See the robotic arms from FESTO

PORTLAND, Ore. (February 20, 2018) - Opening on March 17 at The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), Robot Revolution, supported by Google.org, explores how robots will ultimately be our companions and colleagues, changing how we play, live and work together.

The exhibit comes to life with a collection of cutting-edge robots from some of the most innovative global robotics companies and universities. Guests will have the opportunity to interact with robots that are rarely seen by the public, as they step into a visionary world where robots are not just a curiosity, but a vital asset.

"Robotics is a fascinating area of science today because scientists and engineers are constantly pushing the boundaries in their efforts to create new possibilities," said Nancy Stueber, president and CEO of OMSI. "In advocating for informed action, we offer our guests information so they can make their own evidence-based choices, which is why I'm so excited about this opportunity for people to interact with such a wide range of robots. I hope our guests come away from this experience with a deeper understanding of how robots are becoming an integral part of our world."

From Yume Robo, the climbing robot that traverses up and down a ladder, to the Recon Scout(R) Throwbot(R) XT that can be thrown into a dangerous situation to collect vital information, guests will be awed by the breakthroughs and capabilities of these machines.

The exhibit features four areas that delve into various aspects of robotics and offer specific hands-on activities with amazing robots, as well as dynamic videos that feature Dr. Dennis Hong, professor and founding director of RoMeLa (Robotics & Mechanisms Laboratory).

Areas include:

Cooperation: Discover how engineering breakthroughs help create robots that work with humans effectively to enhance our lives. See EMYS mimic your own facial expressions with its advanced facial-coding technology. Get charmed by PARO(R), the furry baby seal therapy robot, which has sensors that can respond to your touch. Try your hand at a surgical training simulation to see what it's like to perform a robotic surgery. See a robot exoskeleton that augments physical strength and can be used by those who are paralyzed. Watch soccer 'bots cooperate with each other as they compete in a game.

Smarts: Identify how these machines are able to sense, plan and then act, while comparing and contrasting the ways in which humans and robots learn. ROBOTIS-OP is able to follow your face and make eye contact using its visual tracking software. The UR5 robot arm conceals an extraordinary ability to learn. Instead of writing code, you simply move the arm, and the robot learns to repeat the movements.

Skills: Learn about the skills robots possess that mimic and often surpass human capabilities. Experiment with various advanced robot "grippers" to select and pick up objects. See how the Fanuc delta robot can select and sort items with precision and speed. A Yaskwawa/Motoman dual-arm robot can challenge you to a game of 21, while Baxter, a robot developed to work alongside humans in factory settings, can play you and a friend in simultaneous games of tic-tac-toe.

Locomotion: Explore the varieties of ways that robots can move and how they can offer humans access to places we could never venture ourselves. Test ROBOTIS-MINI's ability to put one foot in front of the other and control its balance. Meet THES, a snake-like 'bot that can crawl through pipes and alert humans to leaks or system damages. Learn how TOPY OSCAR can climb up and down stairs with its long rubber treads.

There is also a chance to create a 'bot for yourself: Assemble the basic components of a robot using Cubelets and see what you can get it to do!

Robot Revolution runs from March 17 - September 3. Tickets to this exhibit, which include general museum admission, are $19.75 for adults, $13.50 for youth (ages 3-13), and $15.75 for seniors (ages 63+). Prices for OMSI Members are $5 for adults, $3.25 for youth, and $4.25 for seniors. Guests can purchase tickets online at omsi.edu, via phone at 503.797.4000 or in person at the museum.

Robot Revolution is supported by Google.org with additional support from The Boeing Company, RACO Industrial, The David Bohnett Foundation, The Kaplan Foundation and United Airlines.

U.S. Bank and Mentor Graphics are major sponsors of Robot Revolution at OMSI. For more information, visit www.omsi.edu.

About Robot Revolution
The exhibit was created by the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago's (MSI) exhibit development team, who worked with a renowned group of robotics experts to offer insight on exhibit content. This team of advisors includes lead advisor Dr. Henrik I. Christensen, KUKA Chair of Robotics at the College of Computing of Georgia Institute of Technology and executive director of the Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Machines, as well as Dr. Dennis Hong, professor and founding director of RoMeLa (Robotics & Mechanisms Laboratory) of the Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Department at UCLA.
Robot Revolution is supported by Google.org with additional support from The Boeing Company, RACO Industrial, The David Bohnett Foundation, The Kaplan Foundation and United Airlines. MSI is grateful to the Japanese External Trade Organization (JETRO), the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers-Robotics and Automation Society (IEEE RAS) and ITA, Inc. for their assistance with the development of this exhibit.

About OMSI
Founded in 1944, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is one of the nation's leading science museums, a world-class tourist attraction, and an award-winning educational resource for the kid in each of us. OMSI operates the largest museum-based outdoor science education program in the country and provides traveling and community outreach programs that bring science learning opportunities to schools and community organizations in every county in Oregon and throughout the region. OMSI is located at 1945 SE Water Avenue, Portland, OR 97214. For general information, call 503.797.4000 or visit omsi.edu.