MABMAT

Last updated • 4 min readFrom Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia

MABMAT is a robotic imaging system designed to capture photographs and videos of crime scenes and map locations in 360 degrees. The robot's main feature is taking 360-degree photos and videos and converting them to virtual crime scene data which can be used with virtual reality headsets to examine the recorded scene.

Contents

The MABMAT was not invented by robotics engineers; however, it was created by a forensic science expert and criminal justice professional. The designer claims that the robot can be the most effective system to record a crime investigation because it can capture a location in 360 degrees in high-definition video and high-resolution stills. The MABMAT has been touted to assist human investigators and members of the jury to reach proper decisions in and out of the courtroom. With the help of the MABMAT, jurors would be able to accurately observe crime scenes, and investigators can study footage without traveling to the scene. [1]

Information about the MABMAT was revealed in August 2016. As of August 2019, the rover's second version with more advanced features such as AI room detection, and object recognition, is in development.

History

The MABMAT was developed by Mehzeb Chowdhury, a then-PhD researcher in forensic science and criminal investigations from Durham University. [2]

Before development of the MABMAT, Chowdhury, a Barrister-at-Law by trade, had been observing how judges study crime scenes and how new technology was being implemented into crime investigations. [3]

Chowdhury published an article on "The Conversation" noting how jurors are seldom allowed to visit crime scenes and the incredible difficulties that befall everyone (judges, lawyers, law enforcement and the jurors themselves) involved when they do. [4] Chowdhury explained that by the time a juror visits and studies a crime scene, degradation would result in a marked difference in every aspect. [5] Photography and sketching are crucial parts of gathering and using evidence but, they do not provide accurate representations of crime scenes due to the subjective nature of these methods.

Chowdhury believes that investigators can begin to rely on new technology that is specifically designed for crime scene investigation, especially those capable of 3D imaging and virtual reality. Chowdhury discussed how researchers at Staffordshire University, led by Caroline Sturdy Colls used virtual reality headsets and video game software to produce virtual crime scenes. [6] He explained how virtual crime scenes can be used as a supplement to photographs and videos of crime scenes, allowing for jurors to decide on their own which articles of evidence should be prioritized and given weight.[ citation needed ] He has noticed the very high prices of the virtual reality headsets such as the HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, and the PlayStation VR. He believes that much cheaper and more competent pieces of technology are capable of transforming pictures and videos to 3D-rendered crime scene animations. The flaws of crime investigation and the improvements of technology led to the creation of the MABMAT.

According to Chowdhury, approximately fifty police departments in the United States and the United Kingdom have provided crime scene investigation data to support the MABMAT project. The system is expected to be tested in police departments. [7]

Specifications

Since the development of the MABMAT is self-funded, Chowdhury and his team only spent 299 pounds (or 374 U.S. dollars) on all parts that were required to build the rover. [4]

Chowdhury described all the parts that were used to create the MABMAT:

The MABMAT is to be controlled with a tablet, smartphone, or a Bluetooth remote.

The team of researchers stated that the design of the MABMAT is inspired by NASA's "Curiosity"—a rover that is investigating Mars.[ citation needed ]

A Google Cardboard--a VR headset that is implemented in the MABMAT rover Assembled Google Cardboard VR mount.jpg
A Google Cardboard--a VR headset that is implemented in the MABMAT rover

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Virtual reality</span> Computer-simulated experience

Virtual reality (VR) is a simulated experience that employs 3D near-eye displays and pose tracking to give the user an immersive feel of a virtual world. Applications of virtual reality include entertainment, education and business. VR is one of the key technologies in the reality-virtuality continuum. As such, it is different from other digital visualization solutions, such as augmented virtuality and augmented reality.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">360-degree video</span> Visual arts technique

360-degree videos, also known as surround video, or immersive videos or spherical videos, are video recordings where a view in every direction is recorded at the same time, shot using an omnidirectional camera or a collection of cameras. The term 360x180 can be used to indicate 360° of azimuth and 180° from nadir to zenith. During playback on normal flat display the viewer has control of the viewing direction like a panorama. It can also be played on a display or projectors arranged in a sphere or some part of a sphere.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Motion controller</span> Video game controller that tracks motions

In computing, a motion controller is a type of input device that uses accelerometers, gyroscopes, cameras, or other sensors to track motion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oculus Rift</span> Virtual reality headsets by Oculus VR

Oculus Rift is a discontinued line of virtual reality headsets developed and manufactured by Oculus VR, a virtual reality company founded by Palmer Luckey that is widely credited with reviving the virtual reality industry. It was the first virtual reality headset to provide a realistic experience at an accessible price, utilizing novel technology to increase quality and reduce cost by orders of magnitude compared to earlier systems. The first headset in the line was the Oculus Rift DK1, released on March 28, 2013. The last was the Oculus Rift S, discontinued in April 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Reality Labs</span> Virtual and augmented reality products company

Reality Labs, formerly Oculus VR, is a business and research unit of Meta Platforms that produces virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) hardware and software, including virtual reality headsets such as Quest, and online platforms such as Horizon Worlds. In June 2022, several artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives that were previously a part of Meta AI were transitioned to Reality Labs. This also includes Meta's fundamental AI Research laboratory FAIR which is now part of the Reality Labs - Research (RLR) division.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Samsung Gear VR</span> Virtual reality headset by Samsung

The Samsung Gear VR is a virtual reality headset developed by Samsung Electronics, in collaboration with Oculus VR, and manufactured by Samsung. The headset was released on August 21, 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">HTC Vive</span> Virtual reality headset

HTC Vive is a line of virtual and mixed reality headsets produced by HTC Corporation. The brand currently encompasses headsets designed for use with personal computers as well as standalone headsets such as the Vive Focus line, Vive Flow glasses, and the Vive Elite XR mixed reality headset.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Virtual reality headset</span> Head-mounted device that provides virtual reality for the wearer


A virtual reality headset is a head-mounted device that uses 3D near-eye displays and positional tracking to provide a virtual reality environment for the user. VR headsets are widely used with VR video games, but they are also used in other applications, including simulators and trainers. VR headsets typically include a stereoscopic display, stereo sound, and sensors like accelerometers and gyroscopes for tracking the pose of the user's head to match the orientation of the virtual camera with the user's eye positions in the real world.

Virtual Desktop is remote control software for Android-based virtual reality headsets. It allows users to control a PC over a wireless LAN from the headset, including the ability to stream VR games and software.

Tilt Brush is a room-scale 3D-painting virtual-reality application available from Google, originally developed by Skillman & Hackett.

<i>Batman: Arkham VR</i> 2016 video game

Batman: Arkham VR is a virtual reality adventure video game developed by Rocksteady Studios and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment for PlayStation 4 and Windows. Based on the DC Comics superhero Batman, it is part of the Batman: Arkham series and the first installment to use virtual reality headsets, allowing players to experience the game world from Batman's perspective. Arkham VR was released worldwide on October 11, 2016, for PlayStation 4 and on April 25, 2017, for Windows for VR headsets.

Radial-G: Racing Revolved is an indie racing game, which was developed by Tammeka Games and was released on March 28, 2016, for the Oculus Rift. HTC Vive and Razer OSVR support via the Steam version was released April 5, 2016 and is going to be released on Sony PlayStation VR on September 12, 2017 for EU regions with U.S. dates to be announced.

Lamber Goodnow Injury Lawyers is a legal team known for their work on implementing virtual reality (VR) technology for use in court cases in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Virtual reality game</span> Video game played in virtual reality

A virtual reality game or VR game is a video game played on virtual reality (VR) hardware. Most VR games are based on player immersion, typically through a head-mounted display unit or headset with stereoscopic displays and one or more controllers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oculus Rift CV1</span> Virtual reality headset by Oculus VR

Oculus Rift CV1, also known simply as Oculus Rift, is a virtual reality headset developed by Oculus VR, a subsidiary of Meta Platforms, known at the time as Facebook Inc. It was announced in January 2016, and released in March the same year. The device constituted the first commercial release in the Oculus Rift lineup.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">SexLikeReal</span> Virtual reality company

SexLikeReal (SLR) is a virtual reality pornography sharing site, VR live cam streaming, production company and VR technology developer. It was launched in 2015 with the top Studios such as VR Bangers, VR Conk, BadoinkVR, Virtualrealporn and more than one of the largest Netflix-like platforms for VR pornography, SexLikeReal has been featured by XBIZ and other major media outlets in the adult entertainment industry. According to Venture Beat, SexLikeReal is pioneering in merging adult entertainment with VR technology.

Mehzeb Rahman Chowdhury is a Bangladeshi author, inventor, instructor, journalist, criminologist, criminal law barrister, social sciences researcher and filmmaker. His journalism works are featured in various international publications such as the Daily Mail, The Independent, The Conversation, Forensic Magazine, Sci-Fi Generation, Space.com, and Netzpiloten Magazin. He is also known for his invention of the MABMAT Crime Scene Imaging Rover.

YouTube VR is a software application which offers an interface for YouTube made for VR headsets.

References

  1. "Virtual reality could place judges and jurors in the middle of crime scenes without leaving the courtroom". Business Insider. Retrieved 2016-11-17.
  2. "Robots will create virtual crime scenes for juries" . Retrieved 2016-11-17.
  3. "Techonomics: VR in the Courtroom with Mehzeb Chowdhury". KGO-AM. Retrieved 2016-11-17.
  4. 1 2 Chowdhury, Mehzeb. "Virtual reality robots could help teleport juries to crime scenes". The Conversation. Retrieved 2016-11-17.
  5. "Присяжным покажут место преступления в виртуальной реальности". nplus1.ru. Retrieved 2016-11-17.
  6. "Juries 'could enter virtual crime scenes' following research". BBC News. 2016-05-24. Retrieved 2016-11-17.
  7. Dormehl, Luke (29 August 2016). "VR will let jurors explore crime scenes as they actually appeared". Digital Trends. Retrieved 22 October 2016.
  8. "成本低用途广 利用VR进行犯罪现场勘察_百度VR". ivr.baidu.com. Retrieved 2016-11-17.
  9. "Robots to tape crime scenes". The Daily Star. 2016-09-16. Retrieved 2016-11-17.
  10. "Raspberry Pi VR Systems Enables Jurors To Explore Crime Scenes - Geeky Gadgets". Geeky Gadgets. 2016-09-05. Retrieved 2016-11-17.