Demos to Include High-Efficiency Humanoid, Micro-Robots, Low-Cost Robotic Hand, and Wearable Robotics

MENLO PARK, Calif., June 2, 2015 -- SRI Robotics, a major program of SRI International, will be demonstrating its leading-edge robotics platform technologies in booth E22 at the DARPA Robotics Challenge (DRC) Expo, June 5-6, 2015 in Pomona, California. Known for pushing the boundaries of the field, SRI Robotics is unveiling PROXI™, a new humanoid robot that can operate up to 20 times more efficiently than current humanoid robotic platforms. A mass producible robotic hand and advances in wearable robotics will also be displayed.

"SRI, which is at the leading edge of robotic manipulation developments, is applying new component technology to expand the design space for robotics," said Rich Mahoney, Ph.D., director, SRI Robotics. "We are laser-focused on three key areas that will enable a new generation of solutions: low-cost, high-performance manipulators; wearable robotics; and versatile high-rate micro-manipulation. The DARPA Challenge--which convenes some of the world's most advanced robotics R&D organizations--is the ideal opportunity to show how we are addressing real problems with new applications."

SRI Robotics will feature the following platform technologies at the Maximum Mobility and Manipulation Exhibits in the DRC Technology Expo:

* A new low-cost humanoid robot that achieves high performance and high efficiency. Its mechanical design incorporates a novel transmission to reduce friction and increase efficiency to 97 percent. Future applications include support for disaster response, manufacturing, and medicine.

* A new robotic hand that can sense pressure and contact, and use force-controlled gripping to manipulate objects made from a wide variety of soft and hard materials. It can handle a payload of up to 100 kilograms for hefty applications, and has a finger tendon sensor to pick up delicate objects for potential use in industrial applications.

* SuperFlex wearable technology that extends beyond the capabilities of current robotic exoskeletons. It uses new lightweight, high-power, muscle-like actuation; comfortable, soft skin attachments; and electronically releasable spring elements that minimize mass, bulk, and noise and eliminate constraints on natural joint motions. Beyond military applications, SRI is exploring applications such as assisting individuals with musculoskeletal diseases by offsetting muscle fatigue and augmenting muscle strength.

* Micro-manipulation technology that reliably controls micro-robots for high throughput smart manufacturing of macro-scale products in compact, integrated systems.

* Taurus dexterous robot, a potentially life-saving telemanipulation tool for military and domestic bomb squads to defuse vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs). The robot also has potential household applications, such as safeguarding an elderly person at home.

About SRI International
SRI International creates world-changing solutions to make people safer, healthier, and more productive. SRI, a research center headquartered in Menlo Park, California, works primarily in advanced technology and systems, biosciences, computing, and education. SRI brings its innovations to the marketplace through technology licensing, spin-off ventures and new product solutions.