Robot Helps People Get Dressed

Robot Helps People Get Dressed Robot Helps People Get Dressed Robot Helps People Get DressedEvery January at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, wzu siche some 200,000 business leaders and forward thinkers gather to view the newest technologies, there is always interest in when robots as versatile household assistants may become reality.Thus far journalists typically report that despite all the flashy gadgets and promises made, the feasibility of a multi-purpose household robot to serve as a reliable and affordable butler-chef-cleaner-fetcher-etc. is much further in the future than many would imagine.That doesnt mean engineers arent making considerable progress in robotics in areas they believe will make life easier and better, especially for the more than 1 million Americans who need extra help in performing everyday physical tasks, such as older adults, wounded veterans, and people who have suffered a stroke or debilitating injury.In May, researchers from Georgia Tech prese nted a paper, Deep Haptic Model Predictive Control for Robot-Assisted Dressing, at the International Conference on Robotics Automation about a robot they created that may help people who require daily physical assistance getting dressed. The robot uses haptics, rather than vision, to help it guide a hospital gown onto a persons hand, around the elbow, and onto the shoulder.For You Robots Make Self-Repairing Cities PossiblePR2 helps a human participant get into a hospital gownThe work is being done in Associate Professor Charlie Kemps healthcare robotics lab, using a Willow Garage PR2 research robot. The lead Georgia Tech Ph.D. student on the team, Zackory Erickson, said the robot taught itself to slide a hospital gown on a persons arm by analyzing nearly 11,000 simulated examples to learn what it feels like to be the human receiving assistance. From this simulation of both successes and failures, the robot learned to estimate the optimal force. Doing a similar number of trials on h umans could have been dangerous as well as very time-consuming, Erickson says.However, one of the biggest engineering challenges was setting up a simulation the robot could learn from and still transfer to the real world, he says. Simulation is a very crude approximation of the real world. When you run a simulation, you have to model whats going to happen in the real world, Erickson says.The team chose haptics as the sensorial method and simulation for learning for a couple of reasons. One of the challenging aspects of robots helping with dressing is that they cant directly binnensee whats happening since clothing typically hides a persons body, Kemp says. Another challenge is that doing a good job depends on the forces felt by the person. Too much force can result in discomfort. In the real world, our robot doesnt have direct access to what a person is feeling. Yet in the simulated world where our robot learns, it can directly measure the forces applied to the person.He notesthat t he team chose a hospital gown because its a widely used standard clothing item in healthcare and that many steps of dressing are similar to pulling a tube of material over a body part. After the simulated learning, the robot moved on to performing the action on humans, which took about 10 seconds.Erickson sayswhat makes this work differently from past efforts is that the robot takes a human perspective. Other work typically takes a robot-centric approach where the machine thinks about its actions and how its going to succeed. It doesnt take into consideration what impact its going to have on the person. As the robot is pulling the gown on someones body, its trying to estimate based on what it feels on its fingertips, what is the person feeling on his or her body, he says.As part of the learning, the robot can predict the consequences of moving the gown in different ways. Some motions made the gown taut, pulling hard against the persons body. Other movements slid the gown smoothly. T he robot uses these predictions to select motions that comfortably dress the arm, Erickson says.The researchers also varied the timing of the robots thinking and actions to allow it to think as much as a fifth of a second into the future while strategizing about its next move. Less than that caused the robot to fail more often.Kemp is happy with the progress and is optimistic that some of the approaches and principles will be broadly applicable wherever robots are intelligently interacting with people and the world. Weve taught a robot to predict the physical implications of its actions during a complex physical process, he says.The work has also shown that you dont have to have an incredibly high-fidelity, physics-based simulator to teach a robot how to do useful things, he says. One of the challenges is how to strike that balance between the fidelity of the simulation and the computational requirements.But there is still much to be done. Dressing is a much more complex task than s ome other activities of daily living Kemps lab has worked on, such as shaving or feeding. In terms of dressing, weve worked with a hospital gown and putting one sleeve of one arm of the gown on a persons arm. You can imagine there are still a ways to go with just that task. Were working on more on that, Kemp says.The team is also looking at some other simulation-based approaches to facilitate testing with people with disabilities.Thats something extremely important because just as testing in the real world is very important, if you actually want people with disabilities to benefit, you have to test it with people with disabilities. Otherwise you dont know. More broadly, Im optimistic that in the long run, robots can help other people manage in their daily lives, Kemp says. Maybe help people that are just a bit tired and want help around the house.Nancy S. Giges is an independent writer.Read MoreInsect-Sized Robot Takes FlightRobots Enhance Artists VisionCreative Teaching Prepares St udents for Engineering For Further DiscussionMore broadly, Im optimistic that in the long run, robots can help other people manage in their daily lives. Prof. Charlie Kemp, Georgia Tech and Emory University

Close Deals With Our General Maintenance Worker Resume Template for Word

Close Deals With Our General Maintenance Worker Resume schablone for WordClose Deals With Our General Maintenance Worker Resume Template for WordIntroductionA lot of great work is available if you are looking for something in maintenance. Before you get ready for a new job, you are going to have to impress a hiring manager first. This is accomplished through writing an informative resume. An example of this is the general maintenance worker resume template for Word provided below. Continue reading to find more guidelines about the best resume writing practices, and before you know it, you will be writing your own summary statement, work history, skills, and education sections.General Maintenance Worker Resume Template for Word Trevor StevensonNashville, TN 11111E trevorstevensonanymail.com T 555 HardCertification from the American Association of General Contractor 2014High School Diploma 2010East High School

Listening to Women#8217;s Guts

Listening to Women#8217;s Guts Listening to Women#8217;s Guts A new study from CareerBuilder paid attention to the persistent feelings of female workers.   Although these interviewed employees did not always have access to all the facts, many strongly suspected that their male counterparts received significantly more money and respect than they did. According to the study, thirty-eight percent of female workers said they feel they are paid less than male counterparts with the same skills and experience, up from 34 percent in 2008 when the survey was last conducted, and up from 31 percent in 2003. Also, the nagging feeling of injustice is not limited to paychecks.   An even greater number of women think that men have more career advancement opportunities within their organizations.     Women were also likely to feel like men were more frequently recognized for their achievements.   A little praise and gratitude can go a long way, but apparently, women are expected to continue along without the same amount of recognition. Women suspected that among the reasons men were more likely to receive better positions was because men sought after bonding with management.   According to CareerBuilders press release, one-third of women attributed the disparity in pay and career advancement to the fact that they dont rub elbows or schmooze with management as much as men.

These are the most (and least) diverse states in the country

These are the most (and least) diverse states in the country These are the most (and least) diverse states in the country New data from WalletHub shows that California is the most diverse state in the country, with a “total score” of 70.89.The company took a look at all 50 states in terms of these six factors: “Economic Diversity,” “Socio-economic Diversity,” “Religious Diversity,” “Cultural Diversity,” “Household Diversity” and “Political Diversity.” It then examined them further in terms of 14 other factors before eventually giving each state a “total score” out of 100. WalletHub also used a practice called “the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index method,” and information from the U.S. Census Bureau, among other sources.Here are the top 10 most diverse states in America1) California (total score: 70.89)2) Texas (total score: 70.00)3) Hawaii (total score: 69.69)4) New Jersey (total score: 69.38)5) New York (total score: 69.21)6) New Mexico (total score: 69.13)7) Maryland (total score: 68.64)8) Florida (total score: 68.18)9) Nevada (total score: 68.00)10) Illinois (total score : 67.93)West Virginia was found to be the least diverse state in America with a score of 58.29.Source: WalletHubHow states rank in terms of different types of diversityHere’s where different states rank within these categories: “Worker Class Diversity,” “Industry Diversity,” “Linguistic Diversity,” “Racial Ethnic Diversity” and “Educational-Attainment Diversity,” including the top and bottom three of each:Worker Class Diversity (best to worst):1) Alaska 2) New Mexico 3) Montana48) Michigan 49) Pennsylvania 50) IndianaIndustry Diversity (best to worst):1) Texas 2) Oklahoma 3) California48) Vermont 49) Rhode Island 50) MassachusettsLinguistic Diversity (best to worst):1) California 2) New Mexico 3) Texas48) Montana 49) Mississippi 50) West VirginiaRacial Ethnic Diversity (best to worst):1) Hawaii 2) California 3) Texas48) West Virginia 49) Vermont 50) MaineEducational-Attainment Diversity (best to worst):1) Massachusetts 2) California 3) New York48) Iowa 49) West Virginia 50) WyomingHow the states stack up to each otherCheck out the infographic, which includes some of the information above, plus other categories:Here’s what it’s like living in a state with high diversityMarcus M. Stuart, Associate Professor of Management at Bentley University, answered WalletHub’s question about “the pros and cons of living in a diverse state.”“Theoretically, the pros include factors such as a more diverse economy and, a wider array of talent and skill sets among the labor force. Such factors would seem to support entrepreneurship and other social and economic innovation. Theoretically, the cons include factors such as difficulty finding common ground with regard to social and economic priorities (policy) due to divergent values. Socio-economic diversity can strain public resources, bring attention to economic disparity, and foster discord among groups,” Stuart told the site.

These are the best-selling Halloween candies in each state and America

These are the best-selling Halloween candies in each state and America These are the best-selling Halloween candies in each state and America Even if you no longer dress up in costume for Halloween, chances are, you still buy - and love eating - candy on or around the holiday.That’s what makes recent data from CandyStore.com, showing the best-selling Halloween candies in each state (and overall in the U.S.) both relatable and sweet.The site reports  it “looked at 11 years of sales data (2007-2017), looking in particular at the months leading up to Halloween.”Here’s a look at the state-by-state breakdown, and overall numbers for the U.S. (Of note: Californians purchase over 1.6 million pounds of Skittles and Nevadans are in for more than 335,000 pounds of Candy Corn):The best-selling candies in every state (and D.C.) Alabama: Candy Corn Alaska: Twix Arizona: Snickers Arkansas: Jolly Ranchers California: Skittles Colorado: Twix Connecticut: Almond Joy Delaware: Life Savers District of Columbia: MM’s Florida: Snickers Georgia: Jolly Ranchers Hawaii: Skittles Idaho: Candy Corn Illinois: Kit Kat Indiana: Hot Tamales Iowa: Candy Corn Kansas: Reese’s Cups Kentucky: Swedish Fish Louisiana: Lemonheads Maine: Sour Patch Kids Maryland: Milky Way Massachusetts: Sour Patch Kids Michigan: Candy Corn Minnesota: Tootsie Pops Mississippi: 3 Musketeers Missouri: Milky Way Montana: Dubble Bubble Gum Nebraska: Salt Water Taffy Nevada: Candy Corn New Hampshire: Starburst New Jersey: Skittles New Mexico: Candy Corn New York: Sour Patch Kids North Carolina: MM’s North Dakota: Hot Tamales Ohio: MM’s Oklahoma: Dubble Bubble Gum Oregon: Reese’s Cups Pennsylvania: Skittles Rhode Island: Candy Corn South Carolina: Skittles South Dakota: Starburst Tennessee: Tootsie Pops Texas: Reese’s Cups Utah: Jolly Ranchers Vermont: Milky Way Virginia: Hot Tamales Washington: Salt Water Taffy West Virginia: Blow Pops Wisconsin: Butterfinger Wyoming: Reese’s Cups Is your favorite candy a best-seller in your state?America’s favoritesThe study also revealed the Top 10 most-popular picks for Halloween candy across the United States: Skittles MM’s Snickers Reese’s Cups Starburst Candy Corn Hot Tamales Hershey’s Tootsie Pops Jolly Ranchers

Four Must Haves for a Strong Cover Letter

Four Must Haves for a Strong Cover Letter Four Must Haves for a Strong Cover Letter As a leading cover letter writing service, ResumeSpice has seen firsthand how a strong cover letter can set a candidate apart. A strong cover letter includes a few key essentials: The hiring manager’s name. Don’t write the letter “To Whom It May Concern.” Instead, address it directly to the hiring manager (double check that you’ve spelled their name correctly). If the name isn’t included in the job description, you should still be able to find it online or with a quick call to the company. When you make this extra effort â€" and the letter is actually addressed to the specific hiring manager â€" it’s going to stand out relative to all the other letters with generic salutations. A focus on the employer. Many job candidates make the mistake of rehashing their resume details in their cover letters. Dont make that mistake. Your letter should be about the value you can offer the company, not about regurgitating your background information. Placing yourself in the shoes of the hiring manager, review the job description again. Read through the company website. And then ask yourself what the hiring manager needs for the person in this role to be successful. Make a list and use it as a guide as you’re writing your cover letter. Enthusiasm. When you submit a cover letter that sounds like you copied and pasted it from the web, it’s not going to get the attention of the hiring manager. Instead, cut through the clutter with a little enthusiasm. That doesn’t mean you need to profess your love for the company. It does, however, mean explaining what excites you most about the position. Accomplishments. A cover letter is not the place to simply state that you’re qualified for a position. Use the opportunity to demonstrate that you’re more qualified than other candidates. Offer one or two specific examples of past accomplishments that are most relevant to the job opening. These should showcase your proven track record and make your more memorable when the hiring manager is evaluating candidates to potentially interview.   For many job candidates, writing a cover letter can be a struggle. If that’s true for you, let the cover letter writing experts at ResumeSpice help. We can work with you to best describe what makes you uniquely qualified for a particular role, all so you can stand out from the crowd and secure an interview. Call 832.930.7378 today to learn more.

6 ways to control emotional eating during the holidays

6 ways to control emotional eating during the holidays 6 ways to control emotional eating during the holidays It’s that time again â€"we’re burning the candle at both ends: trying to finish up our end-of-year work all while preparing for the holidays. Whether it’s shopping, decorating, traveling or navigating family squabbles about where you will be celebrating, while all this turmoil is happening, it’s easy to lose your healthy eating patterns. We’ve asked experts how to curb emotional eating and so you keep walking a healthy line during the holidays.Have a game plan before arriving at a holiday partyIt’s easier to make decisions before arriving starving and anxious to a party.“Call your host and ask, ‘What are you serving?’ Then, map out your entire culinary game plan â€" from appetizers to desserts,” recommends Danine Fruge, MD, ABFP, medical director at Pritikin Longevity Center in Miami. “It’s far better to make these decisions at home, when you’re calm and rationale and not experiencing the stress of unhealthy temptations.”Cut back on boozeWe all know family tensions can ramp up over the holidays, and one drink too many can take some of us places we really don’t want to go, says Dr. Fruge. So, keep a close eye on your alcohol intake.“Drinking less also means you’re less likely to go overboard on the bacon-wrapped smokies and fruitcake,” she adds.Keep yourself occupiedSummer Yule, a registered dietician in Avon, CT, says to keep a busy box filled with things to do next to the refrigerator to ward off emotional eating.“Fill this box with whatever you would like. It could be a knitting project that you have neglected to finish, or a book you’ve been meaning to read, thank you notes you’d like to write, a scrapbooking project, or a DVD you’d like to watch,” Yule says. “Instead of mindlessly reaching into the fridge when you aren’t really hungry, grab something to do from the box.”Not only are you helping to curb mindless eating behaviors with this technique,  but you are also getting some things done that you enjoy. “It is a double win,” Yule adds.Allow a sugar quotaFor stress-eaters, the holidays are most likely a trigger.“Sweets tend to be one of the most consumed foods when emotionally eating,” says Sarah Thacker, a health coach and therapist in New York. “During the holiday season it seems as though we are constantly surrounded by homemade treats, candies, and dessert with most meals, making it difficult to resist.”According to the American Heart Association, says Thacker, women should have no more than 24 grams of added sugar per day and men no more than 36 grams of added sugar per day.“When you pay attention to how many grams of sugar are in certain foods, you can make more empowered decisions about what to eat and how to ‘spend’ your sugar grams each day,” she continues. “During the holiday season, you might set it slightly higher than this or make certain days exceptions, but just not every single day.”Thacker states when you predetermine how much sugar you will take in daily, you are more likely to pay attention to the amount of sugar in foods and more likely to make informed decisions. “This allows to you to feel strong and in control rather than weak, shameful and deprived,” she adds.Make choices on how you WANT to feelThacker says when you make your decisions based on how you want to feel, you are more likely to make an empowered and positive choice in the moment. Start each day with asking yourself “How do I want to feel today?”Says Thacker: “If you want to feel strong, ask yourself with each decision you make about food, ‘Does this choice support how I want to feel?’ If no, you have an opportunity to make an empowered choice to say ‘no’ to that particular food while choosing to say ‘yes’ to yourself, ‘yes’ to how you want to feel. There is no food that tastes as good as it feels to show up for yourself and making empowered choices.”Focus on vegetablesAt holiday meals (and all throughout the year) aim for a t half of your plate to be loaded with vegetables, says Thacker.“When you do this, you are not only getting in the nutrition you need, vegetables will help to fill you up,” she says. “This plan also leaves less space for the sugary foodsâ€"both on your plate and in your belly.”Furthermore, she says when you are well nourished you tend to have fewer cravings which allows you to resist the second helping of pie.