The malleable arm is mostly bendy, with a rigid part at the end (P6-P5)
Imperial researchers have designed a malleable robotic arm that can be guided into shape by a person using augmented reality (AR) goggles.
The flexible arm, which was designed and created at Imperial College London, can twist and turn in all directions, making it readily customisable for potential applications in manufacturing, spacecraft maintenance, and even injury rehabilitation.
In many ways it can be seen as a detached, bendier, third arm. It could help in many situations where an extra limb might come in handy and help to spread the workload.
Alex Ranne and Angus ClarkDepartment of Computing/Dyson School of Design Engineering
Instead of being constrained by rigid limbs and firm joints, the versatile arm is readily bendable into a wide variety of shapes. In practice, people working alongside the robot would manually bend the arm into the precise shape needed for each task, a level of flexibility made possible by the slippery layers of mylar sheets inside, which slide over one another and can lock into place. However, configuring the robot into specific shapes without guidance has proven to be difficult for users.
We’ve shown that AR can simplify working alongside our malleable robot.
Dr Nicolas RojasDyson School of Design Engineering
To enhance the robot’s user-friendliness, researchers at Imperial’s REDS (Robotic manipulation: Engineering, Design, and Science) Lab have designed a system for users to see in AR how to configure their robot. Wearing mixed reality smart glasses and through motion tracking cameras, users see templates and designs in front of them superimposed onto their real-world environment. They then adjust the robotic arm until it matches the template, which turns green on successful configuration so that the robot can be locked into place.
Senior author of the paper Dr Nicolas Rojas, of Imperial’s Dyson School of Design Engineering, said: “One of the key issues in adjusting these robots is accuracy in their new position. We humans aren’t great at making sure the new position matches the template, which is why we looked to AR for help.
“We’ve shown that AR can simplify working alongside our malleable robot. The approach gives users a range of easy-to-create robot positions, for all sorts of applications, without needing so much technical expertise.”
Video detailing the configuration of the robot using AR
The researchers tested the system on five men aged 20-26 with experience in robotics but no experience with manipulating malleable robots specifically. The subjects were able to adjust the robot accurately, and the results are published in IEEE Robotics & Automation Magazine.
Bent into shape
Potential applications include manufacturing, and building and vehicle maintenance. Because the arm is lightweight, it could also be used on spacecraft where every kilogram counts. It is also gentle enough that it could be used in injury rehabilitation, helping a patient perform an exercise while their physiotherapist performs another.
Co-first authors and PhD researchers Alex Ranne and Angus Clark, from the Department of Computing and Dyson School of Design Engineering respectively, said: “In many ways it can be seen as a detached, bendier, third arm. It could help in many situations where an extra limb might come in handy and help to spread the workload.”
The researchers are still in the process of perfecting the robot as well as its AR component. Next, they will look into introducing touch and audio elements to the AR to boost its accuracy in configuring the robot.
Although the pool of participants was narrow, the researchers say their initial findings show that AR could be a successful approach to adapting malleable robots following further testing and user training.
They are also looking into strengthening the robots. Although their flexibility and softness makes them easier to configure and maybe even safer to work alongside humans, they are less rigid while in the locked position, which could affect precision and accuracy.
Original Article: Bendy robotic arm twisted into shape with help of augmented reality
More from: Imperial College London
The Latest Updates from Bing News & Google News
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Augmented reality robotics
- AI drives cloud growth and cloud growth drives earnings upside — for some
In the first big tech earnings week of the quarter, a mixed bag — but cloud is driving upside at a lot of companies, and AI in turns is driving that cloud (and hardware) growth: Juniper’s adjusted ...
- KUKA Robotics to Showcase Solutions for Education and Mixed Reality at Automate 2024
KUKA Robotics will highlight an innovative solution for educating the next generation of workers and its collaboration with three universities on cutting edge mixed reality demonstrations at Automate ...
- USAF selects Anduril and General Atomics as CCA vendors
The US Air Force has downselected its two vendors, Anduril and General Atomics, to continue to compete in the next phase of the CCA project.
- AI-powered personalisation paints the future of retail
Also, AI-powered algorithms provide predictive analytics and help businesses anticipate demand and optimise stock management. “Most companies are doing omnichannel commerce; they have the ...
- Educational Entertainment: 10 Tech Gadgets Redefining Learning and Fun for Kids
In today’s digital era, the line between learning and entertainment is becoming increasingly blurred. With the rise of educational tech gadgets, children can now engage in interactive learning ...
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Augmented reality robotics
[google_news title=”” keyword=”augmented reality robotics” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
Go deeper with Bing News on:
AR to configure robots
- Enjoy Taylor Swift's Latest Album On The Best Hardware Possible
The Pro-Ject T1 Phonos SB Turntable is a gorgeous, minimalist turntable. To eliminate unwanted vibrations, the plinth is made of CNC-machined wood, manufactured so that there are no hollow parts. It ...
- Walmart Deals of The Day: Super Savings on Printers, Robot Vacuums, and TVs
Score the Samsung 50-inch Class The Frame and HP Color LaserJet Pro for 25% off. Or snag a Shark Ion Robot Vacuum at a $90 discount. Go, go, go!
- Q3 2024 Applied Industrial Technologies Inc Earnings Call
Welcome to the fiscal 2024 third quarter earnings call for Applied Industrial Technologies. My name is Shayan, and I'll be your operator for today's call. (Operator Instructions) Please note that this ...
- Underwater robot pioneers new energy-efficient buoyancy control
A remotely operated underwater robot built by a team of Rice University engineering students pioneers a new way to control buoyancy via water-splitting fuel cells. The device, designed and constructed ...
- Universal Robots Announces Seamless Integration with Siemens PLCs
The company accelerates its commitment to “Automation for Anyone, Anywhere” by supporting the automation requirements of global companies.
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
AR to configure robots
[google_news title=”” keyword=”AR to configure robots” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]