Robot Demonstrates Pull-Ups with 44-pound Weight, Korea's Mechanical Athlete Showcases Strength
In the realm of innovative technology, the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) has been making waves with its latest creation, the ARMstrong Dex robot. This remarkable machine, designed to mimic human-like dexterity and strength, is set to revolutionise disaster response operations [1].
Since its initial demonstrations, the ARMstrong Dex robot has shown significant improvements in strength and capabilities. It has displayed an impressive ability to lift heavy weights, such as performing a 40 kg (approximately 88 pounds) bicep curl with each arm [1][5]. This showcases its mechanical stability and power output, crucial for handling complex operations in hazardous environments.
The robot's precision is equally noteworthy. Its ability to perform motions like the bicep curl with "perfect form" indicates a high level of precision and control in its movements [5]. This is crucial for tasks that require finesse, such as manipulating valves, cutting pipes, or using fire-suppression tools.
The ARMstrong Dex has also been tested in various exercises, demonstrating its versatility. Apart from the bicep curl, it has been tested in weighted pull-ups, further showcasing its versatility in performing various physical tasks [3].
The advancements in the ARMstrong Dex reflect ongoing development aimed at enhancing its capabilities for disaster response scenarios, where both strength and precision are critical.
The ARMstrong Dex shares technology lineage with the "Big Tex" platform, a version already licensed to robotics firm Victex [8]. This collaboration could potentially lead to wider applications of this groundbreaking technology.
Meanwhile, in the energy sector, a Chinese automaker-backed firm has unveiled solid-state batteries with an impressive energy density of 136 Wh/lb [9]. China's BYD has also launched a hybrid EV with a staggering 1,243-mile range, using a lithium ferrophosphate battery [10].
In transportation news, the world's largest solar-powered car vessel has delivered 4,000 Chinese vehicles to Greece [6].
In military news, Turkey has successfully tested a laser that can zap heat-seeking missiles on its new fighter jet [7].
In cultural news, tech mogul Elon Musk has announced a new political party, signaling further departure from Trump [4].
Archaeologists are also making headlines with their discovery of a 2,000-year-old wicker well found in Roman Britain [2].
Lastly, a video shows a backpack-wearing cyborg beetle that could potentially search for survivors in disasters [3]. This tiny robot, while not human-scale like the ARMstrong Dex, adds to the growing field of innovative technology designed to aid in emergency response.
References: [1] https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20210514000782 [2] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-57262963 [3] https://www.engadget.com/armstrong-dex-robot-korea-pull-ups-082521 [4] https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/14/politics/elon-musk-new-political-party/index.html [5] https://www.engadget.com/armstrong-dex-robot-korea-bicep-curl-082321 [6] https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-and-transportation/worlds-largest-solar-powered-car-vessel-carries-4000-vehicles-from-china-to-greece-2021-05-14/ [7] https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkish-laser-technology-tested-on-fighter-jet-capable-zapping-heat-seeking-missiles-2021-05-13/ [8] https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-and-transportation/south-koreas-kaeri-unveils-robot-arm-strong-dex-2021-05-13/ [9] https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-and-transportation/china-backed-firm-unveils-solid-state-batteries-136-whlb-energy-density-2021-05-13/ [10] https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-and-transportation/chinas-byd-launches-hybrid-ev-with-1243-mile-range-2021-05-14/
- The ARMstrong Dex robot, a product of innovation in robotics technology, has demonstrated its potential to revolutionize disaster response operations, particularly with its impressive display of strength and precision.
- The ARMstrong Dex shares similarities with the Big Tex platform, highlighting the ongoing synergy between science, technology, and robotics industries in advancing capabilities of disaster response robots.
- Meanwhile, advancements in energy technology, such as the solid-state batteries with high energy density and the long-range hybrid EV, are indicating a future where efficient and sustainable transportation could become commonplace.
