The Robot Teleoperativo project develops a teleoperation system for hazardous environments, enhancing safety and reducing human risk. Dynamic Legged Systems lab/YouTube
Researchers at the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) have unveiled a powerful quadruped robot equipped with massive robotic arms, enhancing human-robot teleoperation.
Designed for hazardous environments, the system merges intuitive controls with advanced mobility and dexterity, pushing the limits of remote robotic operation.
The Robot Teleoperativo project is built on the HyQReal, the latest hydraulic quadruped in IIT’s lineup.
“The primary goal of this project, conducted in collaboration with INAIL, is to extend human capabilities to the robot, allowing operators to perform complex tasks remotely in hazardous and unstructured environments to mitigate risks to their safety by exploiting the robot’s capabilities,” Claudio Semini, who leads the Robot Teleoperativo project at IIT, told IEEE Spectrum.
Hydraulic power unleashed
Built on the HyQReal platform, the hydraulic robot is equipped with massive arms, enhancing its ability to perform complex tasks remotely.
Hydraulics have become less common in robotics due to their complexity and maintenance challenges, but they remain essential for applications requiring high power and heavy lifting. While many robots rely on electric actuators, HyQReal’s hydraulic system enables dynamic movement and impressive load-bearing capacity.
In a demonstration of its strength, the 308-pound (140-kilogram) robot once pulled a three-tonne airplane. Its knee joints generate up to 300 newton-meters of torque, and its onboard battery-powered hydraulic system delivers 4 kilowatts of power. Reinforced with an aluminum roll cage and Kevlar skin, HyQReal is built for durability in demanding conditions.
According to IEEE Spectrum, for effective teleoperation, a robot must offer both intuitive control and advanced mobility. HyQReal meets these requirements with a human-controlled interface that allows operators to navigate and manipulate objects remotely.
The robot’s head-mounted arms, developed at IIT, weigh 22 pounds (10 kilograms) each and can lift 5 kilograms per arm. Compared to the Boston Dynamics Spot robot’s 11-pound (14-kilogram) total payload, HyQReal’s configuration provides enhanced strength and dexterity. The arms’ positioning enables them to reach the ground and work together for bimanual manipulation, while the quadruped’s mobility extends their range.
A key factor in this system’s development is its actuation technology, designed for high power output with minimal weight. This enables a lightweight yet strong manipulation system, seamlessly integrated with HyQReal.
Since teleoperated robots must adapt to human control, maximizing reach and functionality ensures that operators can perform tasks efficiently, without being limited by mechanical constraints.
Teleoperation enhances efficiency
The project is based on four key technologies, which are developed together to maximize research and practical applications. Starting with the FIELD Robot – This includes the INAIL-IIT Robotic Arm and the HyQReal hydraulic quadruped, working together as a powerful robotic platform.
Next is the PILOT Station, which includes the REMOTArm and HEXOTrAc-Plus teleoperation system. It also features a 3D immersive VR interface, allowing users to control the robot easily and effectively from a distance.
The project, which is in collaboration with INAIL, Italy’s National Institute for Insurance Against Accidents at Work, intends to improve workplace safety by using robotics for hazardous jobs.
A previous iteration of the robot, which had only one arm, was tested by Italian firefighters in 2022 to put out a mock tunnel fire. Although a promising example, to demonstrate its practical usefulness, future advancements will concentrate on taking on increasingly difficult and demanding jobs.
Improving durability and dependability in harsh environments still presents challenges. The robot must be able to endure extreme heat and extended exposure to flames without experiencing any decline in performance. Another challenge is energy usage, which needs to be optimized to increase operating duration.
Furthermore, improving the user interface is essential to strike a balance between cognitive load and situational awareness. Operators may become overwhelmed by too much information, and mistakes may result from too little.
Researchers anticipate that future developments in voice commands, eye-tracking controllers, and mixed-reality interfaces will improve efficiency in high-risk situations by streamlining procedures and lowering tiredness.
“Advances in immersive mixed-reality interfaces and multimodal controls, such as voice commands and eye tracking, are expected to improve efficiency and reduce fatigue in the future,” Yonas Tefera, who lead the development of the immersive interface, told IEEE Spectrum.
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The details of the team’s research were published in the journal IEEE Xplore.
