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A cockroach-inspired robot

While cockroaches are public enemy No. 1 for many pest management professionals, this pest has proven to be an ideal model for cutting-edge research being performed at leading universities.

Cockroaches are an integral part of the research performed at the Biologically Inspired Robotics Lab at Case Western Reserve University under the direction of Dr. Roger Quinn and in collaboration with Dr. Roy Ritzmann. This lab uses data from biological organisms such as the deathhead cockroach (Blaberus discoidalis) and crickets to create robots that can flexibly traverse irregular terrain.

Case robotic researcher Dan Kingsley explains why cockroaches make such outstanding robotic models. "A cockroach uses its legs for different purposes — the front legs are dexterous like our arms and are used for sensing, reaching, climbing and turning and the rear legs are used for propulsion," he says. "We wanted to model a robot after something robust and agile. Insects are remarkable creatures."

Case robotic researchers’ most recent creation is Robot V (Ajax), a robot based on the deathhead cockroach, which has six legs: two small front legs, two larger middle legs, and two large, powerful back legs. It also has the cockroach’s shoulder motion, and artificial muscles that work using compressed air. Unlike cockroaches, which have 42 joints, Robot V has only 24 joints, which were chosen based on studies in Ritzmann’s lab that indicate these are the most important for locomotion.

"We were able to achieve 95% of the motion with 24 joints," Kingsley said.

Robotic cockroaches also serve as models for understanding the mechanics of biological systems. For example, biologists in Ritzmann’s lab wanted to find out if and how cockroaches used a joint between their trochanter and femur segments. Modeling indicated that this joint could be used for climbing and subsequent high speed video analysis showed that this is the case. A 25:1 mechanical model of a cockroach front leg was constructed that included all of its joints and segments. This model has been used to understand and explain how the cockroach front leg functions.

Funding for this project comes from a variety of sources, notably the Ohio Aerospace Institute, NASA and the United States Air Force and Navy. Kingsley says the ultimate goal of Case’s research is to develop robots that can be used to explore rough terrains like planets, and also to create robots that can be used for purposes such as search and rescue and mine disposal. — Brad Harbison

[Book Review] Rich Dad Poor Dad

Most people know how to work for money, but far fewer know how to make money work for them. That is one main theme of Rich Dad Poor Dad, by Robert T. Kiyosaki and Sharon L. Lechter. A No. 1 New York Times bestseller, the book is about how to be financially successful and is based on Kiyosaki’s own experiences.

"Rich Dad Poor Dad is the kind of book you want to buy and give to each of your kids once they are about 10 years old or older," said Danny Myers, owner of Myers Pest & Termite Services, Euless, Texas. "Instead of teaching your kids how to play it safe financially, it shows you how to teach them to play it smart."

Myers said the book taught him that he must continue sharpening his financial skills, focus on growing his assets in order to reach his goals, and control his own financial destiny. His favorite part of the book (which was given to him by his wife for Father’s Day) is chapter nine, "Getting Started." It discusses how people need to see the big-picture reasons for working. "Without a strong reason or sense of purpose, anything in life is hard," Myers said. "You must have a deep-seated emotional reason to reach your goals, move forward, and deal with difficult times."

Another thing that stood out to Myers from that particular chapter was the philosophy that when people feel a need for something, they should give what they want and it will be reciprocated. "That is true for money, a smile, or even love," Myers said.

The book relates to many issues that he faces daily in growing his pest control business, Myers said. He finds the book to be inspirational, and he would recommend it to PCOs, as well as to anyone who wants to learn how to make their money work for them. Everyone needs to understand how money works, he said.

"Rich Dad Poor Dad is an interesting and easy book to read," Myers said. "It offers a very common sense approach, and key messages in how to gain control of your financial future. I wish I would have read this book 20 years ago!"

To win a copy of Rich Dad Poor Dad, log onto www.pctonline.com/novemberbook. — Marisa Peters