American company Zinova has introduced Tool Intelligence technology, which is supposed to teach robots to use common tools designed for humans — from drills and nailers to saws. In the demonstration, the robot is given the task of assembling a small concrete panel and sequentially performs several construction operations at once.
American company Zinova has introduced Tool Intelligence technology, which is supposed to teach robots to use common tools designed for humans — from drills and nailers to saws. In the demonstration, the robot is given the task of assembling a small concrete panel and sequentially performs several construction operations at once.
Forbes reports this. The company posted the demonstration on LinkedIn.
Zinova is developing a system that allows robots to recognize, pick up, and use tools they already have. They don't even need to have complex five-fingered hands like humans. Many power tools, such as drills or nailers, only require the robot to firmly grasp the handle and press a button.
In the demonstration, a robot named Ziggy is given a voice command to assemble a concrete panel measuring approximately 1.8 by 1.8 meters. During the process, the system drives nails, drills, installs and ties rebar, and levels the concrete poured into the formwork.
Another part of Tool Intelligence is the TEISI sensor system. It allows the worker to sense force, torque, vibration, resistance, and contact with the material while working with the tool. For example, a person can tell by the feel in their hand that a drill bit is starting to get stuck. This is difficult for a camera to see, so Zinova is trying to give similar feedback to robots.
The company started with construction, as this field of work involves a large number of different tools and conditions that are constantly changing. In the future, Zinova sees the technology being used in manufacturing, energy, infrastructure maintenance, and aerospace.
Previously, dev.ua wrote that Ukrainian startup Deus Robotics also started with robots for construction. The company developed machines for sanding parquet and laying tiles, but due to low demand in the conservative construction industry, it eventually switched to warehouse automation.
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