It is the first crane-type machine able to walk, according to Tadano, after a joint research project with Okayama University developed a new movement control system.
Robotops has 29 joints in its hands, arms, shoulders, body, legs and treads, and is able to lift 100kg in each clamp. It is operated by remote control and equipped with three CCD cameras, one in each hand and one in the body, to allow the operator to see what it is doing.
Tadano said the main features of the robot include manoeuvrability unlike normal cranes afforded by the joints, mobile outriggers that allow the machine to walk and a live feed from the cameras for remote operation.
It said the concept design “truly embodies the possibilities offered by the cranes of the future”, and that it plans to take the technologies used in the robot and apply them in the development of future products. Tadano added it has no plans to commercialise the robot, as previously reported.
