Humanoid robots have become stunningly realistic in recent years. Perhaps the final hurdle for developers to clear has been the creation of more intelligent robotic speech. But if recent robotics productions are any indication, that issue may soon become a problem of the past.

According to the Pasadena Star News, robots could soon be standing at the front of a classroom. Professor Ron Lee of Pasadena City College has developed a new device that may helping children learning English as a second language.

"It's a talking robot, so [students] are not afraid of asking anything," Lee told the news source. "A community college like PCC has many international students, and first they have to listen to English to communicate with their professors."

The on-screen "English Tutor" program may be as capable as a native speaker. The robot can correct spelling and grammatical errors while helping students build a more natural vocabulary. The device is also equipped with a deep knowledge bank and capable of carrying on 2,000 conversations regarding 25 different topics. The software can test a student's knowledge of geography or build their language skills with more personal conversations such as discussing marital status.

This interactive learning process is a two-way street, and students are not the only ones benefiting from the conversations. Professor Lee will be able to enhance the robot's capabilities over time.

"The robots are learning from their mistakes," Lee told the news outlet. "People are chatting with them, and I can see all the questions they asked."

Robotics developers are also debuting innovative devices that can carry on conversations without human input. According to Hot Hardware, a new line of "chatboxes" are capable of memorizing human phrases for use in future conversations. Cornell University researcher associated with the project are hoping the technology is advanced enough to actually convince unwitting humans that they are talking to another person.

That is exactly the challenge being posed to developers at the 2011 Loebner Prize Competition in Artificial Intelligence. The top prize for robotics teams capable of fooling two or more judges will be awarded a $100,000 grant over 20 years, according to the Wall Street Journal. The Cornell and Pasadena developers will comprise two of the four teams vying for the title in October.

Engineers are finding ways to apply robotics all over the galaxy these days. Last week, Robonaut 2, NASA's latest humanoid robot, was turned on for the first time at the International Space Station.

According to PC Magazine, the $2.5 million device is the first of its kind to be launched into space. Weighing more than 300 pounds and standing approximately three feet tall, R2 spent its first few days in operation undergoing a series of tests to ensure clear communication with ground controllers in Houston.

"Those electrons feel good! One small step for man, one giant leap for tinman kind," joked R2 from its dedicated Twitter account.

This sense of humor is just one of many human characteristics defining the robot. R2's torso contains its mainframe while more than 30 processors are embedded in its arms to control the movement of its joints. According to the BBC, the second-generation humanoid robot is also smaller, faster, more dexterous and capable of a deeper and wider range of sensing than its predecessor.

R2 will be essential for observing how humanoid robots operate in weightless environments, and NASA has big plans for the device. Its torso may eventually be attached to a motorized cart to help the bot navigate challenging terrain and assist astronauts on lunar and Martian spacewalks.

One of the biggest challenges for developers will be staying patient and not asking too much of R2 too early. The bot made its way to the ISS in February but was only recently unpacked and assembled. If operational testing continues to go well, R2 may be able to take on mundane chores such as reading velocity gauges early in 2012.

"Just like a crew member has to kind of acclimate themselves to zero gravity, our robot has to do a very similar things and learn how it needs to move," project manager Nicolaus Radford told the Daily Mail.

The joint creation of NASA and General Motors has taken more than 15 years to construct, but it may be well worth the investment. Although the bot is not expected to replace human astronauts any time in the near future, it may be a valuable companion capable of undertaking difficult or dangerous aeronautical tasks. And as is often the case within the quickly evolving field of robotics, Robonaut 2 may hold the potential for uses developers could never have anticipated.

Quality reconnaissance can be the difference between life and death on the battlefield. With that in mind, military officials are always searching for new ways to keep troops safe while gathering critical information in dangerous combat zones. As a result, military technologists around the world have been exploring the potential of taking humans out of the equation and deploying robots for fact-finding missions behind enemy lines.

At the recent Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International conference in Washington, D.C., a new line of "throwable" robots garnered attention from technology enthusiasts and government officials alike. These portable and durable devices will soon be deployed in hostile territory to protect their human counterparts.

According to Popular Science, tactical robots have gained traction in the military in the past decade due to their impressive versatility. However, many of these devices have a tendency to be cumbersome, overly complex and prone to malfunction. Soldiers have been requesting smaller, more intuitive robots for several years, and manufacturers have finally delivered.

Approximately 2,000 Recon Scout Throwbot systems are currently being used by forces around the world, according to AtoZRobotics. The device weighs only 1.2 pounds and can be tossed more than 100 feet when necessary. Once it lands, it can orient itself and respond to commands within five seconds.

"One time we dropped it out of a helicopter," designers told Popular Science. "The worst that happened was that one wheel was slightly damaged, so it wanted to drive a little wobbly. But it still rolled."

Soldiers have been able to carry the small robots on their person during patrols and toss them over walls and into second-story windows, according to the news source. The devices are then navigated via handheld Xbox-like controllers that have been quickly mastered by the rising generation of young troops.

A separate device, the Dragon Runner 10, is also a popular attraction at the convention. Popular Science reporters observed one demonstration in which the device rolled over rocks and sand to uncover wires leading to mock-explosive devices. This 11 pound robotic device is cannot be tossed around as causally as the Throwbot, but soldiers can still use them to see what's around the corner in close-quarter scenarios.

When tasked with finding answers to challenging real-world problems, robotics experts have once again stepped up to the plate. This new wave of portable reconnaissance robots is exactly what modern militaries need to gain a critical competitive advantage.

The robotics industry seems to be getting the attention it deserves as new audiences continue to learn about the versatile technology everyday. Consumers and business professionals alike are discovering that robots are no longer meant solely for science fiction movies – they are now being put to use in a variety of real-world applications. But to build upon past success and bring new innovations to the field, a new generation of engineers will be needed to push the limits of technology. As a result, several higher education institutions have identified this emerging need and debuted academic programs specifically geared toward future robot engineers.

One such school is Lawrence Technological University, located in Southfield, Michigan. Beginning this fall, students will be able to enroll in a new bachelor's degree program in robotics engineering. This unique program is already attracting attention from robot hobbyists and technology professionals.

Edward Dolar, a 35 year-old computer programmer, has been looking for a way to pursue his study of robotics beyond the scope of the courses offered at a local community college.

"I happened to check Lawrence and the robotic engineering program popped up," Dolar told the Detroit News. "It had everything I wanted to pursue. I wanted to be more involved in engineering."

According to the university website, the curriculum will be divided into three main areas. Students will receive a well-rounded education in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and computer science. School officials believe this balanced program will leave graduates well-positioned to find rewarding opportunities in the field.

"Robotics has grown to be a primary engineering field in its own right, and with the growing demand for qualified robotics engineers in the related careers, this interdisciplinary degree ensures graduates are provided the tools for success," program director, Giscard Kfoury, told the Oakland Press.

The Detroit-area school is also stressing the importance of robotics in the automotive industry, a field that has long defined the local economy. Manufacturers are already looking to the advanced technology to help open new markets and keep pace with production demands, and these local automotive plants may eventually serve as a valuable source of student internships.

The establishment of this unique degree is an important step forward for the industry. By providing an avenue for interested students and developing a relevant, standardized curriculum, schools such as Lawrence Technical University are ensuring the future of the robotics industry.

As robot manufacturers continue to attract increased attention and funding in the coming years, some suggest that the resources should be allocated to more practical pursuits. The robotics industry has a history of delighting tech-savvy consumers with fun, new gadgets and boosting business efficiency through operational automation. But some doubt the relevance of robotics for the general populace. These skeptics will soon have their questions answered. Robotics developers are currently hard at work producing a new wave of devices that could start saving human lives within the next few years.

Industry experts have recently begun developing robots to navigate dangerous terrain that humans cannot. These developments may have significant implications for first responders executing rescue operations in dangerous environments. Military officials are also looking to the technology to assume battlefield duties that could keep troops out of harm's way.

The Gemini-Scout robot, produced by Sandia Labs, is expected to be particularly useful in rescue operations following mine collapses. According to GizMag, the compact robot will be nimble enough to operating in tight quarters. It can also navigate through more than a foot of water, survive explosions and detect the presence of humans with thermal cameras. The Gemini-Scout would be a crucial mode of transportation for carrying food and medical supplies to trapped miners.

University of Michigan researchers have also developed MABEL, the world's fastest two-legged robot. The early prototype can already match the typical human jogging speed, according to ExtremeTech. The robot is constructed with a series of cables and joints that give it impressive agility. And if properly harnessed, MABEL could become a valuable first responder capable of locating humans during building fires or navigating mine fields.

Military researchers have also shown interest in using robotics to power unmanned vehicles and replace soldiers in combat zones. As reported by InventorsSpot, China recently developed its first flying drone robot. The U.S. Army is also testing a completely autonomous robotic truck that could be in service by the end of the year. The new vehicle could tag along on missions to quickly resupply troops or drive ahead of soldiers to scout potential danger.

From collapsed mines to burning buildings to battlefields, robots will soon be placed in harm's way. Their noble missions could extend the reach of rescue operations or take the place of humans in deadly environments. And as they do, robotics industry skeptics should take note of the impressive potential these robots hold.

Researchers from Florida Robotics have come up with a new way to make recycling education more approachable. The team's latest invention, nicknamed Dr. R.E. Cycler, eats aluminum cans and crushes them in its transparent belly.

According to Fast Company, the device was first constructed in May in response to a local recycling company's calls for something "new and different" in scientific education. The solar-powered robot has been making its way into several elementary school classrooms to keep kids excited and informed about recycling. By introducing the concept early, developers hope to inspire an admiration of science that students will carry with them throughout their lives.

This relatively simple idea has already had a significant impact on robotics education, and additional success may help promote environmental stewardship to an even wider audience.

With Dr. R.E. Cycler gaining popularity, Florida Robotics researchers have applied for a Refresh Project grant in the hopes of building an enhanced prototype that handles plastic refuse as well. The Pepsi-sponsored charity initiative allows fans to vote online for innovative ideas that can change the world for the better, and the beverage company also provides funding for leading concepts to ensure they come to fruition.

Robotics engineers from the Sandia National Laboratories are developing a new device to facilitate rescue efforts in the event of mining accidents. The versatile robot is capable of navigating boulders, crawling through more than a foot of water and scouting potentially dangerous environments.

At approximately four feet long and two feet tall, the device is capable of transporting food, air packs and critical medicine to miners trapped underground. Developers have also ensured intuitive operation by integrating controls with an Xbox 360 controller.

"We have designed this robot to go in ahead of its handlers to assess the situation and potential hazards and allow operations to move more quickly," project manager, Jon Salton, told TG Daily.

To ensure the robot is able to survive harsh conditions, engineers have encased critical electronics, allowing the device to withstand explosions and other disasters. But despite the strength and durability of the gadget, it had to maintain lightweight qualities for improved navigation.

Developers anticipate broad adoption from police, firemen and other first responders when the robot is ready for production. This impressive breakthrough in robotics may soon be a crucial tool for ensuring the safety of all parties involved in mine collapses and other natural disasters.

Researchers from the University of Michigan recently revealed MABEL, the team's latest innovation and the world's fastest, two-legged robotic device.

According to ExtremeTech, the agile new creation is propelled by four motors that operate via cable transmissions. Springs in the legs help balance loads and absorb shock while a series of sensors monitor the angle of hip and knee joints. The result is one remarkably life-like robot.

MABEL is currently capable of running nearly seven miles per hour at top speed. By comparison, the typical human jogging pace is approximately six miles per hour.

"The robotics community has been trying to come up with machines that can go places where humans can go, so a human morphology is important," professor Jessy Grizzle told the Daily Mail.

Developers are already envisioning a variety of useful applications for the technology. Prosthetic robotic limbs could enable wheelchair-bound people to walk again or provide rescuers with super-human abilities. Robots could also be used in place of humans to operate in dangerous environments ranging from combat zones to blazing structures.

In recent years, doctors have discovered and refined a number of innovative uses for robotics in the medical profession. However, critics are wondering if the techniques are being used too frequently as simpler and more affordable options are sometimes overlooked. Dr. David Samadi, renowned prostate cancer specialist and robotics advocate, recently defended the merits of the advanced technology.

Samadi readily admitted that patient-level marketing surrounding robotic surgery is at an all-time high. However, this is a necessary function for recouping the significant overhead costs associated with implementing the technology in medical practices. According to the Corpus Christi Caller, some devices can cost as much as $2 million to deploy. But when used properly, the benefits are undeniable.

Using the technology, Samadi has transformed prostate cancer into a highly treatable disease. After completing more than 3,500 robotic prostatectomy procedures, the doctor has attained a cancer-curing rate of approximately 97 percent. The minimally-invasive robotic procedure limits blood loss, improves a surgeon's visibility and reduces patient rehabilitation times.

There can be an overwhelming amount of information available, but in the end Samadi acknowledged that medical decisions should rest solely with patients and their families. After thoroughly investigating all options, they should ultimately settle upon a procedure and practitioner they are comfortable with.