The Japanese company H2L has introduced a groundbreaking technology called Capsule Interface, which enables control of humanoid robots through body movements and muscular strength. This system promises to make remote robot management more accurate and realistic, according to Interesting Engineering.
The technology combines sensors and software to track even the slightest changes in the user's muscle tension. This allows the robot not only to mimic movements but also to feel the force exerted by the operator. For example, when a person lifts a heavy object, the robot "understands" how much effort is required and replicates those sensations.
Traditional remote robotics relies on motion sensors or video systems, transmitting only limb positions without the sense of physical strain. In the case of H2L's Capsule Interface, muscle sensors capture every impulse, enhancing the realism of control and providing a deeper immersion.
In a demonstration video, a woman operates the humanoid robot Unitree Robotics H1 using this system. The robot performs tasks such as moving objects and even interacting with another person—all thanks to the precise transmission of movements and efforts.
The Capsule Interface device is compact, allowing it to be used even while sitting or lying down. Unlike bulky systems, H2L's development is user-friendly and does not require extensive training. It includes muscle sensors, a display, and speakers for feedback, enabling the user to simply settle into a comfortable chair or bed and start controlling.
This technology has a vast array of potential applications. It can be beneficial in industries and logistics—workers will be able to remotely handle loads without physical strain or safely operate machinery in hazardous conditions. In everyday life, it can assist elderly individuals or those with disabilities in cooking, cleaning, or maintaining their homes from a distance.
Looking ahead, H2L plans to incorporate proprioceptive feedback into the device, allowing users to feel their body position and movements in space more acutely. Thus, Capsule Interface paves the way for deeper interactions between humans and machines, adding emotional and physical realism even from a distance.
