In the field of robotics, Japan remains a formidable force that commands respect from many other countries. Recently, they have once again demonstrated this prowess, as JR West Railway Company unveiled a project featuring robots that are entirely controlled via virtual reality (VR).
These are called “heavy machinery puppets,” designed as if they stepped out of the movie Real Steel starring Hugh Jackman. These robotic models are intended for assembling equipment and components high up in the railway system.
The giant robots are designed to handle overhead components of the railway.
Humans can now sit in one place and control them using VR.
In a country that has successfully created a life-sized Gundam model, it seems only a matter of time before humanoid robots become invaluable assistants across various industries. However, this time, Japan continues to impress the world by integrating virtual reality (VR) technology into its products in the most sophisticated manner.
According to My Navi News, the movements of these railway robots will be linked to the operator through a VR headset and controller. This allows the operator to feel the weight of the metal that the robot is carrying, enabling them to have better control of the situation, come up with flexible solutions, and, importantly, ensure their own safety.
The robot easily reaches high equipment and operates under human action simulations.
Additionally, JR West has assured that the VR operation process will be simplified to the utmost, making it very easy to learn and practice. However, this does not mean it is as simple as a video game where you just press one or a few button combinations!
Moreover, the company conducted a prototype test last April, but it is likely that their construction robots will not officially go into operation until 2024.
In about 2 years, these robots will officially go into operation.
The link between human and machine movement through VR inevitably brings to mind the blockbuster Pacific Rim directed by Guillermo del Toro. As long as we don’t have to go through a series of traumatic moments to operate these robots like in the movies, it is clear that this will be one of Japan’s significant breakthroughs in the near future.
This will clearly be one of Japan’s significant breakthroughs in the next two years.
