Scientists from the IntelVisual Computing Institute at the German Research Centre of Artificial Intelligence and the University of Saarland have developed three-dimensional (3D) technology for the Internet, equipping classical HTML-based websites with 3D capabilities.

In this way, interactive, highly realistic real- time graphics will become standard for all browsers.
XML-3D enables complex 3D graphics to be embedded directly in any websites – just like images and videos are today, but with far higher levels of interaction.

XML-3D has been developed from scratch for programmable graphic processors and enables the use of real-time raytracing for the first time. Unlike conventional methods, this approach enables shadows and reflections to be displayed in the correct physical dimensions. As a result, computer games or film scenes created on the computer look much more realistic. These technologies will enable Internet users to create high-quality 3D scenes and publish them online.

Anyone thinking about buying a new car can choose the colour and any added extras he or she wants before taking it out for a virtual test drive.

Fans of computer games will be amazed by the 3D online worlds this technology opens up, while engineers will have access to completely new possibilities; for instance, they can develop products at different locations and then work together to process the underlying models in 3D on the Internet. In cooperation with Intel, the German Research Centre of Artificial Intelligence is currently developing basic technologies for the 3D Internet and driving forward information technology developments.

Software ‘From the Inside’
Visitors to this year’s CeBIT exhibition were astounded by innovative tools for automatic analysis of complex software systems and the monitoring of software development processes showcased by scientists from the Hasso-Plattner Institute (HPI).

Innovative technology for software diagnosis makes it possible to view the development history, program structure and run-time behaviour of software in the form of dynamic, interactive software cards.

These tools can be used to significantly reduce development costs and risks, as software engineers, project managers and product specialists are quickly made aware of any critical situations that arise and are, thus, better able to manage development projects. The software analysis tools are fully automatic and work independently of programming language and process models. Computer graphics scientists from the HPI can visualise the internal structure, dynamics and development steps of the ‘chrome’ browser from Google, for example.

Lady Robot with a Sensitive Touch
With a movable body, two agile arms and a head that tilts, Aila, an artificial intelligent lightweight android, can do many of the things a human being can. And, thanks to artificial intelligence, she is learning more every day.

By 2020, robots will play an integral part in day-to-day tasks, working as mobile assistants with humanlike inter- action and manipulation capabilities. Thanks to artificial intelligence pro- cesses, they will be able to adapt auto- nomously and robustly to various tasks and environments. They will no longer be irri- tated by dust, dirt or varying light and temperature conditions.

Aila will be used as a research platform by the German Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence to demonstrate how robots can be used in dynamic environments to interact with humans. She has an anthropomorphic shape and her cognitive abilities are astounding. It will be possible to put robots like Aila to work in classic production environments and assembly halls without expensive modifications in future. The 1,7-m-tall robot moves on a mobile platform. Her upper body consists of two arms, each with seven joints, a torso with four degrees of freedom and a head that turns and tilts.

To subscribe to Engineering News's print magazine email subscriptions@creamermedia.co.za or buy now.