Hydraulic robotic arm mimics complexity of human body!

 

            Automaton Robotics, a Poland based company, engineers a synthetic arm equipped with hydraulic drives to accurately imitate complex movements of human limb as well as lift heavy weights. The word ‘automaton’ describes a mechanical machine made in imitation of the human body. This advancement of the Automaton Robotics company could essentially facilitate performance of hard physical work and reduce the tiring labor of workers.

How Automaton’s arm is different:

            While majority of humanoid robotic arms are set in motion by electric motors of hydraulic drives located at elbows, human function differently.  Our muscles are responsible for movement- the muscle contracts, stretches the tendon passing through the annular ligament forcing the finger to bend. Though engineers have developed artificial muscles and anatomical copy of the system of ligaments, tendons and fingers, no one has used them both together.

Science behind the hydraulic arm:

            The artificial muscle as mentioned above is based on pneumatic muscle construction, also known as McKiben actuator. Such a muscle consists of sealed tubes (which can stretch) in a braided sheath.

             During supply of gas/ liquid, the tube inflates and increases in width. But due to the fact that the fibers of the braided sheath do not practically stretch, the structure contracts resembling the human muscle contraction.

             The water supplied to each muscle, from a pump, use electrohydraulic valve to regulate the flow of water, thereby regulating rate of contraction.  The maximum power consumed by the arm is 200 W and the arm weighs 1 kg.

Current advancement of the company:

              In a recent Instagram video shared by the Polish firm, the limb was capable of lifting weights, twisting, and clutching. This recent prototype has half of the muscle synthetics needed to match a human arm. However, it has already shown a high biomimetic potential as well as great strength (easily lifts a 7KG dumbbell with a wrist flexion). The prototype is additionally covered with a translucent material to imitate skin thus giving it a humanoid finish.

              The creators are yet to equip the arm with position sensors in each joint and the next prototype will present a completed limb with ‘software’ that controls the sensors. The ultimate aim of the firm is to develop “a full humanoid robot that serves people for fun, such as a butler, chauffeur or construction worker.”

               Łukasz Koźlik, a dedicated worker of the robotics group has worked for over 7 years to develop a robot concept built of intricate synthetic muscle system and software giving it fine motor control. He believes the muscle mimicry will create a robot that is highly efficient, fast and affordable.

HYDRAULIC ROBOTIC ARM