The U.S. Army is no stranger to adding robots to its repertoire of cool technology. Now it has just received a two-armed Highly Dexterous Manipulation System (HDMS) from a company called RE2 Robotics.
Typical robotics systems that work to dispose of explosives include a single arm that can perform tasks like inspection, detection, and neutralization of explosive devices, but they’re usually limited in their dexterity, reach, and lifting capacity.
The new dual-arm HDMS technology provides a human robot operator with capabilities that exceed current fielded single-manipulator robots. The robot is more rugged, ergonomic, and intuitive to control. While the robot is only 33.5 lbs, it can lift over 100 lbs. and moves over 90º per second per joint. It is also energy efficient, running off of standard DC voltages and drawing minimal current.
Its two arms allow operators to perform complex tasks like securing an object with one arm and manipulating with the other. In addition to routine explosives disposal tasks, the HDMS could eventually be used for other missions, like Combat Engineering and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives (CBRNE) operations.
“The direct benefit of the HDMS technology to Army personnel is significantly increased performance and capability over currently fielded manipulators for both tele-operated and semi-autonomous use on mobile robot platforms,” said Jorgen Pedersen, president and CEO of RE2. “These manipulation improvements directly correlate to a reduction in time-on-target and overall mission time, resulting in increased safety for all mission personnel.”
Check out the video below for a demonstration.
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