COUNTRY FOCUS: ISRAEL
the robotic arm they will use in their trial; the
next step is to build the neural network model
that controls the arm. To do this, the research
team will build on the recurrent error-driven
adaptive control hierarchy (REACH) algorithm,
which was developed by ABR and is being
provided by the company for this project.
Paired with neuromorphic computing, the
REACH model has been demonstrated by
ABR to move a simpler robotic arm through
complex paths – such as handwritten words
and numbers – with fewer errors and a
significant improvement in energy efficiency
over traditional control methods.
Once the algorithmic work is complete,
the research team will deploy the new
model on Intel’s neuromorphic hardware
and test the capabilities of the arm. After
making some refinements, the device will
undergo clinical testing and evaluation
with patients at ALYN Hospital who rely
on electric wheelchairs and have motor
impairment of their upper extremities. The
participants will control the arm using a
small, dedicated joystick and researchers
will collect information on the robotic arm’s
performance to assess its usefulness.
“We believe that the development of
a robotic arm based on neuromorphic
computing can be a game-changer for
people with disabilities. It could make
it easier for them to engage with the
community, boost their independence and
grant them new employment opportunities,”
said Arie Melamed-Yekel, General Manager
of ALYNnovation at ALYN. “The expected
cost and performance improvements are
potentially disruptive to this market. We are
proud to lead this revolution together with
the Open University, Intel and Accenture.”
Researchers from Accenture Labs and
Intel Labs will leverage their experience in
neuromorphic computing and AI to assist
with the development of the neuromorphic
algorithm, as well as provide support for the
design of the study.
“The ability of robotic arms to benefit people
today is largely limited due to high cost and
excessive power consumption,” said Elishai
Ezra Tsur, Lead Project Researcher at the
Open University of Israel. “This funding from
Accenture, along with additional support
from Intel and ABR, is allowing us to explore
the implementation of adaptive controls
on neuromorphic hardware in an effort
to address the need for a collaborative,
user-friendly, accurate robotic arm at a
significantly reduced cost.”
If this project is successful, the research team
plans to explore how to produce this assistive
robotic arm for patients, as well as planning
to investigate applications of adaptive
control technology in flexible manufacturing
and industrial automation. •
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