A group of University of Colorado researchers is working on creating the next generation of robots that could be more powerful and perform more efficiently than humans — but they offer assurances they’re not aiming to have the human race overtaken by automated overlords.
“We want to do the opposite,” said Christoph Keplinger, assistant professor in CU’s Department of Mechanical Engineering and senior author of two studies published Thursday in the journals Science and Science Robotics. “We want robots who will be our friends and help us.”
Ditch images of clunky hunks of metal when envisioning these new technologies. The devices dreamed up in the basement of the CU Engineering Center are soft, self-healing and mimic biological muscles.
The robotic devices can execute a selection of tasks like grasping delicate objects, including raspberries and raw eggs, and lifting heavy objects. The technologies exceed or match the strength, speed and efficiency of biological muscles, which Keplinger said make the devices ideal for advanced prosthetic limbs or creating more human-like robots that can assist around the house.
The paper coming out in Science introduces a new kind of actuator, or device that creates movement. This paper advances the research behind prosthetics and the life-like capabilities of robots. The second paper, in Science Robotics, broadens the materials used for these devices and dives into future possibilities for the robots’ industrial applications.
“Think about a hummingbird and the high speed of its wings,” Keplinger said. “Then think about the power of the trunk of an elephant. At the same time, think about an octopus arm, which is extremely versatile and can squeeze through tiny spaces.”
Keplinger and his crew are enabling all three of those functions in their new creations.
What sets these new technologies apart from other soft robots: they don’t need a pump, water source or high-pressured air system to function.
Instead, the CU researchers found success creating a less bulky, self-healing device in the aisles of a local supermarket. Canola oil was a key ingredient in the robots’ self-healing abilities, allowing for more reliable use in everyday life, the researchers said.
Keplinger is used to fielding questions from concerned citizens about the potential of such powerful scientific advancements.
“I’ve heard people say we’re enabling the robot apocalypse,” he said. “But we want to improve the quality of life or help people who have lost limbs. We have a very positive region of robotics.”
Eric Acome, lead author of the Science paper, and Nick Kellaris, lead author of the Science Robotics paper, have been working on these projects for around two years.
“It feels pretty amazing to see the reception so far,” Acome said. “We’re really excited about the future for this technology. Publishing in Science and Science Robots in the same day is a pretty big deal. It speaks to the importance of the work.”
Bobby Braun, dean of CU’s College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, knows the researchers’ findings will make a huge impact in the robotics community.
“The research coming out of Dr. Keplinger’s lab is nothing short of astounding,” Braun said. “He and his team of students are helping create the future of flexible, more-humanlike robots that can be used to improve people’s lives and well-being. This line of research is a core, interdisciplinary strength of our college.”
Next up, the team hopes to work with CU to investigate options for creating a company for this technology.
“We’d like to do this as soon as possible to start making an impact on people’s lives,” Keplinger said.
Elizabeth Hernandez: 303-473-1106, hernandeze@dailycamera.com, twitter.com/ehernandez
