The Robo-Glove's real ingenuity lies in its use of electronics to learn the wearer's intentions. Force-sensitive resistors in the fingertips work with a microprocessor, software, and a set of motor controllers to endow the system with closed-loop control. "When you come in contact with something and squeeze, the reaction is immediate," Linn said. "The microprocessor reads the sensors, understands the intent of the user, and tells the motors to actuate. The motors cinch everything up and give you the extra force you need."
The glove is an offshoot of Robonaut 2 (R2), a collaborative GM-NASA project that provided a dexterous working robot for the International Space Station. Unlike R2, GM sees the Robo-Glove as a product that can be commercialized.
Linn said the device could have applications in the robotics market, particularly in the growing area that includes humanoid robots and exoskeletons. Clothing companies could also incorporate the technology into work gloves. GM is still studying the prototype to learn which applications would make the most sense.
Early research by the automaker has shown that auto workers wearing a Robo-Glove can grip a tool longer and more comfortably. The company says the glove could reduce the risk of repetitive stress injuries.
"We don't know yet what the best applications will be," Linn said. "Our approach is to try it out on a bunch of tasks and let the operators, who are the real experts, tell us whether it helps or not."
As a FORMER GM stockholder and long-time member of a "GM FAMILY" I feel I'm qualified to state that if the people at GM were focused on MAKING AUTOMOBILES may be I wouldn't have to use their stock certificates for wallpapering my bathroom. I the morons would concentrate on styling and car engineering they would't have time for gloves, etc.
Thanks, Chuck that makes sense. bdcst, I often have the same problem opening jars, and keep three different jar-opening tools in my kitchen utensil drawer. One of them usually works. But I agree, this glove would make a great alternative for several other tasks that involve gripping for long periods of time.
You're right on the money, bdcst. I think these are the kinds of apps that GM is thinking of. There must be a lot of potential applications in which this technology could be used to prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Ann: I don't think GM wanted to put it into shoes. They just happend to drop the name of a shoe/clothing company and suggested that there was an application there. I don't know how that company could possibly use it, but it does make sense that a company that makes work clothing could incorporate it into gloves.
Yes, Sensor pro, it is good to see GM innovating in a non-auto field. Decades ago, that was more the norm, where companies would go far afield with their innovations with some very interesting results. 3M, Bell Labs, many others.
This device has the potential to become a mass production, mass appeal comodity item! No need to limit it to the assembly line or for relief from medical conditions. It would be handy for most everyone on a daily basis, especially those of us who are aging. And isn't that ultimately all of us?
I'm at the point where opening vacuum sealed jar lids becomes a brute force challenge, where soft tissue does not respond as well to stress or heal as rapidly from an insult.
Even for low force tasks such as gripping the tripod handle of a film/video camera for an hour or more of continuous filming the glove would help eliminate finger cramps! I assume, with some sort of locking cam or gear action, the glove would not have to consume a lot of battery power to hold its grip, only to change it.
This device would appear to be, in some ways, superior to the exoskeleton devices the Department of Defence is testing for soldiers needing to carry heavy supplies to the battlefield. It would certainly help them hold a weapon or a joy stick for prolonged periods of time.
Chuck, I get defense applications, but clothing? And shoes? Anyway, the medical/health apps look pretty compelling. As Nancy mentions, carpal tunnel/tendonitis/repetitive stress sufferers could also benefit, on top of people who have lost even more functioning.
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!
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.
We looked at a number of sources to determine this year's greenest cars, from KBB to automotive trade magazines to environmental organizations. These 14 cars emerged as being great at either stretching fuel or reducing carbon footprint.
Researchers at MIT and Sandia National Labs have observed a reaction in lithium-air batteries that could help improve the design of these cells for electric vehicles and other applications.
Healthcare might seem to be an unlikely target application for the Internet of Things technology, but recent developments show small ways that big-data is going to make an impact on patient care moving into the future.
From Dell / Intel® New Paradigms in Design Work Scott Hamilton, vertical market strategist for Dell Precision workstations, 5/2/2013 3
Early in my career, I worked as a draftsman and remember the days of drawing on vellum with numbered pencils and Mylar with plastic lead. This was a fun experience in the sense that I ...
I've been using workstations for more than 10 years and love finding ways to get more performance from my system. With demanding professional applications that require more power each ...
A lasting memory from my first job as an engineer in an auto assembly plant is standing on hard concrete at six in the morning, vending-machine coffee clutched in hand, listening to ...
A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
To save this item to your list of favorite Design News content so you can find it later in your Profile page, click the "Save It" button next to the item.
If you found this interesting or useful, please use the links to the services below to share it with other readers. You will need a free account with each service to share an item via that service.
Tweet This
4 
