Researchers from Switzerland’s EPFL research institute and the Netherlands’ Delft University of Technology have developed an modern and human-friendly robotic arm that takes inspiration from the versatile and delicate actions of elephant trunks and octopus tentacles. This prototype robotic arm incorporates a novel “trimmed helicoid” construction and a sequence of electrical actuators organized end-to-end with versatile connectors.
The arm’s outer construction consists of polymer parts organized in a springy spiral, permitting it to be externally gentle and pliable, stopping hurt to people it might encounter. Concurrently, it maintains firmness to guard its inner parts, together with actuators and electronics, from impacts.
“Impressed by nature, this robotic arm has an unlimited vary of movement, excessive precision, and is inherently secure for human interplay,” says @EPFL_CREATE‘s Josie Hughes. Printed immediately within the new @NaturePortfolio journal npj Robotics & on @EPFL_en homepagehttps://t.co/gXfL4mIFSO
— EPFL Faculty of Engineering (@EPFLEngineering) October 26, 2023
In comparison with conventional robotic arms with fastened joints on the shoulder, elbow, and wrist, this arm is exceptionally versatile, providing a broader vary of movement. Consequently, it’s well-suited for numerous duties, resembling fruit-picking, agricultural work, eldercare, and meeting line operations.
EPFL’s Prof. Josie Hughes, the undertaking chief, highlighted the arm’s modern structure and distributed actuation, which entails inserting a number of actuators all through the construction, offering exact management, in depth movement capabilities, and inherent security for human interplay. The researchers consider that this expertise can deal with the necessity for extra versatile and secure robotic programs in a wide range of purposes.
The robotic arm’s potential has led to its commercialization by a derivative firm referred to as Helix Robotics. Their analysis, detailing the arm’s growth and capabilities, was printed within the journal NPJ Robotics, showcasing the promising way forward for this gentle and adaptable robotic arm in numerous industries.
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