What qualities do you seek in a robotic companion? Perhaps you desire assistance with daily tasks or answers to your questions about the world. However, have you ever considered a robot that can mimic specific bodily functions?
Thermetrics has developed an innovative “thermal manikin” named ANDI, equipped with heat-sensitivity capabilities that enable it to walk, breathe, shiver, and even sweat. Similar to a human, ANDI’s “skin” comprises 35 individually controlled surface areas, each containing pores that bead sweat.
Now, you might wonder why someone would create such a robot. Researchers can utilize ANDI to study the effects of extreme temperatures on humans without subjecting real individuals to those environments. At Arizona State University, scientists are utilizing ANDI to assess the impact of extreme heat.
For instance, by taking ANDI to an unventilated mobile home where the air conditioning has malfunctioned, researchers can determine how long it would take for the robot to experience adverse effects. Konrad Rykaczewski, the principal investigator for Arizona State University’s related research, highlights the significance of this technology.
However, there is a fashionable aspect to this as well. Scientists can investigate the effectiveness of novel inventions, such as specific fabrics used in clothing, in mitigating the negative consequences of extreme heat—an area of growing importance due to climate change. Metafabric, a mirror-like synthetic fabric that reflects light and heat, has been shown to cool the wearer by up to 5 degrees Celsius in human tests.
Moreover, ANDI can be customized to simulate various age groups, body types, or medical conditions. They have even developed a baby manikin, which proves valuable to researchers but may give you nightmares tonight.