service robot, which is meant to be used for prevention and first response in industrial hazards and natural disasters. These robots are highly sought after in today\u2019s world – especially after the nuclear disaster in Fukushima.\n\nOur scientists have specific knowledge in designing these systems, but unfortunately Serbia offers no opportunities to finance such projects and we have to manage in collaboration with\ninternational partners.\nHave you ever worked on robots used in the travel industry?\nFrankly, not yet, but we do have an interesting project in store concerning the development of robot dragons \u2013 a technological version of these mythological creatures. This robot should serve as a meeting ground \u2013 a tool that will breathe new life into the legends of the Danubian dragons from the tales of the regional peoples. Our main idea is to use this project to connect these living Danube legends and create a new tourist route in the Danubian countries, which would be called \u201cThe Trail of the Danube Dragon Legends\u201d. Robotics is such a wide, interdisciplinary scientific field that has enormous technological and economic, cultural, and social potential. This should be used to fuel the regional economies.\n\nAre there any robots made in Serbia that could be used \u2013 or perhaps rented \u2013 for event planning? Or any that have the potential for something like this?\nAs far as I know, there is still no such thing at the moment, but irons are in the fire. Because of the lack of financial resources and interest among industrial enterprises, this idea is progressing slowly, but it will certainly be come to fruition. This is indeed an area of our interest and the goal of a research and development project that we will start in a few months with some segments of the work already completed.\nWhere is the sentient robot project currently at?\nMathematical models and algorithms for the microprocessor implementation have been developed. We are now verifying the results in experiments in Germany, with our partners from the University of Kaiserslautern. Several of our and German PhD students are involved in this project. However, during the peak of our project, we lost a couple of research associates who went abroad in search of better working conditions. This is our biggest stumbling block. As soon as our young experts finish training and become self-sufficient professionally, we \u201close\u201d them. That is the reason why things move slower than they could and would otherwise.\nWhich is the most interesting robot you\u2019ve ever come across?\nFor me personally, that would be a Japanese reconfigurable robot that changes its movement mode from locomotion on uneven ground to wheels on asphalt surface. Depending on the terrain and friction, the robot changes its movement mode by turning its \u201cfeet\u201d and switching from wheels to spider-like movement \u2013 a hexapod. Biology as inspiration is always very appealing and effective in robotics.\nThe post To Be a Robot in Serbia appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2017-11-07T16:40:12+01:00", "date_modified": "2017-11-20T10:19:15+01:00", "author": { "name": "Milica Novak", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/author/milicanovak/", "avatar": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/Milica-Novak.jpg" }, "image": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/RAAD-2016.jpg", "tags": [ "Aleksandar Rodic", "mihajilo pupin institute", "robotics laboratory in belgrade", "Robots", "Interviews", "NEWS" ] }, { "id": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/robots-replacing-hotel-personnel-in-japan/", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/robots-replacing-hotel-personnel-in-japan/", "title": "Robots Replacing Hotel Personnel in Japan", "content_html": "These robots will be working at the\u00a0front desk, in housekeeping, and they will talk with guests, as well.
\nThe hotel guests will enter\u00a0their rooms using face recognition technology, and they will be able to ask hotel personnel for\u00a0anything they need using tablets.
\nThe rooms won\u2019t have AC, but instead they\u2019ll be equipped\u00a0with devices that will read the guest\u2019s body temperature and then adjust the temperature in\u00a0the room accordingly.
\nThe hotel will have 72 rooms, and the price of stay will vary, depending\u00a0on demand since the rooms will be auctioned off to guests. At the hotel opening, the starting price of a single room will be EUR 53, while the guests\u00a0who seek a bit more luxury will have to spend some more money at the auctioning. The hotel management plans to add 72 more rooms in 2016.
\nThe post Robots Replacing Hotel Personnel in Japan appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.
\n", "content_text": "On 17th July 2015, a hotel named Strange (Hen-na) will open its door in Japan, and most of the\u00a0jobs will be done by robots that look like human beings.\nThese robots will be working at the\u00a0front desk, in housekeeping, and they will talk with guests, as well.\nThe hotel guests will enter\u00a0their rooms using face recognition technology, and they will be able to ask hotel personnel for\u00a0anything they need using tablets.\nThe rooms won\u2019t have AC, but instead they\u2019ll be equipped\u00a0with devices that will read the guest\u2019s body temperature and then adjust the temperature in\u00a0the room accordingly.\nThe hotel will have 72 rooms, and the price of stay will vary, depending\u00a0on demand since the rooms will be auctioned off to guests. At the hotel opening, the starting price of a single room will be EUR 53, while the guests\u00a0who seek a bit more luxury will have to spend some more money at the auctioning. The hotel management plans to add 72 more rooms in 2016.\nThe post Robots Replacing Hotel Personnel in Japan appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2015-07-08T09:42:28+02:00", "date_modified": "2017-01-04T16:34:42+01:00", "author": { "name": "Mirjana Novitovic", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/author/officebs/", "avatar": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/slika-.jpg" }, "image": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/roboti-3.jpg", "tags": [ "Hen-na hotel", "japan", "Robots", "OMG... Really?!" ] } ] }