ROBOCOUTURE

The PR2 research robot has numerous inputs, joints and degrees of freedom. For work in the outdoors or in lab environments that are dusty, the PR2 needed a garment to keep its actuators and sensors free of particulates and debris. 

The first idea was a human-based garment for a humanoid object - a hoodie. While it kept the casing and limbs protected and unimpeded, it blocked many sensors. 

Rather than continue replicating human fashion, a collar was made that would keep clear of the sensors and limbs. As a lightweight conductive fabric, a small charge would attract dust and particles away from the robot. 

Team: Jimmy Sastra, Michael Wetmore, Chris McAdams, Fallon Shrokman