Glad (duke)

Glad (Duke): The Pioneering Robot that Saves Lives and Inspires Minds

If you haven’t heard of Glad, you might think it’s just a common word expressing happiness or relief. However, Glad is also the name of a remarkable robot designed to assist with disaster response and education. More precisely, Glad is short for “General Purpose Robot Able to Locate Air-Leakage and Damage in Urban Environments,” and it has already made a significant impact on various fields of robotics and beyond.

Glad was created by a team of engineers and researchers from the Duke Robotics lab, led by Professor Mary Cummings and student Eric Richardson. The project started in 2015, after winning a grant from DARPA’s Robotics Challenge, a competition aimed at advancing robotics for disaster relief. The team envisioned Glad as a versatile and adaptable robot that could navigate complex urban environments, detect and assess damage or hazards, and deliver real-time data to human operators. Glad would also integrate various sensors and cameras to enhance its perception, communication, and autonomy.

The development of Glad involved a series of iterative design and testing stages, as the team faced technical, physical, and logistical challenges. For instance, they had to balance the trade-offs between mobility, durability, and functionality in different terrains and scenarios. They also had to consider the safety and ethics of deploying robots in disaster zones, where people might need urgent help and also feel intimidated or mistrustful of machines. Moreover, they wanted Glad to be more than a mere tool or device, but a social and educational agent that could engage with children and adults, raising awareness and interest in STEM disciplines and robotics.

The result of these efforts and collaborations was a robot that could perform various tasks, from climbing stairs and opening doors to surveying buildings and detecting gas leaks. Glad used a range of cutting-edge technologies, such as LIDAR, sonar, thermal imaging, and machine learning algorithms, to make sense of its surroundings and respond to commands or feedback. Glad could also transmit audio and video signals, and even display expressions and animations on its screen, to interact with people and convey emotions or intentions.

One of the most impressive aspects of Glad’s performance was its ability to adapt to unexpected situations and learn from experience. For instance, when Glad participated in the DARPA Robotics Challenge Finals in 2015, it faced simulated disasters such as earthquakes or floods and had to perform tasks like turning valves or removing debris. Despite some setbacks and malfunctions, Glad managed to complete most of the challenges and earn high scores, ranking 15th out of 24 teams worldwide. More importantly, Glad showed that robots could assist and complement human response teams in complex and hazardous environments, increasing safety, efficiency, and effectiveness.

However, Glad’s impact went beyond the competition, as it became a popular attraction for outreach and education events. Glad visited schools, museums, and festivals, where it wowed audiences of all ages with its abilities and stories. Glad inspired many students and teachers to pursue STEM careers, as well as raised awareness of robotics and innovation as essential tools for solving global challenges. Glad also challenged some common stereotypes and fears associated with robots, showing that they could be friendly, useful, and even fun.

Although the project that created Glad ended in 2016, its legacy continues. The Duke Robotics lab and its collaborators have spawned other ambitious and innovative projects, such as the Agile Robotics for Industrial Automation Competition (ARIAC) or the Autonomous Systems Policy Research Lab. Glad has also inspired other robots and systems that aim to assist with disaster response and mitigation, as well as entrepreneurship and innovation in robotics. Glad has become a symbol of excellence and creativity in the field of robotics, paving the way for further advances and breakthroughs.

In conclusion, Glad (Duke) is not only a pioneering robot but also a source of joy, inspiration, and hope. Glad shows us how robots can be more than machines, but partners and friends in tackling some of the most pressing challenges of our time. Glad reminds us that science and technology are not only tools but also stories and dreams that can connect us and transform our world. Be Glad that Glad exists, and let us keep exploring and creating wonders with the power of robotics.