July 24, 2018—At a General Motors' Assembly plant in Michigan, workers can use a bionic glove called Robo-Glove to handle mass produced 3D printed parts, reported 3D Printing Industry.
General Motor', NASA and Bioservo engineers have invented Robo-Glove, which allows wearers to work long hours, according to the report.
According to 3D Printing Industry, in the last three years, GM’s 3D printed parts has saved it $300,000. This saving is due to the efficiency of the entire process of 3D printing a part than outsourcing it. One example of such a part is a tool that is used for aligning engine and transmission VIN number. This tool, if produced by a vendor would cost $3000; but, 3D printed at GM’s Lansing Delta Township Assembly Plant costs less than $3.
The Robo-Glove provides extra grasp assistance by providing workers with extra muscular strength. The glove can also decrease th tress on the tendons of the hand and reduce strain on fingers and wrist.
Currently, Robo-Glove is produced as Ironhand by Bioservo Technologies. It uses SEM (Soft Extra Muscle) technology and includes a belly-mounted battery pack and controllers, an adjuster button and peripheral sensors, according to the report.