Berkeley Robotics and Human Engineering Laboratory: Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox laboratory |name = Berkeley Robotics and Human Engineering Laboratory|native_name = |image = |latin_name = |motto = |established =|type = Applied |budget = |debt = |research_field = Bioengineering and Robotics |rector = |chancellor = |president =|vice-president = |provost = |principal = |vice_chancellor = |dean =|director = |head_label = |head = [[Homayoon Kazerooni]] |faculty = |staff = |students = |undergrad = |postgrad = |doctoral = |profess = |postdoc = |alumni = |address = |city = [[Berkeley, California]] |state = |province = |country = [[United States]] |coor = |zipcode = |telephone = |fax = |campus = [[Urban area|Urban]] |free_label = |free = |sports = |colours = |colors = |nickname = |mascot = |fightsong =|affiliations = |operating_agency = [[University of California, Berkeley]] |nobel_laureates =|website = http://bleex.me.berkeley.edu |logo = |footnotes = }}

'''Berkeley Robotics and Human Engineering Laboratory''' is managed and operated by [[University of California, Berkeley]]. The lab conducts scientific research on design and control of a class of robotic systems worn or operated by humans to increase human mechanical strength.<ref>{{cite web|title=Official Website|url=http://bleex.me.berkeley.edu/about}}</ref>

==Projects==

==='''''Exoskeletons'''''===

====Berkeley Lower Extremity Exoskeleton (Bleex)====

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''ExoHiker'' was designed to help hikers carry heavy loads on their back, up to 150 pounds, over extended periods of time. It's design was completed by February 2005. The battery powered skeletal system is controlled with a handheld LCD display. It can be strapped on to the body of hiker between 5ft5&nbsp;ft 4in and 6ft6&nbsp;ft 2in in height, like a wearable robot. The skeleton is easy to put on and take off. Altogether, the ''ExoHiker'' weighs 31 pounds, and is virtually noiseless. It can operate at an average speed of 2.5 &nbsp;mph for 42 miles with just one 80 Watt-hour lithium polymer battery weighing 1.2 pounds. With a small solar panel, its "mission time" can be unlimited.<ref>[http://bleex.me.berkeley.edu/research/exoskeleton/exohiker/ ''ExoHiker''] Berkeley Robotics and Human Engineering Laboratory. Retrieved 29 January 2012.</ref><ref name=MMag>[http://www.metropolismag.com/pov/20111218/lab-report-xvi#more-22198 Lab Report XVI]''Metropolis Magazine'', 18 December 2011.</ref>

====Ekso/eLegs====

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In 2010 The lab unveiled ''eLEGS'', which stands for "Exoskeleton Lower Extremity Gait System".''eLEGS'' is another hydraulically powered exoskeleton system, and allows paraplegics to stand and walk with crutches or a walker. The computer interface uses force and motion sensors to monitor the user's gestures and motion, and uses this information to intelligently interpret the intent of the user and translate it into appropriate action. Users can "put on and take off the device by themselves as well as walk, turn, sit down, and stand up unaided".<ref name=BerkeleyeLEGS>[http://bleex.me.berkeley.edu/research/exoskeleton/elegs%E2%84%A2/eLEGS] Berkeley Robotics and Human Engineering Laboratory. Retrieved 29 January 2012.</ref>

In 2011 ''eLEGS'' was renamed ''Ekso''. ''Ekso'' weighs 45 pounds (20kg20&nbsp;kg), has a maximum speed of 2 &nbsp;mph (3.2 kph) and a battery life of 6 hours. It is suitable for users weighing up to 220 pounds, who are between 5ft5&nbsp;ft 2in and 6ft6&nbsp;ft 4in tall and can transfer themselves from a wheelchair to a chair. It allows the user to "walk in a straight line, stand from a sitting position, stand for an extended period of time, and sit down from a standing position".<ref name=BBStatistics>[http://www.exoskeleton-suit.com/BerkeleyBionics.html Exoskeleton] ''Berkeley Bionics''. Retrieved 29 January 2012.</ref>

''Ekso'' is currently undergoing further development and clinical trials in rehabilitation centers.<ref>[http://www.dailytech.com/Kessler+Releases+Video+Progress+of+Ekso+Exoskeleton+Testing+Clinical+Trial+Begins+Jan+2012/article23538.htmKesslerReleases Video Progress of "Ekso" Exoskeleton Testing; Clinical Trial Begins Jan. 2012]''DailyTech'', 16 December 2011.</ref> It should become lighter and more adaptable, and by 2013 should be available for private use at a cost of about $100,000.<ref name=BBStatistics/><ref>[http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2012/01/06/Exoskeleton-helping-disabled-to-walk/UPI-53221325895641/?spt=hs&or=sn Exoskeleton helping disabled to walk] ''United Press International'', 6 January 2012.</ref>

====ExoClimber====

''ExoClimber'' is an enhancement of ''ExoHiker'' that allows the wearer to ascend stairs and climb steep slopes. It weighs 50 pounds, and for each pound of lithium polymer battery, can assist a climber to ascend 600 feet vertically with a 150 pound load.<ref name=MMag /><ref>[http://bleex.me.berkeley.edu/research/exoskeleton/exoclimber/ ''ExoClimber''] Berkeley Robotics and Human Engineering Laboratory. Retrieved 29 January 2012.</ref><ref name=MMag />

====Human Universal Load Carrier====

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In 2009 the laboratory/[[Berkeley Bionics]] unveiled ''HULC'', which stands for [[Human Universal Load Carrier]].''HULC'' is a more sophisticated and capable development of the above projects. It can carry a 200 pound load, and reduces the metabolic energy needed by the wearer to perform a given task. "In this way the device can significantly increase the range and length of tasks the wearer can perform."<ref name=MMag/><ref>[http://bleex.me.berkeley.edu/research/exoskeleton/hulc/ ''HULC''] Berkeley Robotics and Human Engineering Laboratory. Retrieved 29 January 2012.</ref><ref name=MMag/>

In particular, ''HULC'' has potential military uses, and in 2009 a licensing and development agreement was reached with [[Lockheed Martin]].<ref>[http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/news/press-releases/2009/february/LockheedMartinUnveilsExos.htmlLockheedMartin Unveils Exoskeleton Technology at AUSA Winter Symposium] ''Lockheed Martin'', 26 February 2009.</ref>

''HULC'' lends itself to augmentation with devices that can be mounted on the back of its exoskeleton. One such device, the Lift Assist Device, lets operators carry front loads as well as loads on their back. It also "allows single operators to safely lift heavy loads that currently require two or more people".<ref>[http://www.lockheedmartin.com/content/dam/lockheed/data/mfc/pc/hulc/mfc-hulc-pc-02.pdfULCTMwith Lift Assist Device] Berkeley Robotics and Human Engineering Laboratory, 2010.</ref>

Austin project named after in honor of its first human test subject Austin Whitney, a [[University of California, Berkeley]] graduate, is a a series of technologies that lead to low cost exoskeleton systems for individuals with mobility disorders. <ref>{{cite web|title=Austin|url=http://bleex.me.berkeley.edu/research/exoskeleton/medical-exoskeleton/|publisher=[[University of California, Berkeley]]|accessdate=30 January 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Zax|first=David|title=A Robotic Exoskeleton Works Miracles|url=http://www.technologyreview.in/blog/helloworld/26775/|publisher=[[Massachusetts Institute of Technology]]|accessdate=30 January 2012}}</ref>

==='''''Hydraulic Human Power Extender'''''===

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|video1=[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7JGB3ATdTU&feature=player_embedded Hydraulic-powered robotic arm showing human interface gripper] ''YouTube''

|video2=[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toTWhPTyqg8&feature=player_embedded Hydraulic-powered robotic arm showing human interface gripper (ver2)] ''YouTube''

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Developed by the laboratory ''Hydraulic Human Power Extender'' is a tool with a carrying capacity of is 500 pounds, intended to help loading and unloading aircrafts.Two sets of piezoelectric force sensors measure forces for arbitrary force augmentation and force reflection in the machine while the six axes of this extender are controlled three on board microcomputers. <ref>{{cite web|title=Hydraulic Human Power Extender|url=http://bleex.me.berkeley.edu/research/hydraulic-power-extender/|publisher=University of California, Berkeley|accessdate=31 January 2012}}</ref>

==='''''Biomimetic Robotics'''''===

*[http://bleex.me.berkeley.edu/research/biomimetic-robotics/|Biometric Robots]

==='''''Intelligent Assist Devices (IAD)'''''===

*[http://bleex.me.berkeley.edu/research/intelligent-assist-devices/|Intelligent Assist Devices]

==='''''Berkeley-NASA Haptic System'''''===

*[http://bleex.me.berkeley.edu/research/automated-robotic-deburring-system/|Automated Robotic Deburring System]

==See also==

*[[UC Berkeley College of Engineering]]

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==References==

{{Reflist}}

{{Uncategorized|date=February 2012}}