Communications of the ACM
Rutgers Robotic Study Finds Way to Measure Contaminants in Paint
Rutgers University and ExxonMobil researchers have developed a system that can identify potentially harmful contaminants in paint.
Credit: Wikimedia
Researchers at Rutgers University and ExxonMobil have developed a robotic system that can identify potentially harmful contaminants in paint.
The researchers used a robotic arm to paint drywall; the system then acquired air samples during and after the painting to test for contaminants, also known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
One of advantages of using a robotic system for such a task is that VOCs, which can be found in paint, have been shown to cause various health problems, including headaches, eye irritation, and liver or kidney damage. The robot does not inhale any of the chemicals being monitored, providing a safer testing ground for researchers.
Before the study, the researchers created a simulation of the motion of painting the drywall. This motion was installed in the robot so it could execute it precisely in real time.
From Daily Targum (NJ)
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