Remember Dr. Octopus from Spiderman? Well, having extra limbs seem like tempting idea, they could help us hold objects, support our body, share workload, etc. Federico Parietti and Harry Asada, two experts from MIT, has done extensive researches to make these robotic arms come true, the project is called Supernumerary Robotic Limbs (SRL). Can you imagine that we can have a third arm or a third leg attached to our body? The movements of these robotic limbs can be perfectly coordinated with our body, we might perceive the extra limbs as an extension of our body.

The main goal of this project is to allow SRL represents as one type of co-robot that has intimate and unique relationship with the human. It has to become a fully functional extension to human body, it’s more than just prosthetic arms and legs. SRL must respond to human movements and coordinate its actions, it has to be able to communicate with the user in a natural and intuitive manner, since they are extra arms/legs, they not just complement but must enhance human capability in doing their tasks.

Designers : Federico Parietti and Harry Asada

These wearable robotic arms can be worn just like a backpack with padded straps and hip belt. The mechatronic structure is connected to the harness with a compliant element. This structure consists of a backpack unit and 2 robotic arms, placed behind the lower back to user. It’s compact and lightweight to meet the demanding torque requirements for manufacturing.