Buzz
Mechanical engineering students at UCLA's Samueli School of Engineering have crafted a robot mirroring human form and size, equipped with unparalleled technology.
Named Artemis, an acronym for Advanced Robotic Technology for Enhanced Mobility and Improved Stability, this robot is set to move to Bordeaux, France, in July for the RoboCup 2023 football tournament.
It's a globally significant scientific event where robots from around the world showcase their abilities in various disciplines.
In a humorous twist, the research team jokingly suggests that Artemis could also stand for 'A Robot That Exceeds Messi In Soccer.'
Designed by researchers (who are students at the university) at the Robotics and Mechanisms Laboratory at UCLA, or RoMeLa, Artemis is a versatile humanoid robot, with a focus on bipedal movement on uneven terrain.
Standing at 1.4m and weighing 38kg, it maneuvers rough and unstable surfaces effortlessly, showcasing remarkable running and jumping capabilities. Artemis maintains stability even under strong pushes or impacts.
According to UCLA researchers, in lab experiments, Artemis achieved a walking speed of 2.1 meters per second, making it the world's fastest humanoid walking robot.
Artemis's standout feature lies in its custom-designed drivetrains - devices generating motion from energy - designed to operate similarly to biological muscles. They use springs and are force-controlled, in contrast to the rigid, position-controlled drivetrains most robots have.
Watch a demonstration showcasing Artemis's incredibly flexible movement. Source: UCLA
'That's the key behind its excellent balance on uneven terrain and its running ability – lifting both legs off the ground during motion,' says Dennis Hong, UCLA professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering and director of RoMeLa. 'This is a first-of-its-kind robot.'
Another significant advantage is that Artemis's drivetrains are electrically controlled instead of hydraulic, utilizing differences in fluid pressure to control motion.
As a result, it generates less noise and operates more efficiently compared to robots with hydraulic drivetrains – and it's cleaner, as hydraulic systems are notorious for fluid leaks.
Artemis's responsiveness and adaptability, as well as what it senses, come from its sensor system and drivetrain.
It features custom-designed force sensors on each leg to help this robot maintain balance while in motion. It also has an orientation module and a head-mounted camera for environmental perception.
Notably, to prepare for the upcoming RoboCup, researchers regularly test Artemis by having it stroll around the UCLA campus. In the coming weeks, they will assess Artemis's full range of running and soccer-playing skills at UCLA's Indoor Stadium.
Researchers will also evaluate its ability to navigate uneven terrain and stairs, its capability to fall and get up, as well as its object-carrying skills.
Reference: InterestingEngineering
