A robot equipped with a drill and capable of tightening nuts is bringing science fiction closer to reality.
Hyundai Motor Group's robotics subsidiary, Boston Dynamics, unveiled its next-generation robot hand on October 1, showcasing the Atlas robot performing various manipulation tasks.
Humanoid robots must operate in environments designed for humans, utilizing tools to perform a range of tasks, making versatility and flexibility essential. The importance of the robot hand is increasing as it plays a crucial role in the general operational capabilities of humanoid robots.
In the demonstration, Atlas used the new robot hand to handle tools and small components, showcasing precision assembly and the ability to reposition objects in its grasp.
Atlas picked up a drill bit and inserted it into a drill, operating it to drill a hole in wood. This task required precise control of finger strength and movement, as the robot had to securely grip the tool while pressing a button.
The robot also demonstrated the ability to rotate and tighten a nut. To fasten small, hard components like bolts and nuts, fine grip control and the ability to reposition objects within its hand are necessary.
Additionally, Atlas was seen rotating thin, elongated drumsticks with its fingers and manipulating two golf balls with smooth surfaces simultaneously. These actions require continuous adjustment of contact and force between the fingers while maintaining a secure grip on the objects. This demonstrates the next-generation hand's ability to adjust finger movements and strength according to the shape, material, and contact state of the objects.
The most significant feature of the next-generation hand developed by Boston Dynamics is its implementation of 13 degrees of freedom across four fingers, including the thumb, greatly enhancing its dexterity compared to previous models.
The thumb, with four degrees of freedom, performs intricate gripping actions in coordination with the other fingers, which each have three degrees of freedom, allowing for precise control of finger spread and tips. This enables the robot to grasp objects and change their position and orientation within its hand, similar to human capabilities.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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