Engineers Teach Robots How to Push Heavy Objects Using Their Bodies Like Humans

Engineers at the JSK Laboratory at the University of Tokyo have taught an HRP-2 robot to push heavy objects using its body the way humans can. The action is a matter of balance and friction, as the robot calculates different possible positions to attempt to push an object based on its weight.

The team presented their results at the 2015 International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) held between May 26 and May 30, 2015 in Seattle, Washington.

robot pushing

image via IEEE Spectrum

via IEEE Spectrum

Glen Tickle
Glen Tickle

Amelia's dad. Steph's husband. Writer, comedian, gentleman. Good at juggling, bad at chess.