Editor’s message Editorial Vice President of Communications and Publications, Editor Brett Davis davis@auvsi.org Managing Editor Danielle Lucey lucey@auvsi.org
W
ith this issue of Mission Critical, AUVSI delves into a new world of unmanned systems use, one that
will likely become familiar to all in coming years.
Associate Editor Stephanie Levy slevy@auvsi.org Contributing Writer Magnus Bennett
Senior Advertising and Marketing Manager Lisa Fick fick@auvsi.org +1 571 255 7779
A publication of
one flaw that robots don’t: You can’t con-
We’ve all heard about the soldiers oper-
tinue a conversation as you walk down a
ating ground robots in Afghanistan and
hallway.
Iraq and about the eyes in the sky that unmanned aircrafts provide. The technology that makes that possible is also making its way into the home and into the office, and
Advertising
Brett Davis
particularly into the field of health care.
Unmanned systems technology doesn’t have to stay at the doctor’s office or at the workplace — it can follow you home. We take a look at “smart houses,” domiciles infused with sensors that allow them to moni-
In the near future, the phrase “the doctor
tor the health and safety of the occupants
will see you now,” may not mean that the
inside. Elements of the household can be
doctor will be in the same room. In fact, he
controlled from touch pads or phones, and
or she could be thousands of miles, even a
the homes can even come equipped with
continent, away. Using telepresence robots
household robots that automatically go
would allow a human doctor to cater to far-
about their chores. Smart houses and tele-
flung patients, which could be a particular
presence robots will also allow the elderly
boon in areas where transportation is dif-
to stay in their homes longer and in better
ficult.
health. Relatives can visit virtually from far
Robotic surgery has made great strides in
away.
recent years. Not only does it allow sur-
Of course, there are plenty of challenges
geons to be more precise, it shortens the
before this future becomes a reality. The
recovery time for patients. The technology
technology must be more reliable so public
could eventually allow surgery to be done
acceptance can be earned; some job shifts
remotely, broadening the reach of caregiv-
may occur, which always provokes anxiety;
ers even further. When mankind begins to
and the cost must be brought down. Such
travel away from Earth, such technology
shifts have already happened as a result of
Executive Vice President Gretchen West
won’t just be nice to have — it will be a
the computer revolution, and there’s no rea-
requirement.
son to think they can’t happen again with
AUVSI Headquarters 2700 South Quincy Street, Suite 400 Arlington, VA 22206 USA +1 703 845 9671 info@auvsi.org www.auvsi.org
This technology isn’t limited to the medical
President and CEO Michael Toscano
robotic systems.
profession. Businesses can use it, too. We
Stay tuned for our next issue, which will
look at a study of how telepresence robots
look at unmanned systems that take on the
can be used by a business with global hubs
dull, dirty, dangerous and difficult mission
and spokes. Meetings at such places have
of exploration, whether for scientific knowl-
traditionally been handled by telephone or
edge, oil and gas development, or monitor-
video conferencing systems, but they have
ing wildlife.
Mission Critical
•
Fall 2011
5