Shadow Robot
- Kommu .
- May 7
- 2 min read
Overview of Shadow Robot
Shadow Robot is a UK-based robotics company specializing in the development of advanced robotic hands and teleoperated robots. Their technology is designed to address complex, mission-critical tasks, particularly those that are dangerous for humans, by providing robots with unprecedented dexterity and control.
Key Products and Innovations
Shadow Dexterous Hand Series
The Shadow Dexterous Hand is recognized as one of the most advanced 5-fingered robotic hands globally, capable of manipulating tools and objects with high precision.
It is available in several versions (Standard, Lite, Extra Lite, Super Lite), each offering different degrees of freedom (DOF), weight, and actuator configurations to suit various research and industrial needs.
Features include:
Up to 20 actuated DOF and 24 joints in the standard model.
Independent side-to-side motion for each finger, enabling complex in-hand manipulation.
Integration with ROS (Robot Operating System) and compatibility with simulation environments.
A suite of sensors, including tendon load sensors and inertial measurement units, for detailed feedback and control.
DEX-EE Robotic Hand
DEX-EE is a next-generation robotic hand developed in collaboration with Google DeepMind, specifically engineered for dexterous manipulation and machine learning research.
It incorporates a robust design that can withstand impacts and is equipped with a high density of custom sensors for tactile feedback and precise control.
DEX-EE is powered by advanced actuators (15 Maxon DCX16 motors) and is optimized for reinforcement learning and AI-powered robotics experiments.
The hand has been tested extensively for durability and is considered one of the most sensitive and robust robotic hands available.
Teleoperation and Tactile Technology
Shadow Robot's systems support teleoperation, allowing human operators to control robots remotely with high fidelity, including tactile feedback, which is crucial for delicate or hazardous tasks.
The Shadow Glove is an intuitive control device that mimics human hand movements, providing seamless integration with Shadow Dexterous Hands for precise teleoperation.
Applications
Research and Development: Used by leading universities and AI labs for robotics, machine learning, and manipulation research.
Industrial Automation: Potential to revolutionize automation by enabling robots to adapt quickly to new tasks, reducing programming and retooling times.
Safety and Hazardous Environments: Designed to keep humans out of dangerous situations by allowing robots to perform tasks remotely in environments unsafe for people.
Company Background
Founded in 1987, Shadow Robot is the UK's longest-running robotics company, headquartered in Highgate, London.
The company is employee-owned and known for its innovative approach, including custom sensor development and advanced actuation technologies.
Shadow Robot collaborates with major partners such as Google DeepMind and maxon, and their products are used worldwide in both academic and industrial settings.
Contact and Collaboration
Shadow Robot invites inquiries for collaborations, demonstrations, and custom solutions. Interested parties can contact them directly through their website for discussions about project requirements and pricing.
Shadow Robot stands at the forefront of robotic dexterity and teleoperation, offering some of the most advanced robotic hands and systems available today, with a strong focus on safety, adaptability, and research-driven innovation.
Comments