Iron Man-style, this robot can help during natural disasters. The robotic arm is capable of wading through rubble while its propulsion backpack allows it to fly across difficult terrain.
The robot, called iCub, has been developed by experts at the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT) in Genoa, Italy.
Robotic systems in iCub’s palms will allow it to control power and direction as it zooms through the air using propulsion rockets.
iCub’s modest size – just 3.4 feet – and propulsion abilities will allow it to reach spots humans or drones cannot get to in search of human survivors.
The reminiscent of the Iron Man armour worn by Marvel Comics character Tony Stark, played on the big screen by Robert Downey Jr.
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Scientists from Italy have created a robot for natural disasters.
The animal can walk, crawl and lift objects. Its hands are made to facilitate sophisticated manipulative skills.
Iron Man can fly by using the rockets in both his hands and feet. Tony Stark from Marvel Comics wore Iron Man armour. Robert Downey Jr. portrayed him on the big screen.
According to experts at IIT, the field of robotics is still lagging behind in terms of offering affordable solutions for disaster scenarios.
According to the website of the institute, “Every year about 300 natural catastrophes cause the deaths of approximately 90.000 people and impact 160 million people around the globe.”
“Unfortunately, robotics remains behind in offering affordable solutions to these disaster situations.
iCub is in development since more than fifteen years. He has been named partly in a nod to the man-cub from Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book.
It stands at 3.4 feet (102.4 cm) high and is just as tall as a 5-year-old child.
iCub is able to crawl, stand up, and walk on its own to control objects such as rubble or fragments of buildings. It also has hands that can support advanced manipulation skills.
IIT claims that this platform is unique in having a full-body sensitive skin, which allows it to safely interact with the surrounding environment.
The tiny humanoid robot iCub will fly with a backpack propulsion system and have systems in its hands that enable it to direct power and direction.
Experts hope the robot’s size and propulsion abilities will allow it to reach spots humans or drones cannot get to
For the past 15 years, IIT has been involved in robotics research with the aim of pushing Italy ahead in this sector.
A video simulation from the experts shows how human operators could remotely use software to move iCub around a disaster scenario.
Engineers say that the simulator is sound-simulated and derived from real jet control experiments.
“Finally the control algorithms assure vertical take-offs and landings, with flight information and orientation control.