The Servosila "Engineer" is a disaster response robot that can thrive in almost any condition. The robot is able to stream live video back to the disaster management team. Then, from a distance, the disaster team can safely assess any situation. Stairs, doorways, narrow passages, and rocky terrain are no match for the robot's light-weight metal body.
See this amazing bit of tech in the video below:
Design and Features
The Engineer is extremely durable. It's water-proof, dust-proof, and can work in rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. The hardened electronics and sensors package within the robot are both capable of withstanding any environmental stresses. Impressively, the robot can even fit inside a backpack. It's portability makes it an excellent tool for remote inspection in hard-to-access areas where transportation by cars or trucks is impossible.
One of the robot's unique features is that it can raise its sensor head. This means that the robot can peek inside buildings, parked vehicles, or through windows to get the best vantage point. The following accessories can be installed, or mounted on the top of, the robotic head:
- forward and rear-view cameras,
- an optical zoom camera,
- a thermal vision camera,
- a laser scanner,
- a GPS/GLONASS receiver,
- an inertial sensors unit,
- a pair of cameras for stereo vision,
- and a headlight.
The robot is also completely customizable, thanks to its modular construction. The flexible arms can lift heavy loads, transport potentially dangerous items, and also grasp, push, turn, and pull objects.
Additional tools, such as a drill or a circular saw,can be installed either in place of the gripper, or on the gripper itself.
A single operator controls the robot using augmented reality goggles to see a picture from wherever the robot is. A joystick enables the operator to move the robot and its appendages. Users have reported that one can master the controls within a day.
If you're having doubts about your robot-piloting ability, you're in luck. Using a laser scanner and stereo vision, the robot is able to detect obstacles and automatically correct its trajectory to avoid hitting them. In addition, it can level itself from sideways or upside down positions.
Future Use
Not only is this robot idea for disaster response, the company imagines other uses will include:
- Firefighting
- Public Safety (investigating suspicious objects, looking into vehicles, etc.)
- Search and Rescue
- Industrial Engineering and Maintenance
- Maintenance of Tunnels and Pipelines
In addition, the robot has found a role as an education and research tool. The powerful onboard Linux computer, sensors, and customizable nature of the robot make it ideal for anyone looking to learn more about robotics and AI.
Specifically, the robotic arm enables conducting research in topics including motion planning, inverse kinematics, self-collision avoidance, grasping, usage of tools, learning from experience, and learning from interaction.
Customize your own robot here at the Servosila website.
Share This Article