The robot can be used in construction sites and dangerous environment in order to help humans with difficult tasks.
Completely controlled by human beings, the robot has the looks of Wall-E with 7 feet long arms and track threads. The robot was designed by the technology-related company Sarcos Robotics.
Humans can control this robot by means of remote controllers and a bodysuit specially developed to help with piloting the machine. The exoskeleton also includes a VR-style headset which allows the user to have a first-person view and improve the users’ experience.
Although the robot known as Guardian GT looks as Wall-E, the design was based on human structure, according to the developers. The robot has a wrist ratio between joints, shoulder, and elbow, resembling humans. In addition, the CEO of Sarcos Robotics Ben Wolff has spoken out regarding the learning curve of the machine “it’s very intuitive. That kinematic equivalent concept enables a brand new operator with no training at all to be able to get into the machine.”
One of the functions of the bodysuit according to Ben Wolff is to give the operator a feeling of what he is lifting providing a reduced amount of weight when handling heavy objects, this feeling is obtained by a system called “Force Feedback.” Guardian GT is able to lift well over 485 lbs and its arms have a total reach of seven feet which allows operators to reach objects on the high side of the spectrum.
The design decision to include the Force feedback system means that human operators will be able to optimally manage tasks involving small objects such as buttons and switches, but also grants a greater immersion to them when lifting heavy objects, giving operators a sense of scale.
Although imposing, the robot quite resembles human arms since its movements are far from being stiff or jerky. This Guardian GT is expected to perform in Industrial companies where heavy objects are daily things and according to many experts, is a perfect example of what an Industrial robot should be. The dexterity of the robotic arms in Guardian GT is a result of the combination of custom parts, clever design choices and a desire for excellence.
According to CEO of Sarcos Robotics Ben Wolff, the idea to have Industrial robots is not to replace the human factor, rather to work alongside it, thus increasing the number of activities a human can do, especially in places like Construction sites.
Wolff also noted his thoughts regarding human involvement with robots and how should they impact human society “I think the real role in work generally is for us to find as humans how to maximize the utility of robots. Allow them to do what they’re really good at while still relying on what humans are best at, which is wisdom and judgment.”
