EDITORIAL: Is There A Smart Machine In Your Future?

A "Robotics and Intelligent Machines for the U.S. DOE" Roadmap was created in 1998 to identify RIM (robotics and intelligent machines) goals and the research needed to achieve those goals by the year 2020. A national initiative called for focusing and strengthening research in intelligent systems to strengthen the entire industry-currently, U.S. companies lead the world in sensory devices and algorithms. Intelligent machines use advanced sensory devices to collect information about their environment and use sophisticated algorithms to respond to the information. The initiative to build a U.S. intelligent machines industry stemmed from the U.S. Department of Energy's missions needs related to energy, environment and defense. RIM science also will benefit industry and society.

Four basic technology areas of DOE-sponsored RIM research are perception, action/motion, reasoning and integration systems. RIM R&D will require scientists and engineers from widely cross-cutting technological disciplines including computer science, mathematics and physics, as well as environmental, electrical and mechanical engineering. Bringing together various segments of the robotics industry including researchers, developers, materials experts, components and equipment suppliers, manufacturers and distributors, as well as defense and commercial customers is the job of the Robotics and Intelligent Machines Cooperative Council (RIMCC). The council also hopes to open new market opportunities for producers and suppliers. Intelligent machines are expected to be an all-new multibillion-dollar industry for the U.S.