Robonaut 2: Industrial Opportunities

manufacturing
Robonaut 2: Industrial Opportunities (MSC-TOPS-47)
Handles factory tasks that are ergonomically difficult, fatiguing, or even unsafe for humans
Overview
Researchers at the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) in collaboration with General Motors (GM) and Oceaneering, have designed a state-of-the-art, highly dexterous, humanoid robot: Robonaut 2 (R2). R2's nearly 50 patented and patent-pending technologies have the potential to be game-changers in many applications such as the industrial environments. For example, in a traditional robotic assembly line there are multiple specialized robots that are tooled for a small set of unique tasks. R2 provides an alternative way to implement automated assembly using extraordinary task flexibility, dexterity and rapid interchangeability with human processes and tools. This can lower automation infrastructure costs and increase manufacturing flexibility. R2 can serve as an assistant or work independently. R2's dexterity is a key feature in industrial environments as the robot can handle factory work that is ergonomically difficult, fatiguing, or even unsafe.

The Technology
NASA, GM, and Oceaneering approached the development of R2 from a dual use environment for both space and terrestrial application. NASA needed an astronaut assistant able to function in space and GM was looking for a robot that could function in an industrial setting. With this in mind, R2 was made with many capabilities that offer an enormous advantage in industrial environments. For example, the robot has the ability to retool and vary its tasks. Rather than a product moving from station to station on a conveyor with dozens of specialized robots performing unique tasks, R2 can handle several assembly steps at a single station, thereby reducing manufacturing floor space requirements and the need for multiple robots for the same activities. The robot can also be used in scenarios where dangerous chemicals, biological, or even nuclear materials are part of the manufacturing process. R2 uses stereovision to locate human teammates or tools and a navigation system. The robot was also designed with special torsional springs and position feedback to control fine motor movements in the hands and arms. R2's hands and arms sense weight and pressure and stop when they come in contact with someone or something. These force sensing capabilities make R2 safe to work side-by-side with people on an assembly line, assisting them in ergonomically challenging tasks or working independently. This NASA Technology is available for your company to license and develop into a commercial product. NASA does not manufacture products for commercial sale.
Robonaut 2 is a dexterous robot able to work with tools and equipment designed for human use. R2 is a humanoid robot with many capabilities that allow it to perform tasks normally not done by robots.
Benefits
  • Touch Sensitive: Uses its vision, force and tactile sensing to carry out tasks in real time
  • Upper Body: Capable of being stationary or integrated onto a two/four-wheeled base
  • Environmental Awareness: Designed to handle unexpected objects coming onto its path
  • Dexterous: Capable of handling many of the same tools used by humans
  • Task Flexibility: Performs multiple tasks as an assistant worker or independently
  • Safe: Works side-by-side with people

Applications
  • Manufacturing
  • Automotive
  • Industrial Applications
  • Hazardous Chemicals and Products Manufacturing
  • Chemical and Petroleum Plants
Technology Details

manufacturing
MSC-TOPS-47
MSC-24571-1 MSC-24685-1 MSC-24688-1 MSC-24689-1 MSC-24743-1 MSC-24747-1 MSC-24817-1
Included is a sample list of the R2 sensor technology patents. For patent information on the complete R2 system, please visit http://go.nasa.gov/1xWCiU5.
Stay up to date, follow NASA's Technology Transfer Program on:
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
Facebook Logo Twitter Logo Linkedin Logo Youtube Logo