ACTing up

The Neurobiotics Lab at the University of Washington are currently developing what can only be escribed as the most realistic and anatomically correct robotic hand…ever.

The Anatomically Correct Testbed Hand (or ACT Hand for short) was constructed of passive compliant materials to allow for more fluid movement as opposed to traditional materials which provide a more rigid motion.  To program the hand, developers used simpler control algorithms instead of more advanced programming.  ACT developers hope that one day their work can be used to provide realistic and fully functional prosthetics.

 

The Next Big Adavance in Robotics–Who Nose?

 

Well, I’ve discussed robotic prosthetics before, but this one has me stunned.

Scientists have been developing an electronic nose (the e-nose for short) that will be able to detect the same odors a human nose can.

Apparently, the technology has been around since the 1950’s, but its uses were limited as early ‘noses’ were only able to distinguish any certain chemical that makes up an odor.  They’ve been used by pharmaceutical companies, wine bottlers, and to sort food flavors.

Until now, these electronic organs have sproted a hefty price tag of $5,000-$100,000.  Now new technology will bring that cost to a significantly lower point.  Soon these noses will be used in mainstream technology as well.  Refrigerators will know when food has spoiled, car’s emissions can be more closely monitored, even breathalyzers can be strategically placed around a bar!

 How long until I can have them build me a stand-in for class?

 

Glove remembers hand’s movements

Previously I’ve discussed the concept of robotic arms as well as robotic hand movements.  Well scientists have been using software to copy the natural movements of the human hand.

How?  Well, the cyberglove of course!  Scientists have been using a glove fitted with tiny sensors to record the movements of a moving hand all while 3-D camera’s capture the action to further the programming.  In fact, the camera’s capture accuracy of movement within a few millimeters.

Researchers hope that their findings will be used to create near perfect artificial limbs.

 

Hey Robocop, pass the gravy

Science has taken transplant surgery to the next level.

A team of German scientists have created a robotic arm that responds to EEG signals.  Just like a natural arm, the robotic one performs as the brain tells it to, thereby bringing hope to victims of paralysis and deformity.

The Theory behind it is relatively simple:  think of your brain as a power generator.  It sends impulses to other “devices” (such as arms and legs) via a channel of wires–your nerves.  In paralyzed individuals, the wiring is so damaged that the signals cannot be transmitted.  By removing the damaged nerves and tissue and replacing it with the engineered extremity, those signals have somewhere to go again.  The real complications come in how the brain signals are interpreted.  The robotic arm overcomes this dilemma by amplifying brain waves recieved from electrodes placed on the patients scalp.  The EEG’s are then interpreted by computers and software so that thinking “lift the glass” helps the user take a drink.

While still in showing and veleopment right now, experts say that the arm could be ready for commercialization within just a few years.  To read the accompanying article, click here.