AugLimb: A compact robotic limb to support humans during everyday activities

Researchers at Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology and University of Tokyo recently developed AugLimb, a compact robotic limb that could support humans as they complete a variety of tasks. This new limb can extend up to 250 mm and grasp different objects in a user's vicinity.

Most existing wearable robotic arms are designed to be mounted on a human user's upper body (e.g., on the upper arm, waist or shoulders). While some of these systems have achieved promising results, they are typically based on bulky hardware and wearing them can be uncomfortable for users.

In contrast with other robotic arms, AugLimb can extend significantly, becoming approximately 2.5 times longer than a human's average forearm length. Moreover, it is highly compact and thus easy to store. AugLimb has 7 DOFs (degree of freedoms) and can be easily fabricated using normal 3D printers and motors. Compared to existing robotic limbs, AugLimb has human-centric design that largely improves the wearer's experience, so that anyone can enjoy it while reaping the benefits of the enhanced body capabilities derived from having a 'third arm'. In addition to being compact, the robotic limb is lightweight and comfortable to wear. This also makes it suitable for users with more fragile bodies, including children and older adults.

Read more at Tech Xplore

Image Credit: JAIST

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