Pneubotics - Membrane-Based Robotics for Remote Material Handling, Phase I

Pneubotic systems offer robust grasping, human safe operation, and efficient transportation, vital qualities for robotic manipulators that will join future NASA missions. This unique technology enables a diverse set of applications from tele-operated repairs to safe capture systems at the large scale. The lightweight, fully compliant structure alleviates concerns about errant motion during interactions with humans while the use of fabric manufacturing techniques allows for the construction of complex shapes which enhances dexterous manipulation. The technology also enables wearable fabric orthotics (exoskeletons) that can be actuated based on a tele-operated arm and provide haptic feedback to a human user. Due to the low weight and price point of Pneubotic technology, high performance manipulators with the strength of industrial arms become available to mobile applications. The commercial potential of such a product is immense and has applications in a wide range of markets including manufacturing, agriculture, military, commercial, and consumer. We are targeting an untapped sector of the global material handling market that we are calling "mobile material handling". This market encompasses tasks that take place outside the confines of a structured industrial cell where objects between 10kg - 30kg need to be moved short distances. Distribution centers, fulfillment centers, package delivery, baggage centers, and small manufacturing facilities are all potential customers. Traditionally, these applications have resisted robotics due to their high cost, weight, lack of mobility, and need for safety cages. Pneubotics can uniquely address the challenges presented by mobile material handling and offer a product that replaces pallet jacks and hand trucks with human directed solutions that take the burden of lifting off of the operator. More »