Faces of GM

R2: Helping to make cars and plants safer

February/4/2010 at 9:12 am

GM engineer Chris Ihrke and Robonaut shoot the breeze

Editor’s Note: Since 2007, GM and NASA engineers have been working side-by-side at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Tex., developing advanced humanoid robotics.  The fruits of their labor were presented this week to the public in the form of Robonaut 2 (R2, for short).  The robot will play a key role in helping GM develop sensors and systems to support advanced safety technologies for our next-generation of great cars and trucks, while also making our plants safer for our manufacturing workforce.  We thought we’d take some time to introduce you to the newest member of the GM family.

Tell us a little about yourself…
Gladly, I am the second in a family of robots developed by NASA designed to assist astronauts during space missions.  My older sibling, Robonaut, was developed in the late 1990s and helped lay the foundation for me.  Teams of engineers from NASA and GM have given me the most advanced technology when it comes to dexterity and capability.  I can be pre-programmed to complete tasks and have a range of motion that’s breakthrough for robotics today.

Why was GM involved in your development?
NASA and GM have a rich history of working together ever since the dawn of the space race.  GM engineers helped to develop the navigation systems used in the Apollo spacecraft and GM assisted in the development of the Lunar Rover Vehicle, the first vehicle to be driven on the moon.  Ever since GM introduced robotics into the manufacturing process in the early 1960s, the company has been known for its depth of knowledge in the robotics industry.  The company has also been on the leading edge of robotics technology education through its  long-standing support of the annual FIRST Robotics competition, in which more than 275 GM employees across the globe have teamed up to help educate young people on the future of robotics and technology.  Knowing GM was a leader in the robotics field, NASA sought out the company’s expertise.

What makes you unique?
Well, just look at me.  No, seriously, I have a level of capability that’s never been seen before from robots.  For starters, there’s my advanced high-definition 3D stereo machine vision system, which allows me to identify small objects more clearly and quickly.  Then there are the 350 sensors that I use for sensing and actuation—some of which were developed exclusively for me (GM and NASA have been granted more than 30 patents during my development)—which allow me to sense objects simply by touch.  My sensors also enable me to conduct a wide range of tasks with sensitivity, such as picking up an item as fragile as a piece of paper, or locating a connection point for a part without having to use my vision system.  Unlike some other robots you may have seen, my movements are fluid, not jerky, and I can lift up to a 20 lb. weight—unlike some other “awesome” robot that can only lift 1.1 lb.

GM and NASA collaborated for 3 years to create Robonaut

What can you do to help GM in the future?
That’s a great question.  My job is pretty interesting, actually.  Through my advanced vision and sensor technologies, I will be able to help GM engineers stay ahead of the competition in the vehicle safety race.  My vision system, for example, could be leveraged to develop next-generation adaptive cruise control systems, parking aides or lane detection systems.  Likewise, my sensors could be used to develop crash avoidance technologies that will make driving safer.  Additionally, my advanced actuator technology can be used to help develop new aides for workers in our plants to help install heavy objects or to complete ergonomically-challenging tasks—it’s all about keeping our people safe and reducing workplace injury. 

Robonaut will play a key role in developing GM's future advanced technology vehicles

Where does NASA fit into all of this?
Another great question.  NASA is looking to leverage robotics to assist astronauts in dangerous space missions.  In some cases, I could be sent to a far-off planet instead of a human.  Additionally, NASA has identified several systems maintenance tasks that can be done with my help.  I am really looking forward to getting my space wings.

What do you do in your spare time?
Spare time—what’s that?  The team of GM and NASA engineers have been keeping me very busy going through some test exercises.  With my public debut, I think I am going to be busier than ever as both GM and NASA begin to talk in detail about some of my technologies and how they could be applied in the future.  If I do get a spare moment, you’re likely to find me relaxing in the lab.