14 DAY TRIAL // The products coming out lately have been stretching the definition of the term “robot” quite a bit, but we suppose that's inevitable when everything seems to be gaining some sort of technological capability.
The new device released by Akarsh Sanghi, a student of the Copenhagen Institute of Interaction Design, is actually closer to the original meaning of the term than many other products launched over the past year.
It was created with the goal of allowing people the luxury of telepresence even when they are going on a trip or carrying out some job that involves lots of standing and walking.
Say you have to build something or other. You can't exactly be productive if you need to sit in front of a computer while getting the step-by-step guide.
The Grasp telepresence robot
The device uses an inbuilt Arduino control board to enable a conversation between the wearer (the Grasp sits on the shoulder) and the person providing distant instruction.
A webcam allows the grasp to rely to said instructor the view ahead of the wearer, while a speaker and microphone enable the communication.
The robot even has a remote-controlled laser pointer that lets the instructor point out important things or areas that need attention. No one can deny the usefulness of getting advice and guidance in real time.
All this is achieved without a need for any arms on the part of the Grasp, which actually clashes with the meaning behind the name, but we suppose stranger things have happened.
Practical applications
Owners could use the Grasp shoulder-mounted robot and the help of a remotely connected acquaintance or teacher to learn how to play a musical instrument. Surgeons may even use it to get a second opinion during an operation.
All in all, Grasp is the closest thing to a means of providing a remote observer and teacher with a first-person view of what the wearer is doing. Telepresence indeed.
As far as Master’s Thesis in Interaction Design, we dare say that Akarsh Sanghi had it in the bag from the very start.
