A humanoid robot developed by South Korea’s nuclear research institute was able to accurately toss a water bottle into a yellow barrel from across the room, marking a significant advancement in disaster response robotics.
The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute published brief video footage showing its ARMstrong Dex robot pitching the 500-milliliter bottle about 10 feet underhanded with its mechanical arm into the barrel.
This test was more than just a clever stunt. It showed that the robot had key skills needed in an emergency.
In disaster zones where roads are blocked or too dangerous for people to reach, being able to quickly and accurately deliver small but essential items — like medical kits, radios or water — can be the difference between saving lives and arriving too late.
Engineers built the robot to figure out exactly where and when to throw something, adjusting its strength with split-second accuracy to make sure it lands in the right spot.
The throwing capability builds upon the robot’s already demonstrated physical prowess. Previous testing showed the machine executing pull-ups while supporting additional weight loads and performing controlled arm exercises with substantial resistance.
Last month, the robot was seen in a video completing dead-hang pull-ups with a 44-pound weight attachment, followed by demonstrations of 88-pound single-arm curls designed to analyze mechanical stability and control systems.
These practice runs helped engineers adjust the robot’s hydraulics, fine-tune its sensors and improve its movement software — making it fast and accurate enough to throw with precision.
ARMstrong Dex’s design and proportions match adults humans, enabling it to function within standard infrastructure including hallways, control rooms and equipment stations.
Tracks help the robot move over rough, debris-filled ground, while its arms can turn valves, move rubble, hook up wires, and use tools like fire extinguishers.
The robot was built mainly for disaster zones and nuclear sites, with remote controls that let people operate it from a safe distance, away from danger.
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