BYU Grad Student Develops Innovative Robot With a Helping Hand
PROVO, Utah – In a world where technology continually evolves, BYU graduate student Curtis Johnson has embarked on a mission to create a robot with a simple yet profound aim: to be more helpful. This journey led him to the development of “Baloo,” a groundbreaking robot designed to interact with its environment in ways that traditional robots can’t.
What sets Baloo apart? Johnson, a doctoral student in mechanical engineering, describes a unique approach: “What if the robot could push with its shoulder or move items using its entire body?” This innovative idea vastly expands the robot’s capabilities and potential use cases.
Equipped to tackle hefty tasks, Baloo can effortlessly lift cumbersome objects such as ladders, kayaks, tires, chairs, and heavy boxes. Researchers at the BYU Robotics and Dynamic Lab emphasize safety as a pivotal feature; Baloo’s flexible and air-filled structure mitigates risks associated with more rigid robots. “Robots made with stiff materials either break the robot or hurt the operator, depending on which is stronger,” Johnson explains, highlighting the thoughtful design behind Baloo.
The creation of Baloo isn’t the work of Johnson alone but rather a collaborative effort involving BYU mechanical engineering professors Marc Killpack and John Salmon, with funding from the National Science Foundation. Their recent study delved into human-robot collaboration, specifically focusing on co-manipulating bulky items.
Another key player in this project is Shaden Moss, a co-author of the study and a master’s thesis graduate. Moss explored the implications of robotic stiffness on task performance, using virtual reality environments to assess how effectively people could move objects such as tables when assisted by Baloo.
Looking ahead, researchers envision various applications for Baloo, particularly in sectors like construction and disaster relief. Imagine a disaster response team equipped with Baloo, lifting heavy debris and assisting in rescue operations—this is the future that Johnson and his team aspire to create.
The advancements made with Baloo highlight a significant shift towards robots that are not only efficient but also safe collaborators in our daily lives. As technology continues to grow, so does the potential of robots to enhance our ability to work and live harmoniously.
The AI Buzz Hub team is excited to see where these breakthroughs take us. Want to stay in the loop on all things AI? Subscribe to our newsletter or share this article with your fellow enthusiasts.
