A lot of laboratory work involves repetitive tasks, like creating cultures or dispensing precise amounts of chemicals. So not only does this Mahoro robot researcher deal with those boring tasks with absolute precision, it can also handle biohazards too dangerous for humans to interact with.
Each of Mahoro’s dextrous arms have seven points of movement, which is more than most factory line robots do, allowing it to perform incredibly precise motions. And it doesn’t require years of university training to hone its craft. The laboratory where it will work is scanned in 3D, and that data is used to create a virtual version of its workspace. Simple point-and-click software is then used to teach the robot new routines and techniques. It’s not only more precise than even the veteran lab technicians it’s been tested against, it also does the same amount of work in half the time — without lunch breaks.
And, of course, once it’s mastered its lab duties, the next step will clearly be to teach the robot how to flail its arms wildly in the air, shouting “Danger, Will Robinson!” at the slightest provocation. [DigInfo TV]