Students’ unique humanoid robot achieves real-time human mimicry, teleoperation
The robot’s inverse kinematics system allows it to replicate human motions, improving its responsive and adaptive interaction with the environment.
University students in South Africa have introduced a new humanoid robotics research platform, highlighting advancements in robotics technology.
Stellenbosch University’s Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering has developed a humanoid robot with a full-height frame, a functional torso, an operable right arm, and a nearly finished left arm.
Outfitted with a webcam and advanced software, the robot can track and replicate human movements in real time.
“Our system performs inverse kinematics, allowing it to follow human motions. This enables theoretical teleoperation from anywhere, demonstrating its potential for remote operation,” said Dr William Duckitt, a professor at SU’s Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, told an engineering news outlet.
In February, four members of Hong Kong’s Diocesan Boys’ School robotics team engineered the world’s smallest humanoid robot, measuring just 141 mm—11.3 mm shorter than a standard ballpoint pen—surpassing the 2022 record set by Pakistan’s Zain Ahmad Qureshi.
Remote-controlled robotics
The humanoid robot at Stellenbosch University’s currently stands at full height with a fully operational torso, right arm, and hand, while its left arm is nearly complete.
Designed for advanced human-like interaction, the robot incorporates a webcam for vision tracking, combined with sophisticated software that allows it to analyze and mimic human movements in real-time, according to Engineering News.
Equipped with an inverse kinematics system, the robot can accurately replicate the motions of a human operator, enhancing its capability to interact with its environment in a responsive and adaptive manner.