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New Robots On Display At Automate 2011

CHICAGO (WBBM) -- Automate 2011 is underway at McCormick Place, with manufacturers showing off hundreds of different robots that can do anything from dangerous industrial jobs to helping senior citizens manage their lives.

As WBBM Newsradio 780's John Cody reports, Robotic Industries Association president Jeff Bernstein says inventors are working on devices that will assist seniors in daily living.

LISTEN: Newsradio 780's John Cody reports

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"That is a goal of the industry, and there is a mobile platform here with an arm on it, which could be used in elder care down the road," Bernstein said.

Bernstein says the platform would be useful as is for grasping and fetching household items, but he says it's clear that fairly soon, there will be robots that can be trusted to help seniors moving around their houses on their own.

In the industrial areas are cancer research robots that can test potential medicines around the clock, months on end, without ever getting bored or careless.

Automate 2011 is on through Thursday at McCormick Place.

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