In a groundbreaking development, Clone Robotics has unveiled the “Protoclone,” a humanoid robot designed to replicate human anatomy and movement closely.
This musculoskeletal android features over 1,000 artificial muscles, more than 200 sensors, and upwards of 200 degrees of freedom, enabling it to perform lifelike motions.
A recently released video showcases the Protoclone suspended in a harness, initially motionless before gradually moving its limbs.
The robot’s design includes a skeletal framework resembling human bones and an artificial muscular system that visibly contracts and expands under its translucent covering.
These movements highlight the robot’s ability to flex and articulate in key joints, such as the shoulders, elbows, knees, and ankles.
The Protoclone’s advanced system of artificial muscles, known as Myofibers, is inspired by the McKibbin muscle concept.
Each muscle consists of a mesh tube with an internal balloon that expands when fluid is pumped in, causing the mesh to contract longitudinally.
This mechanism allows the robot to mimic human muscle movements with remarkable accuracy.
Clone Robotics, operating in Poland and the United States, aims to develop highly functional humanoid robots for future domestic and industrial applications.
Unlike some research-oriented robotic models, the Protoclone is designed with a focus on real-world usability, potentially contributing to advancements in automation and human-robot interaction.
While the Protoclone is still in the experimental phase, its development signifies a significant step toward creating robots capable of performing tasks traditionally handled by humans.
As technology continues to advance, the line between human and machine becomes increasingly blurred, opening new possibilities for the integration of humanoid robots into everyday life.
