Schunk Inc. Components Make Care-O-bot from Fraunhofer IPA a Useful Buddy For People with Disabilities and the Aged

June 16, 2009
Schunk Inc. components make Care-O-bot from Fraunhofer IPA a useful buddy for people with disabilities and the aged.

Fraunhofer IPA, www.fraunhofer.de

Schunk Inc., www.schunk.com

Engineers at Fraunhofer IPA, a German think tank for automation, recently upgraded a robot they built so it could help people with disabilities and the aging. The newly dubbed Care-O-bot 3 serves as a technology demonstrator and test bed for add-on technologies and future developments. The robot can identify, then pick up and move a variety of household items including a glass of water and other relatively delicate objects, according to the manufacturer. It can also set tables, vacuum floors, and operate thermostats and lights, along with a host of other tasks.

To simplify design and construction, Fraunhofer used a modular approach. One of the robot’s central modules is its arm, an LWA 3 (lightweight arm) from Schunk Inc., Morrisville, N.C. The LWA 3 has several more degrees-of-freedom in its motions — seven —- than many other robotic arms. This gives the arm humanlike mobility. Despite being relatively light, the arm supports 5-kg loads. Joint movements are stored as macros in a control unit for the joint modules, reducing the complexity of the overall control system. And joints use quill drives, so cables can be routed inside the arm, away from harm. A Schunk SDH gripping hand with built-in tactile sensors mounts on the arm.

In addition, two tilt-and-swivel modules from Schunk let the sensor-studded head rotate precisely while a PRL rotary module from the same company lets a removable service tray rotate off to the side.

Sponsored Recommendations

NEW Low Profile, Ultra Compact Power Supplies

March 13, 2024
Learn more HERE about Altech's Power supplies!

Altech's Liquid Tight Strain Relifs Catalog

March 13, 2024
With experienced Product Engineers and Customer Service personnel, Altech provides solutions to your most pressing application challenges. All with one thought in mind - to ensure...

Industrial Straight-Through Cable Gland

March 13, 2024
Learn more about Altech's cable glands and all they have to offer for your needs!

All-In-One DC-UPS Power Solutions

March 13, 2024
Introducing the All-In-One DC-UPS, a versatile solution combining multiple functionalities in a single device. Serving as a power supply, battery charger, battery care module,...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!