MERI presented an exoskeleton control system at forum «Robotics 2022»

From December 7 to 9, the International Robotics Forum 2022 took place in St. Petersburg. It is a business segment of the Russian Robotics Week. During the forum, MERI presented its new project in the field of artificial intelligence: a system for controlling a human exoskeleton using a neural network developed by us.

The main topic of the Robotics Forum is the prospects for the introduction of Russian robotics, current challenges, and development scenarios for the industry as a whole and for domestic developers, manufacturers, and consumers of robotics and its components. Special attention is paid to the exhibition of advanced robotics products and services, components, programming systems, and control systems for robotic and automated equipment, including those using AI systems.

«The development of the Target Search Laboratory for Research of Neuromorphic Systems at MERI was presented at the Microelectronics Russian Forum in October of this year and it aroused great interest among the participants and guests of the exhibition, including the heads of commercial companies, representatives of the Ministry of Industry and Trade and specialists. In this regard, we have decided to continue our active work on promoting this development and finding potential business partners»,- said Yulia Manzhura, Head of the Department of Industry Cooperation and Public Sector Relations at MERI.

The representatives of Russian industry and science, government and business as well as foreign delegates from the robotics association attended the exhibition. For three days, negotiations were held with MBN RS, Kobak Lab, RMS and Fora Robotics, which are potential clients of MERI. It was also discussed the possibility of involving potential partners such as Embox, Digital Assembly, and engineering company 555 in the development and successful implementation of MERI’s project.

The algorithm developer and project manager for the development of an exoskeleton with neural network control, Herman Karnup noted: "Exoskeletons, as a set of various technological developments, can be used in many industries, but globally they can be divided into assistive (medicine, household tasks, and robotics) and power (industry, rescue, special applications). We already have an idea of what kind of solution is needed in the medical field, particularly in the rehabilitation of stroke patients. The main purpose of our trip to the forum was to study the situation in the industrial and retail sectors. Summarizing the results and experience gained at the Microelectronics Russian Forum, we have prepared and demonstrated a concept of our proposed solution for warehouse tasks. This served as the basis for a more constructive discussion about the market and the use of exoskeletons, as well as for discussing the implementation of the technical part".

Ivan Zaitsev, Head of projects at MERI, said: "During the presentation of the exoskeleton control system at International Robotics Forum 2022 dozens of questions were asked, and it was clear from the reactions of the participants that this development has great potential in various fields."

During the forum, many useful contacts were received and the presentation of the exoskeleton control system was held, as well as the presentation of MERI as a key representative of the Russian microelectronics in general.