HARDIMAN I prototype for machine augmentation of human strenght and endurance

General Electric Company

1971

26 p.

The state-of-the-art in bilateral manipulator type man-augmentation systems was dramatically advanced. At the inception of this program, such systems typically handled a maximum of approximately 100 lbs., were large and heavy in relation to their payloads and were generally suited only for remote operation. By contrast, the Hardiman I prototype, consisting of thirty powered joints, can lift itself plus loads equal to its own weight of 1500 lbs. It is packaged to be worn by a man and mimic his motions, maintaining the man's dexterity and 'feel' of the task being performed. In addition to the obvious mechanical design constraints of packaging such a system, it was necessary to achieve substantial technical breakthroughs in the design and analysis of high- load bilateral servo systems. The control technology advances achieved on this program have been instrumental in the development of new concepts in handling ordnance and general cargo for military applications

Английский