Clone Robotics Unveils Breakthrough Humanoid Torso with Dual-Arm Skill
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Clone Robotics has unveiled a new humanoid torso, showcasing advancements in robotics. This company focuses on creating realistic humanoid robots, with a special focus on hands and torsos. The new torso shows impressive bimanual capabilities, allowing it to use both arms at the same time. For example, it can hold a jar with one hand and open it with the other.
The technology behind this torso is fascinating. It uses artificial muscles rather than motors or rigid parts. This allows the robot to move more smoothly, similar to how human muscles and tendons work. Watching this torso move feels like watching a human, minus the skin and bones. Clone Robotics explains how they have designed joints like the elbow and neck to allow for a wide range of motion. The shoulders work like human shoulders, with complex parts for varied movement.
The company has also improved the torso's internal structure. They have created a valve matrix in the chest area. This helps control the artificial muscles, much like how lungs regulate breathing. This design eliminates the need for bulky equipment, making the robot more streamlined.
Clone Robotics has been working on these advancements for years. Their robotic arm has already impressed many, showcasing feats like holding a 7 kg dumbbell with only 200 watts of power. The arm is powered by water, making it cleaner and safer than traditional robots using heavy motors or hydraulics. The company has also developed a portable power supply and custom valves for precise control. This allows the arms to adjust movement speed and strength while fitting within a human-like torso.
Beyond this, Clone Robotics envisions more applications for their technology. They aim to build a platform for reinforcement learning, where the robot can adapt and learn. Their goal includes developing prosthetic arms and exploring teleoperation, where a human controls the robot remotely. They've shown demos where the robot hand can catch a ball, demonstrating precision and control.
The introduction of artificial muscles means these robots can perform tasks requiring delicate handling. For instance, a robot could handle fragile items in a warehouse. With advanced joint design, the robot's range of motion is similar to humans, enhancing flexibility for tasks like assembling parts or interacting with human environments.
Bimanual manipulation is a significant achievement. While many robots manage tasks with one arm, using two arms together is challenging. Clone Robotics is taking a unique path, different from other humanoid robot companies. This space is becoming more intriguing as they tackle the complex challenge of replicating human muscles.
Clone Robotics describes their vision as creating musculoskeletal super-intelligent androids. Screenshots show their hands with synthetic skin and artificial muscles beneath. These hands could potentially be used for tasks like cutting hair, using tools, or even medical procedures. The future possibilities are endless as these robots become more refined.
