Researches at Johns Hopkins University's Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland have designed a new human-like robot. Its name is Robo Sally. 61 machine can be controlled from a distance and can be used to do work that is dangerous for human beings.
Mike McLoughlin is the main investigator for the Applied Physics Laboratory's Prosthetics Program.
It was a difficult job. Mr. McLoughlin says the device had to have many small motors to have the ability to do 62 a human hand does. It also needs to have human-like strength. The thumb was especially difficult 63 it permits the hand to hold objects. And 64 had to fit into a space about the size of a human hand.
The next problem, he says, was to figure out how to control the artificial hand. “So we had to figure out how to make the 65 between the brain and this arm. We've done that for spinal injury patients, where we can actually interface with the brain and use the patient's thoughts to control the arm.”
For search-and-rescue duties, Robo Sally 66 (operate) by a human being 67 (use) a wireless machine that is far from the robot. The operator will also wear special gloves and glasses. The glasses permitted the operator to see the robot's hands, even though they are far 68 .
Mr McLoughlin says this kind of robots could be used in what he calls “dull, dirty or dangerous” situations 69 fine human finger movements are required.
Mr McLoughlin says the technology is not ready for everyday application, 70 he predicts that within five years we will see some wonderful improvements.