Did you know that in 2019, an Italian robotic dog pulled a three-ton executive/VIP light transport Piaggio P.180 Avanti 3 feet at Genova City Airport (GOA) in Italy? Developed to support humans in emergencies, the dog robot, named HyQReal, was built by Dynamic Legged Systems (DLS) in collaboration with INAIL (Italian National Worker’s Compensation Authority).
Photo: Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT)
Based in Genoa, Italy, the company specializes in building and testing hydraulic robots and their components. The company HyQReal flagship robot was first developed in 2010 and represents a state-of-the-art robot that can be used in multiple ways.
Controlled by a single human operator, the robot can perform hazardous tasks that could endanger human lives. Able to walk and climb over rugged terrain, HyQReal can be used in response to emergency chemical and nuclear disasters.
Robots are ideal for certain types of emergencies
In particular work environments like the disasters mentioned above, there can be a high risk to operational safety and the possibility of long-term health issues. Hazards can include the possibility of an explosion and exposure to hazardous chemicals and radiation. By using a robot like HyQReal, humans do not need to put themselves at risk.
About HyQReal
HyQReal is 4 feet four inches long (1.3 meters) and just under three feet tall at 90 centimeters. Fitted with an aluminum roll cage and a body made from Kevlar, glass fiber, and plastic, HyQReal weighs 287lbs (130 kilograms).
HyQReal is powered by a 48-volt battery connected to four electric motors and four hydraulic pumps. The robot dog has two onboard computers, one dedicated to vision and the other to control movement. HyQReal also has custom-made rubber feet for improved traction.
Since being built in 2010, HyQReal has demonstrated a wide range of motions that include the following:
- Climbing up and down stairs
- Climbing up a chimney
- The ability to move in any direction over rough terrain
- The ability to run with step reflexes
- The ability to trot
- The ability to run
- HyQReal also proved its strength by pulling a three-ton aircraft 33 feet.
When speaking about the robot dog pulling the aircraft with American tech product review and buying guide advice website, CNET project leader at IIT’s Dynamic Legged Systems lab Claudio Semini said:
“Pulling a plane allowed us to demonstrate the robot’s strength, power autonomy and the optimized design. We wanted to achieve something that has never been done before, and we succeeded last week.”
When asked about real-world situations where HyQReal would be helpful, Semini added:
“We are not targeting the first response yet, but support in the aftermath of a disaster. Bringing sensors into unsafe areas, manipulating and moving objects, opening doors, etc.”
Robots are here to stay
Whether or not you like how robotics will change our lives, one thing is sure: they are here to stay. Like they already do in automotive plants, robots will be used to perform repetitive tasks.
The advantages of robots are:
- They can work in hazardous environments
- They are cost-effective as they do not need days off or breaks
- Robots can increase productivity
- Robots never suffer from fatigue or get bored
The disadvantages of robots are:
- Implementing robots is an expensive startup cost that could take years to recoup
- Robots are going to replace many people’s jobs
- Robots require specialist workers to maintain and program them
Photo: Dynamic Legged Systems lab
As things look now, robotics combined with artificial intelligence is the direction in which we are heading. If this has you worried that robotics and AI may one day take your job, now is a good time to retrain for something else.
Source: CNET.