Workers of the future could be given a boost thanks to a wearable robotic suit developed by LG.
Dubbed CLOi SuitBot, the AI-powered robotic suit boosts the leg movements of its wearer, letting them undertake tasks they normally wouldn’t be equipped to handle.
The firm says it could to help warehouse workers who have to lift heavy objects.
The CLOi SuitBot can communicate with other service robots built by LG to become part of a ‘smart working network’ to co-ordinate around the factory floor.
A concept version of the technology was unveiled at a media launch during the annual IFA tech conference, which is held in Berlin from August 31 to September 5.
Workers of the future could be given a boost thanks to a wearable robotic suit being developed by LG. AI technology allows SuitBot to learn and evolve through recognition and analysis of biometric and environmental data
SuitBot was designed in collaboration with fellow South Korean firm, SG Robotics.
The firm has been studying how wearable robots can improve people’s quality of life, including people with paralysis.
The collaborative effort – SuitBot – is part of LG’s growing CLOi AI robot range.
Previous droids in the same range include a Cleaning Robot and Serving Robot.
SuitBot is aimed squarely at the industrial sector, however, it’s feasible medical versions of the same technology could be on the horizon if they prove successful.
AI technology allows SuitBot to learn and evolve through analysis of biometric and environmental data.
This allows it to cater to an individual worker’s particular weaknesses as it learns about their movements.
According to LG, tailoring the movements and level of support for each individual also allows SuitBot to optimise its power consumption and conserve battery.
Despite this, LG has remained tight-lipped about the battery life of the suit.
Naturally rotating joints allow the CLOi SuitBot move in a more relaxed and natural way to enhance the lower body while walking, standing or working, according to LG.
Its sandal-type shoes and automatic adjustment feature allow the wearer to get in and out of the suit with ease, the Seoul-based electronics firm claims.
‘LG CLOi SuitBot is evidence of our full commitment to expanding our portfolio of service robots that deliver tangible convenience and innovation in our lives,’ said Song Dae-hyun, president of home appliances at LG.
The AI-powered CLOi SuitBot boosts the leg movements of its wearer, letting them undertake tasks they normally wouldn’t be equipped to handle
SuitBot was designed in collaboration with fellow South Korean firm, SG Robotics, who have been studying how wearable robots can improve the quality of life of the people who use them, including people with paralysis
‘It’s just one example of a wide range of revolutionary AI products designed to interact with users to dramatically elevate user convenience and create new opportunities to advance our robotics initiative into a next-gen growth engine.’
There’s no indication when the SuitBot will be commercially available.
SuitBot can connect to other LG service robots, first announced at CES 2018.
Each of LG’s new robots – unveiled in January – is shorter than a human and moves via a hidden set of wheels at its base.
The first of the new machines is a server robot designed to carry food and drinks to customers at hotels and airport lounges.
SuitBot can also connect to other LG service robots, first announced at CES 2018. Each of LG’s new robots is bin-shaped – unveiled in January – is shorter than a human and moves via a hidden set of wheels at its base
A built-in sliding tray installed into the assistant will collect the food and protect it while the robot is in transit.
The second is a porter robot capable of carrying hotel guests’ luggage to and from rooms.
Lastly, LG will revealed a machine that works with customers at supermarkets, telling them product prices and then guiding them through the aisles.
WHAT IS THE ARMY’S ‘IRON MAN’ EXOSKELETON?
In the hopes of staying ahead of the enemy, the US Army is testing a futuristic exoskeleton that gives soldiers superhuman abilities.
The frame fits around the soldier’s legs, and is attached to a belt worn around the waist.
The belt connects to flexible hip sensors, which tell a computer where the soldier is in space, as well as the speed and direction of the movements.
It uses independent actuators, motors and lightweight structures, powered by a three pound rechargeable lithium ion battery.
The US army is testing a futuristic exoskeleton that gives soldiers superhuman abilities. The frame fits around the soldier’s legs (shown on the left leg on this soldier) and is attached to a belt worn around the waist
During initial tests, engineers reported that Fortis reduced the amount of energy needed to perform a task by nine per cent, using AI to learn the gait of each soldier.
Mr Maxwell explained: ‘It knows what you are trying to do when you are trying to do it.
‘It locks and gives you a forward torque-twist that causes the lower leg to move toward the back, then it reverses direction to bring your leg forward.’