Japanese engineers-robotics are among the best in the world. Oh where, where, and in Japan robots are more revered than anywhere else. Not so long ago a major Japanese Corporation SoftBank acquired the company Boston Dynamics, with all its developments. But this is not the only robot manufacturer in the country. For example, the Meltin company engaged in the design and Assembly of robotic avatar, able to remotely replicate the subtleties of the control of the operator. We offer you to look at a new development company called MELTANT-α.
The project is positioned as a link between human body and machine. Because the need for advanced user-friendly interface, allowing the operator to manage micro-movements of the robot in the distance. A special algorithm MELTIN analyzes the movements of the human body in real time and then transmits them to the robot to accurately reproduce the actions with the help of manipulators. In addition to the controllers to control movements of the operator will also need a VR helmet to see what the robot sees. While the robot MELTANT-α is merely a working concept, and over time it will finalize in all respects.
The manipulators of the robot MELTANT-α was created with the anatomical structure of the human hands. In motion, they are driven by imitation of the muscles and elastic wires (similar to tendons). Fingers built pressure sensors, so that the operator when interacting with objects feels feedback. The robot is quite capable of performing very delicate acts. He can take his fingers the egg, not crushing and not damaging it, or gently pull the card from the deck. But such accuracy does not affect the power of the manipulators: in the video the creators of the robot shows us as it lifts cargo from 2 to 4 pounds.
The possibility of telepresence and work with the help of robots-avatars no longer the stuff of science fiction. Similar mechanisms can be used in areas where human life is put at greater risk. For example, in conditions of high radiation (which for Japan is now more relevant than ever) or in the case of the mine bombs. But you can use robot avatars and other. For example, for remote work in the workplace or for distance education.
#video | the Japanese demonstrated to the robot avatar MELTANT-α
Sergey Grey