Can Somebody Let This Robot Down?

While it might not have been a request on anyone's agenda to create a muscular, sinewy robot, the unexpected has arrived with the introduction of Clone Robotics' "Protoclone." A recent YouTube video showcases the Protoclone, which seems to be a prototype of the more refined robot that Clone Robotics aims to develop. In the video, viewers can see the Protoclone flexing its arms and legs, revealing artificial muscle fibers that move beneath its white exterior.

As detailed in the video description, one of the most remarkable features of the Protoclone is its incredible mobility. The robot boasts "over 200 degrees of freedom, over 1,000 Myofibers, and over 200 sensors." Interestingly, the design omits facial features, for reasons that remain unclear.

The ultimate goal for Clone Robotics is to create an android that is anatomically precise, equipped with synthetic nervous, skeletal, muscular, and vascular systems to facilitate movement. The "Myofibers" are a unique invention of Clone Robotics, engineered to mimic desirable traits of mammalian skeletal muscle. For the final version of the Clone robot, these Myofibers are expected to exhibit a response time of less than 50 milliseconds and generate significant contraction force, over a kilogram for a single, three-gram muscle fiber, according to the company's specifications.

The Protoclone's current state of hanging from a hook instead of moving on its own illustrates its prototype status. It's common for robots in early stages of development to be suspended or supported until they are capable of bearing their own weight. This challenge arises from the need for appropriate materials and technology.

Clone Robotics is not alone in this endeavor. Other companies, such as Figure and even tech giants like Tesla, Meta, and Apple, are also exploring the realm of human-like robots that could potentially take over certain jobs. Although Tesla's initial efforts were met with skepticism, the company maintains a serious interest in robotic innovation. Among these competitors, Clone Robotics gains an edge by showcasing videos that highlight muscular robotic designs.

robot, technology, innovation