INNOVATION
task, you could have a trained person using a mech( or smaller exoskeleton, à la Aliens) to augment their actions, allowing them to manipulate larger, heavier components without the use of a heavy machine.
Human-machine interface A human-machine interface, or manmachine interface, is a component that facilitates the interaction of man and machine. While these can be as simple and familiar as a keyboard or joystick, researchers are working on ways to integrate movement and feeling to such an extent that people with prosthetic limbs will be able to use them exactly as they would have used their natural limb. This will essentially translate the person’ s thoughts into electrical signals that propel a dexterous robotic hand into motion, and also allow them to feel pressure, vibration, and movement.
One example is the‘ LUKE’ prosthetic arm, which already allows users to control it with their minds and, using a system developed by a team at the University of Utah, to regain over 100 sensations in the arm. While marketready versions of this technology are still a few years off, significant advances have been made in the field, and the potential is incredible.
© Furrion Robotics
According to its creator, Jonathan Tippett, Prosthesis is a 3.6-tonne metaphor on how tech has enabled human progress and the important role humans still play in robotics.
Bridging the gap Bridging the gap between those robots controlled via remote and those piloted by people, are exoskeletons such as the Guardian GT from Sarcos Robotics: a human-controlled, force-multiplying robotic system with one or two highly dexterous arms mounted on a track or wheeled base. The arms are powered by a diesel motor and are said to be capable of moving at 6km / h for seven hours.
The Guardian GT is a first-of-its-kind large-scale industrial exoskeleton robot that provides an impressive combination of dexterity and strength for the operator. It combines the human ability to operate in complex, unstructured environments with the strength, stamina, repeatability, precision, and speed of robots, and can be used to carry out basic labour-saving tasks such as heavy lifting, or more intricate processes like welding and joining. It can also be remotely operated, which is particularly useful for dangerous
Ekso Bionics
Ekso Bionics’ upper body exoskeleton, the EksoVest, elevates and supports a worker’ s arms, helping to alleviate the strain of lifting.
tasks, or those carried out in hazardous environments, such as nuclear reactor inspection and maintenance.
The system is kinematically equivalent, meaning it is arranged like a human body, and uses force reflection technology to allow the operator to feel the environment. This makes it more intuitive to use and stops the disorientation that comes from touching something without feeling it. A small amount of load in the arm also helps orient the operator. The smoothness of its motion is due to specialised actuators.
Mounted on an agile vehicle base that can be powered by batteries, diesel, or natural gas, the single or dual-armed system can lift and manipulate payloads up to half a tonne, dexterously, and with no human effort. This is perhaps the most relevant robotics technology for mining and construction today, as although it can be improved and expanded on, its capabilities can already be seen. And the fact that it can be remotely operated means that it can be used by specialists when required, rather than requiring a dedicated operator.
Then there is the EksoVest, a fitted exoskeleton from California-based Ekso Bionics, intended to provide support for the human worker. Automotive manufacturer Ford has partnered with Ekso Bionics to explore how an upper body exoskeleton that elevates and supports a worker’ s arms can help alleviate the strain of lifting their arms,
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MARCH 2018