A staff of South Korean and U.S. researchers has developed a robotic system that permits individuals to placed on clothes with out utilizing their fingers or needing assist from another person.
The know-how, created by researchers at South Korea’s KAIST and Stanford University, makes use of mushy, versatile “vines” powered by air strain.
Built into the clothes, the vines transfer the material across the wearer, gently pulling it into place in round 10 seconds.
The researchers imagine the system may very well be helpful in semiconductor cleanrooms, the place employees want to decorate shortly with out contaminating protecting clothes, in addition to for emergency responders who should placed on protecting tools in a rush.
Inspired by a wet bike trip
The concept got here from an on a regular basis downside.
“When I was riding a bicycle, it started to rain … and I thought it would be helpful if a raincoat could be put on automatically (as I ride),” mentioned Kim Nam Gyun, a KAIST postdoctoral researcher and lead creator of the examine.
“The vine robot stays close to the person and dresses them by turning the clothing inside out as it moves, allowing it to climb stably along the shape of the body,” Kim mentioned. He added that it takes about 10 seconds to placed on a full swimsuit.
Unlike many robotic programs, the wearer doesn’t have to face utterly nonetheless. The know-how additionally works with out counting on a fancy management algorithm, making it less complicated and extra adaptable.
Modelled on climbing ivy
The system is impressed by the best way ivy climbs.
Rather than shifting its whole physique, the robotic vine grows ahead from its tip. This helps it transfer easily round curved surfaces and keep near the wearer.
“It can pass through narrow gaps, grow while adapting to the shape of its surrounding environment, and move regardless of whether the surface is slippery, sticky, or sloped,” mentioned Ryu Jee-Hwan, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at KAIST.
Helping individuals and supporting business
The researchers say the know-how may enhance day by day life for older individuals and people with disabilities by making it simpler to dress independently.
They additionally see industrial makes use of, significantly in semiconductor manufacturing and emergency companies, the place employees usually have to placed on protecting clothes shortly whereas preserving their fingers free.
Ryu mentioned the fast progress of synthetic intelligence has targeted consideration on software program, however improvements in mechanical engineering stay simply as vital.
The analysis was printed within the peer-reviewed journal IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters.
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