Robo-workin’ on the railroad.
The largest rail operator in west Japan says keeping its tracks and structures in good working order is of critical importance to West Japan Railway. So this month JR West, started using a Transformer robot type device for repairs and remodels on the rails. Developed jointly by JR West, Nippon Signal, and Jinki Ittai (which also goes by the name Man-Machine Synergy Effectors, Inc.), the unit is called the Multifunctional Railway Heavy Equipment, and adapts an earlier rail-only design into a more flexible truck-based system.
Basically they created a 40 foot tall “Transformer” looking robot into an extension of cranes and railroad repair cars on the tracks. The robot’s torso is attached to a crane arm-like appendage which can be extended to do work at heights up to 39 feet off the ground, and the arms can hold and manipulate equipment weighing up to 88 pounds. The hands and wrists and shoulders are completely articulated so the robot can reach: into, above and even between other equipment. This can save workers from ladder climbs and make light aerial equipment repairs and replacements with no ladders or shut downs. The technology will help fill worker shortages in ageing Japan as well as reduce accidents such as workers falling from high places or suffering electric shocks, the company said.
The specialized hand controls allow the operator to regulate how much force goes into the robot’s grasp, and the head-mounted camera array supports the use of “VR goggles” that let the ground based operator see things from the robot’s perspective, as shown in the demonstration video below. Its operator sits in a cockpit on the rail car, “seeing” through the robot’s eyes via cameras and operating its powerful limbs and hands remotely. If an external force is sensed on the arms, the signal is relayed back to the pilot’s controls, who can then take necessary action. As of this month, JR West has begun using the robot for cutting away trees and other vegetation that is obstructing tracks and painting overhead equipment and is planning to expand its role as new hand attachments are developed.
Transformers on stage
What would RoboCop be called if he was a Transformer?
Stoptimus Crime.
We lost power at UW Tacoma today due to someone hitting a transformer.
I never heard if it was a Decepticon or an Autobot.
I was talking to Bumblebee the Transformer the other day…
I didn’t realize he was such a car guy.
Which transformer loves to paint?
Optimus Primer.
July 24th Birthdays
1988 – Mara Wilson, 1969 – Jennifer Lopez, 1982 – Emily Rickards, 1898 – Rose Byrne
1994 – Lucas Adams, 1964 – Barry Bonds, 1978 – Danny Dreyer, 1783 – Simon Bolivar