Page 342 - Concise Encyclopedia of Robotics

Uniform Potential Field
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valley
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Robot’s resemblance to human
Uncanny valley theory

While some people are so intimidated by computers that they get a
mental block right from the start, others are comfortable with them after
a while, and only have problems when they try something new. Still other
people never have any trouble at all.
The uncanny valley phenomenon is a psychological hangup that some
people have with advanced technology of all kinds. A little skepticism is
healthy, but overt fear serves no purpose and can keep a person from taking
advantage of the good things technology has to offer. Some researchers
think the uncanny valley problem can be avoided by introducing new
technologies gradually. However, technology often seems to introduce it-
self at its own pace.
See also ANDROID.
UNIFORM POTENTIAL FIELD
See POTENTIAL FIELD.
UPLINK/DOWNLINK
In a system of mobile robots controlled by wireless means, the uplink is
the frequency or band on which an individual robot receives its signals
from a central controller. The uplink frequency or band is different from
the downlink frequency or band, on which the robot transmits signals
back to the controller. The terms uplink and downlink are used especially
when a robot is a space satellite or probe with the controller located on
Earth or on a space station.

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