"Steve, described by his designers as "completely
autonomous in a highly complex environment", comes to
life when his pupils put on a virtual reality helmet and
gloves.
The helmet includes a screen which allows the learner to
see into a three-dimensional, computer-generated world,
and the gloves include sensors which allow Steve's
pupils to move and 'hold' items in this virtual
environment.
The teaching robots, which the university says never get
tired and never make mistakes, are part of a project
providing for the training needs of the United States Navy.
For example, Steve can show a group of users how to
perform tasks in an engine room, showing what should
be done and then giving instructions and answering
questions from his students as they attempt to copy the robot figure."
DS Hendler, Assistant Instructor
University of Texas, Austin
"Singing is what makes the work go better. When you're singing, you forget."