A user interacts with the robot arm, Mantis, which has haptic force feedback and can be used to enhance a gamer’s virtual reality experience. (Image Credit: University of Bristol)
Researchers from the University of Bristol have developed Mantis, a lightweight, affordable, one of a kind robot arm of the future that has accessible haptic force feedback (haptics). Haptics is a technology that simulates the sense of touch by providing an interface between human and computers. Mantis was showcased during the User Interface Software and Technology (UIST) conference in New Orleans by researchers Dr. Anne Roudaut and Ph.D. student Gareth Barnaby.
In theory, the team says the robot arm could be built and used by a secondary school student. When comparing the cost to build Mantis, the team says it’s twenty times cheaper to construct than other equivalent devices on the market. The reason why it’s more affordable than those built-in research labs is that the components, which are 3D printed, are inexpensive, and it uses brushless motors. Mantis uses an Arm Cortex M4 microprocessor and also includes closed-loop force control for high power density and has a wheeled based for accessibility.
Project Mantis is also supported by a new spin-out venture, Senmag Robotics, which will help to progress the researchers’ design to market. They aim to start with the production and testing of the first kits to be ready for release by the end of the year.
The team also says Mantis could work with virtual reality to enhance gamers’ experience via haptics. By attaching Mantis to their fingertips, the gamer could then interact with an object in virtual reality, giving them a sense of touch in an alternative dimension. Lead researcher Dr. Roudaut said, “Imagine a user playing a game in Virtual Reality with Mantis attached to their fingers. They could then touch and feel virtual objects, thus immersing themselves both visually and physically in an alternative dimension.”
Researcher Gareth Barnaby says the team will be giving out plans to allow anyone to build a Mantis. Barnaby also says the team plans on making force feedback devices readily available instead of keeping them in research labs. They also plan on offering self-build kits and pre-built versions from their website.
Have a story tip? Message me at: cabe(at)element14(dot)com
