Teleoperated robotics company Extend Robotics has demonstrated its virtual reality (VR) controlled robotic arm, with it pulling a pint.
The Reading-based company has developed the VR remote-controlled robot for commercial use in the service, healthcare, utilities and energy industries.
But on 23 November, it showcased the robotic arm’s human-like dexterity and its ability to be operated remotely in a demonstration of “R.O.B” – robotically optimised bartender.
Chang Liu, Chief Executive of Extend Robotics, said: “Our latest cybernetic bartender robot demo is a great example of an ‘out of the box’ teleoperated robot solution for the service and catering industry.
“We also plan to develop VR-controlled teleoperated robots featuring highly accurate, smooth and consistent, human-like movements to improve safety conditions and boost efficiencies across a number of other sectors: from agriculture and healthcare through to the utilities and energy industry.”
The robot toolkit features real-time, immersive, and intuitive control using VR technologies and reachability to six degrees of freedom.
The VR based user interface creates immersive 3D perception and control. It is cloud-enabled with access to 5G and features scalable data-driven AI for future autonomy.
Furthermore, the company is developing its robot toolkit to be a plug-and-play solution that is low-cost.
Liu added: “Our mission is to democratise dexterous teleoperation at scale over the next three years, designing cost-effective robotic arms capable of remote operation from anywhere in the world, using cloud-based teleoperation software.
“What’s more, we have seen a significant acceleration in the demand for service robots in 2020, as the Covid-19 pandemic has given an unexpected boost to the market.”
