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Scientists in Japan have created robotic muscles, bones and tendons similar to humans and tested them on a humanoid that could revolutionize the market! 

Written by Valdemar Medeiros
Published 07/09/2024 às 01:20
Scientists in Japan have created robotic muscles, bones and tendons similar to those of humans and tested them on a humanoid
Photo: Reproduction/Impressive Reality

Researchers in Japan are developing robotic muscles, bones and tendons for humanoids. The new technology promises to accurately mimic the movements of a real human arm.

Have you ever imagined a humanoid robot that not only looks like a human being, but is also capable of reproducing complex movements with the same precision? Researchers at JSK Lab, from the University of Tokyo in Japan are making this a reality. They have developed robotic muscles, bones and tendons that promise to revolutionize the humanoid robot market.

This innovation represents a significant advance in the creation of robots capable of perfectly imitating human movements, opening up new possibilities for robotics in sectors such as medicine, industry and entertainment.

Japan develops robotic muscles, bones and tendons that look like humans

It is a robotic forearm that accurately mimics the proportions of the human body, weight, muscle arrangement and joint performance.

Japan's robotic muscles, bones and tendons were designed with a radio-unar joint, a structure that faithfully reflects human anatomy, allowing complex movements such as those we perform when writing, turning a doorknob or even swinging a badminton racket.

New technology is capable thanks to 3D printing with slow-curing plastic — Photo: Disclosure/ETH Zurich

This humanoid innovation from Japan was made possible by the creation of miniature bone-muscle modules that integrate two motors into a single component, saving space and maximizing efficiency.

These miniature motors were developed with an advanced heat dissipation system utilizing the bone structure as a means to keep the motors cool, thus ensuring stable performance.

This has resulted in robotic muscles, bones and tendons that not only look and function similar to the human arm, but also have the ability to perform precise and skillful movements.

Japan's humanoid robot undergoes multiple tests

To demonstrate the potential of this humanoid technology from Japan, the robot equipped with this forearm was tested in a series of tasks that require high precision. It was able to perform actions such as welding, opening books, turning screws and even swinging a badminton racket, all with the same dexterity that would be expected of a human being.

This radio-unar joint specially designed by researchers in Japan allowed the robot to perform smooth and controlled movements with low stiffness and high efficiency in torque transfer, which is crucial for activities that require both precision and speed.

The next step for the Japanese researchers will be to create a complete tendon-driven humanoid using these miniature bone-muscle modules, expanding this technology to other parts of the robotic body. In addition, they are interested in further exploring the biological significance of the radio-unar joint, seeking to discover new and even more complex and skillful movements.

This breakthrough could change the way we view human-robot interactions, bringing these machines even closer to the physical capabilities we once considered exclusively human. The future of humanoid robots seems to be fast approaching, and it is certainly impressive. 

Japan invests heavily in robotics

In addition to these robotic muscles, bones and tendons, the researchers have also developed a facial robot with real skin made from human cells. The device is expected to help shed light on the process of wrinkle formation and reduce animal testing in the development of cosmetics and medicines.

Os researchers They even managed to develop a unique structure that mimics the way muscle movement is transmitted to the skin, allowing the robot to smile.

In most conventional humanoid robots, silicone rubber is used as the skin. To develop the most human-like facial robot, the team cultured human skin cells and created facial skin approximately 2 mm thick and 25 mm in diameter, consisting of a dermal and an epidermal layer. Previously, the team developed a finger-shaped robot covered with similar skin.

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Valdemar Medeiros

Journalist in training, specialist in creating content with a focus on SEO actions. Writes about the Automotive Industry, Renewable Energy and Science and Technology

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