Watch this robot perform a self-repair

Robots from time to time they’ll need some maintenance. Researchers from the University of Tokyo taught a PR2 Robot to self-repair by tightening its own screws and use tools in order to extends their operation time.

Using the same knowledge, the robot was also able to augment itself, adding accessories like hooks to help it carry more stuff.

The robot was trained “virtually” using a digital model in different scenario, then the code was uploaded in the robot with great results : this robot is able to self-repair !

In one experiment, the researchers taught a PR2 robot to attach a hook to one of its shoulders. The robot uses one hand to grasp the hook and another hand to grasp a screwdriver. The researchers tested the hook by hanging a tote bag on it.

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