SRI's Taurus Robot RSVPs to Robot Block Party at Stanford University

MENLO PARK, Calif., April 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- SRI International will demonstrate its Taurus dexterous telemanipulation robot at the Robot Block Party to be held at Stanford University's Volkswagen Automotive Innovation Lab (VAIL) on Wednesday, April 11, from 1 to 6 p.m.

The demonstration will feature SRI researchers using an advanced controller with a 3D HD display to guide Taurus in grasping and manipulating objects. SRI designed Taurus for bomb squad technicians to remotely engage with improvised explosive devices. It enables surgical-like precision in a modular, portable, compact frame.

The Robot Block Party is a free event that celebrates Silicon Valley's robotics contributions and aims to inspire students of all ages to pursue careers in robotics and other science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)-related fields. The event is part of the third annual National Robotics Week, organized by Silicon Valley Robotics, a grassroots organization representing the Bay Area's dynamic cluster of robotics companies. The block party is one of numerous events planned nationwide to showcase robotics and educate the public about how robotics technology impacts society.

Robotic technologies now and in the future will also be featured at SRI during the Xconomy Forum: The Future of Robotics in Silicon Valley and Beyond, on Thursday, May 3 from 1 to 5 p.m. at SRI's headquarters in Menlo Park. For more information about the Xconomy Forum, visit: http://xconomyforum50.eventbrite.com/

SRI's Taurus robot is based upon work funded by the Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate under Contract No. HSHQDC-10-C-00118.

About SRI International

Silicon Valley-based SRI International, a nonprofit research and development organization, performs sponsored R&D for governments, businesses, and foundations. SRI brings its innovations to the market- place through technology licensing, new products, and spin-off ventures. SRI is known for world-changing innovations in computing, health and pharmaceuticals, chemistry and materials, sensing, energy, education, national defense, and more.

SOURCE SRI International