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Show your campu/ A4 MONDAY-NOVEMBER 7• 2005 UVS robotics program improving Jon Long News Writer A piece of the future has made its way to UVS in the form of robotics. Recently the Computer Networking Service Department was awarded funding to improve their current robotics program. In the last five years, computer technology has had a major effect on the world we live in, and new research seems to lean toward the development of artificial intelligence. Robotics seems likely to be the vehicle for A.I., imagine a robot that teaches it and other robots simple tasks. Professors and students of the CNS Department will be creating software and building robots that will expand their research to start exploring these concepts. Currently the school is offering an advanced robotics class for seniors of the Computer Science Department to build and teach robots how to play soccer. The future goal of the CNS department, though, is to allow students from all departments the opportunity to interact in these types of robotics classes, beginning at a sophomore level. Robotics is a developing science that borrows strongly from other studies, not just engineering and computer science. For example, anatomy plays a role by lending human blueprints to current and future designs in the construction of robots. Psychology and communications play a part by mapping out how robots can communicate and the interpretation of a robot's action. "People study robots because they don't do what you want them to do," said Dr. Curtis Welborn, Assistant Professor in the CNS department and former NASA employee. "Robots are a fascinating phenomenon of a mechanized society. Yet, only recently has the robotic scientific community been able to create a robot that can travel around uneven ground without getting lost, stuck or falling over and breaking. The reality of robotics is a far cry from the robots bent on world domination depicted in such movies as the Terminator and the Matrix." Most of the work is still trial and error, but incredible progress has been made over just the last year. The Desert Race Challenge, for example, is held annually; robots and their designers compete in a 131-desert mile race. This year many robots finished the entire race in less than 10 hours, compared to last year when no robot made it past the eightmile marker. Welborn is trying to get the word out about the soon-to-be enhanced robotics program to encourage students from all sciences that might be interested in the chance to participate. While the program is still being put together as of now, beginning next year sophomores will be able to enroll in the classes. Now funded by UVSC, the robotics program has the chance to shake off the dust from the small time operation that it has been, and begin to give students that are interested in robotics a chance to work and put theory into practical use. Courtcs, jr,j.)liic/lynxmotion.com brief// volunteer opportunitie/ Red Cross The American Red Cross Club would like to thank all students who donated blood. Overall, 180 units were collected total. If you did not have a chance to donate and would like to, another blood drive will be held the beginning of December. Also The American Red Cross Club is looking for freshman and sophomores who are interested in executive officer positions and the club president position to replace the graduating seniors. For more information contact Frank Lunsford at (801) 427-9600 or via email at texasbullride71 @yahoo.com Hunger Banquet The Hunger Banquet, November 8, 6:30 p.m. in the Sorensen Student Center Ballroom will bring people together to learn about hunger and homelessness issues in Utah, the United States, and the world. Come and experience a unique banquet that will change your view of hunger. Tickets are available at Campus Connection. They are $5 in advance and $8 at the door. All proceeds benefit the Food and Care Coalition. Special entertainment provided by the Polynesian dance group Legacy. For more information contact the Center for Service and Learning at SC 101, 863-8786, or volunteer@uvsc.edu. Sub-For-Santa Sub For Santa Sponsors are needed for our Sub-For-Santa families. To receive more information on how you can be a Sub-For-Santa sponsor please contact the Center for Service and Learning at 863-8786 or volunteer@uvsc.edu. Outdoor project volunteers Orem City needs volunteers to help with a variety of outdoor projects. If you are interested please contact Cody Fowler at 724-3566 or cjfowler@orem.org First Night Provo^ First Night Provo 2006 needs volunteers to help with Provo's New Year's Eve downtown celebration. Volunteers are needed to work two-hour shifts starting from 5:00 p.m. to midnight. All volunteers receive free entrance passports to all activities, free t-shirts, and free food! If interested please contact Deann Huish at 920-7747 or deann@builderfusion.com V lymabean voice/: Have you ever double booked a date? "I went on two dates in one night but it was with the same person. I haven't really double booked one though." —Tori Walker Major: undecided Spanish speaking volunteers The Volunteer Care Clinic is looking for Spanish-speaking volunteers on Tuesday evenings to provide health information to patients at the clinic. A background in social work or knowledge of community resources would be helpful but is not necessary. No medical background is necessary. Volunteers would work with patients to determine their needs and provide information on various health issues and community resources. To volunteer or for more information contact Stephanie at 374-8108. RAH! Volunteers Volunteers are needed to assist with scheduled recreational activities and programs at RAH! Assist and socialize with participants, as well as serve food, set up and clean up. Contact Cheryl at 3748074 to volunteer. Feel the difference. GOLPBSIGN Brigham's Landing • Provo • 377-3040 Transportation needed The Central Utah Center for Independent Living is looking for individuals with a commercial driver's license to drive buses to and from activities on a substitute basis. Without this transportation, many clients would not be able to participate in activities. The volunteer would only be needed if the regular driver were not available. Contact Sandra Curcio at 373-5044 for more information. "No, I haven't because I am better at planning." — Ryan Moore Major: Business |