Researchers at NASA’s Johnson Space Center (JSC) collaborating with General Motors and Oceanseering Space Systems www.oceaneering.com designed a dexterous humanoid robot called “Robonaut 2” (R2). R2 is made up of multiple component technologies and systems that includes vision systems, image recognition systems, sensor integrations, tendon hands, control algorithms, and much more.
R2 with nearly 50 patented and patient-pending technologies has the potential to make changes in multiple industries, including logistics and distribution, medical and industrial robotics, as well as operate in hazardous, toxic, and remote environments.
R2’s hands allow for unprecedented dexterity to accomplish tasks can handle tasks too difficult or dangerous for humans. Also, R2 can function autonomously or be controlled by direct teleoperation.
NASA in investigating new uses for the world’s most advanced humanoid robot is working with Dr. Zsolt Garami from the Houston Methodist Research Institute www.houstonmethodist.org to prove that R2 can be used to provide healthcare via telemedicine technologies. R2 is also being investigated to see of the robot can be used to provide electronic communications when physicians are conducting medical procedures.
After some training, the R2 tele-operator is able to guide the robot and perform an ultrasound scan on a medical mannequin. Humans controlling R2 are able to perform tasks correctly and efficiently by using R2’s dexterity to apply the appropriate level of force and track their progress using R2’s vision system. The tele-operated R2 also experimented using a syringe as part of a procedure to further demonstrate the robot’s capabilities for use in telemedicine.
In another important development related to the use of robotic arms in medical situations, researchers have initiated a new research platform called “KidsArm” to enable surgeons to quickly navigate to surgical sites in the body.
KidsArm is the first robotic surgical arm specifically designed for delicate pediatric specialties, including cardiac surgery, neurosurgery, fetal surgery, urosurgery, and general surgery. Surgeons operate the tabletop tool using a pair of hand controllers in conjunction with high precision real-time imaging technology to enable doctors to pinpoint the area of concern to make it easier to reconnect delicate vessels.
To develop KidsArm, The Hospital for Sick Children Centre for Image-Guided Innovation and Therapeutic Intervention (CIGITI) in Toronto Canada, partnered with Macdonald, Dettwiler, and Associates Ltd, www.mdacorporation.com to help build the space shuttle’s robotic arm and system for the Canadian Space Agency to use aboard the space station.
While developing R2 for space, other new ideas were generated for use on Earth. One idea generated by R2, was the creation of the X1 exoskeleton to help not only astronauts remain healthy in space, but also to help restore limb motion for those affected by paraplegia or stroke.
To create X1, NASA partnered with the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC) www.ihmc.us which has already developed a lower-extremity exoskeleton to assist with those with paraplegia. The IHMC’s expertise in algorithms related to gait pathology along with the NASA robotics team’s expertise in hardware created the X1 exoskeleton.
Another spin-off is Robo-Glove, a glove with flexible tendons, a tendon drive system, and sensors that measure the grasping force applied by the wearer. The glove can also either assist or resist movement.
The device enables the user to lightly grip tools and other items for longer periods without experiencing muscle discomfort or strain. The Robo-Glove has potential applications in prosthetic devices, rehabilitation aids, and for people with impaired or limited arm and hand muscle strength either in space or on Earth.
Licensing opportunities are available for the Robo-Glove and not only for the total R2 package, but also for licensing a single R2 technology or a small number of bundled technologies. For more information, contact Michelle P. Lewis, JSC Patent License Manager at michellep.lewis@nasa.gov or call 281-483-8051.