A team of researchers from the Korean Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) has developed a human-scale, dual-arm hydraulic robot for disaster response use cases.
In a demonstration of its disaster response capabilities, the ARMstrong Dex robot precisely cut a 40 mm x 90 mm wooden beam using a handheld saw, showcasing its precision and control in an accompanying video.
Source: KAERI
The team opted to have the robot perform this task to simulate specific disaster conditions such as cutting through obstructive debris, creating openings in blocked pathways and operating without the use of powered tools during outages.
Because disaster response machines and robots need to operate under extreme conditions — from collapsed buildings, unstable terrain, toxic environments to areas with limited visibility — these devices need to rely on low-power systems as well as portable energy sources due to the lack of reliable infrastructure. Likewise, disaster response robot tasks often require manual tools for cutting debris, drilling through rubble or lifting objects.
Making this challenging is that these tasks require high precision and dexterity to avoid injuring trapped survivors or potentially destabilizing fragile structures.
In addition to sawing through beams, the hydraulically powered ARMstrong Dex is capable of lifting up to 441 pounds across both arms. It also features dexterous manipulators for precise handling of tools and materials.
In another demonstration of its capabilities, ARMstrong Dex performed dead-hang pull-ups with a 44-pound weight attached to it to test the robot’s hydraulic ability, mechanical stability and joint torque.
ARMstrong Dex’s developers suggest that by blending athlete-like stamina with dexterity, the robot could one day lead to the creation of robotic first responders capable of tackling nuclear, disaster and industrial challenges.
For more on ARMstrong Dex, watch the accompanying video that appears courtesy of KAERI.
