Using a device called Robo-Glove, auto workers may soon have an easier way to hold and squeeze objects on the assembly line.
Designed by engineers at General Motors, the glove uses a combination of actuators, sensors, and synthetic tendons to mimic the operation of a human hand while adding a measure of functional force. In addition to being employed in manufacturing, GM engineers say they foresee its use in a multitude of applications, from household repairs to complex humanoid robot operations.
GM's Robo-Glove incorporates four tiny servo motors, four gearheads, and four ball screws, along with a lithium-ion battery, in a package worn on the forearm. The motors apply force through synthetic tendons attached to the fingers. (Source: GM)
"We're looking at any type of task that requires grasping of some sort," Marty Linn, principal engineer of robotics at GM, told us. "Imagine a firefighter holding on to an icy hose during winter. This glove is for repetitive grasping or endurance-holding of an object."
To perform those kinds of functions, the Robo-Glove (also known as the Human Grasp Assist Device or K-Glove) incorporates four tiny servo motors, four gearheads, four ball screws, and a lithium-ion battery in a package worn on the forearm. When a servo motor rotates, the associated ball screw imparts a translating force, which tugs on a "tendon" to move one of the fingers. GM engineers employed a flexible, high-strength fiber called Vectran to mimic the characteristics of a human tendon and give the fingers lifelike qualities.
"The key for us has been to keep the package size small," Linn said. "We wanted to make sure that there's room for all the working elements down near the hand."
I've read about a couple of projects in this area lately, but this seems to go a step further with the intelligent sensors that make some sort of interpretation as to how the user wants to operate the hand. That seems pretty advanced in my book. Is this something GM is developing for use internally or would there be commercial applications/availability for it outside of automotive manufacturing? Seems odd that GM would spend time developing/commercializing something a competitor might use.
Beth, i had a similar conversation with Chuck about this the other day. Chuck, can you elaborate on whether GM has plans to mass produce this product, or will they use it internally? In any case, it will be interesting to see what type of companys will employ the Robo-Glove.
What a fascinating development. Kind of a cross between robotic technology and a human tool. Sounds like GM plans to commercialize this for outside use, likely through licensing.
Itis good to see GM put engineering labor and cost into something that helps their employees health and well being. If this technology is deployed in their factory and their repetetive motion injury rate goes down, the result to their bottom line will be substantial.
This looks like it could have crossover medical/health/rehab applications, as well. Do you know if there are any plans to migrate the technology to them?
Chuck, Very cool development. The packaging of the system (motors and ballscrews) must have been a significant challenge with this. Great to see the linkage to their work with NASA on the humanoid robot project.
As Rob has indicated here, GM will likely commercialize this through licensing. Make no mistake, though, even though they are not planning to mass produce it themselves, they are very serious about commercialization. And they are open to ideas for innovative ways to use the technology.
Ann: GM is very open to ideas for commercialization. While I was talking with them, they mentioned possible uses in defense applications and in clothing lines. They also mentioned a prominent shoe manufacturer in our discussions, but didn't indicate how that company might use it.
This is a very exciting development – I know so many people who are suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome and this looks like a great preventative measure and even a way for those who have a repetitive stress injury to be able to continue to work. I will be looking forward to what the operators have to say about it! I wonder how cost effective it will be to implement because I think the possibilities are so huge...very cool!
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