Jsir (83) 08 819-829
Jsir (83) 08 819-829
A robotic left arm has been developed in this research to assist individuals in safely navigating hazardous environments,
utilizing Internet of Things (IoT) technology to synchronize its movements with those of a human operator in real-time. The
primary objective of this work was to enhance the precision and responsiveness of the arm. Sensors and microcontrollers
(ESP32, Arduino UNO) were integrated into the robotic arm to collect and transmit movement data. Advanced machine
learning algorithms, including Inverse Kinematics, Reinforcement Learning, and Deep Learning, were employed to facilitate
the arm's learning process and improve its actions. The system was evaluated in simulated hazardous scenarios to assess its
performance. The results indicate that the robotic arm can adjust and move accurately, aligning with the human operator's arm
movements. The robotic arm safely manages hazardous materials, demonstrating high precision in executing complex tasks.
These findings underscore the effectiveness and safety enhancement achieved by integrating IoT and intelligent algorithms into
robotic systems for high-risk occupations. This technology significantly enhances emergency response capabilities and critical
operations, delivering dependable and precise robotic assistance. Overall, this research underscores the potential of IoT-enabled
robotic arms to revolutionize human-robot interactions in demanding environments. By showcasing how real-time
synchronization and advanced algorithms enhance the functionality and safety of robotic systems, this research presents a
promising solution for strengthening the operational safety and efficiency in hazardous situations. The development and
utilization of this technology represent substantial progress in fields necessitating precise and dependable robotic assistance,
ultimately promoting improved collaboration between humans and robots in high-risk contexts.
Keywords: High-risk environment, Humanoid robot, Human-robot interaction, Real-time synchronization, Robotic arm
Similarly, Khaleghi et al.2 investigated using enhancing adaptability and learning capabilities,
actuators, sensors, and cameras for controlling robotic ensuring long-term durability, and optimizing
hand gestures through a neural network trained on communication protocols, we can significantly
26,000 images. While their work demonstrates advance the development of more intelligent, reliable,
significant progress in gesture recognition, it does not and versatile robotic systems for practical
sufficiently address real-time processing and latency applications.
challenges, which are critical for practical The field of Robotics with IoT is called Internet of
applications. Exploring solutions to these issues could Robotic Things (IoRT) which links either of them.
enhance the robot's responsiveness and reliability in IoRT is robotics driven by IoT, an amalgamation of
dynamic environments. Dutta et al.3 developed a both disciplines. Robots can operate independently
robotic arm to assist individuals with paralyzed lower and make wise decisions, including functions such as
body parts by enabling multiple degrees of freedom in motion and interaction with the physical
movement. Their innovative design includes environment.8–10 In disaster management scenarios,
synchronized finger movements and five-finger IoRT can enable robots to perform search and rescue
rotation. However, the study does not investigate such operations, identify hazards, and assist in medical
systems' long-term durability and maintenance. Future emergencies without risking human lives. For a robot
research should focus on the materials and to become intelligent and collaborative, IoRT is the
mechanisms that ensure the sustained functionality of way forward. The application of IoRT includes
these assistive devices under continuous operation. automation in supply chain solutions, warehousing,
Maurice et al.4 highlighted the role of robotic systems manufacturing, e-commerce, healthcare, personal
in preventing musculoskeletal disorders by robots, disaster management and military
performing physically demanding tasks. Their applications. Now, this research focuses on the
assessment covered balance, force, and vision but did building, assembling and operating the humanoid
not consider adaptive algorithms for dynamically robot's left arm, wherein various parts such as sensors,
adjusting these parameters based on real-time accelerometers, gyroscopes, boards, motors and
feedback and task requirements. Integrating adaptive others are deployed for the construction. Initially, the
learning capabilities could significantly improve the fundamentals and workings of the Arduino board will
effectiveness of robots in unpredictable human be discussed, followed by a literature review
environments. examining the research paper referred to in the
While many researchers have explored enhanced context of constructing the humanoid robot.
communication methods between robotic systems, a Furthermore, humanoid robots, including their
comprehensive approach that considers adaptation to working, sensing, perception, locomotion, and
different contexts and varying task complexities is human-robot, will be addressed. During the
often missing.5,6 Future studies should aim to develop construction of the humanoid robotic left Arm, every
scalable and adaptable communication protocols that piece of hardware has its importance. For instance,
can handle diverse robotic operations seamlessly. the Arduino Board will act as a link between the robot
Sugihara et al.7 advanced the field with algorithms and the hardware. Sensors will control the angular
enabling humanoid robots to move with human-like velocity, collect data from the physical environment,
agility and fluidity. Their foundational work on Zero and convert it into an electrical signal. The
Moment Point (ZMP) and Center of Gravity (COG) gyroscopecan handle movement up to 360° in the
algorithms was pivotal. However, they did not explore robot. This is how the functioning of each hardware is
the integration of these algorithms with modern different yet adapted to the objectives. Moreover, the
artificial intelligence and machine learning methodology will delve into various aspects such as
techniques. Such integration could enhance humanoid the usage of parts, their application and deployment,
robots' cognitive and adaptive capabilities, enabling characteristics and the process followed to achieve the
them to learn new tasks and adapt to evolving desired result of the movement of the robotic arm.
environments more effectively. In conclusion, while This research addresses the gap in integrating IoT
these studies contribute valuable insights into technology into humanoid robots for high-risk
robotics, they also highlight areas that require further environments, which remains underexplored. Current
investigation. By refining motion control algorithms, robotic systems lack real-time synchronization and
AGRAWAL & KUMAR: IOT BASED JOINT SYNCHRONIZED COLLABORATIVE HUMANOID ARM 821
precise control to assist humans in hazardous with sensors, actuators, and AI, they can precisely
situations effectively. By developing an advanced perceive their surroundings, make decisions, and
humanoid robotic left arm, this study utilizes IoT for execute tasks. Humanoids are increasingly employed in
enhanced adaptability, precision, and safety. This healthcare, aiding in patient care and rehabilitation, and
research advances human-robot collaboration with a they hold promise in addressing labor shortages in
humanoid robotic left arm by: industries.11 Researchers focus on enhancing their
Showcasing cutting-edge integration of IoT and cognitive abilities as they evolve, enabling them to
sensors. comprehend and respond to complex human emotions
Demonstrating effective risk mitigation in high-risk and social cues. Ethical considerations surrounding
scenarios. their deployment, such as privacy and the potential
impact on employment, also accompany their
Enabling real-time collaboration between a
development. Despite these challenges, humanoid
humanoid robot’s left hand and a human’s left hand
robots continue to push the boundaries of what
through IoT integration.
machines can achieve, offering innovative solutions to
Focusing on real-time collaboration and control, real-world problems and opening new avenues for
our study aims to improve human-robot interactions human-robot collaboration.12,13 The forthcoming
and risk mitigation strategies in challenging discussion will delve further into various techniques,
environments. For example, during a chemical spill, a shedding more light on the intricacies of humanoid
humanoid robot equipped with our technology can robotics.
precisely handle hazardous materials, reducing the
risk to human workers. Such practical applications Characteristics of Humanoid Robot: Humanoid
highlight the transformative potential of our research robots boast striking resemblances to humans,
in real-world scenarios. featuring anthropomorphic designs that emulate
This paper discusses the state-of-the-art techniques human anatomy. Their naturalistic motions, a key
used to date and the benefits of using IoT, which can characteristic, enable fluid and lifelike movements,
be the breakthrough to advance human-robot enhancing their adaptability in various environments.
interaction and represent a groundbreaking use of IoT The versatility of humanoid robots extends beyond
in collaborative humanoid robotics, signalling the mere physical resemblance, allowing them to perform
next generation of interactive robotic systems. a wide range of tasks with agility and precision. An
Further humanoid robotics and IoT are also inherent trait is their interactive nature, facilitating
presented to channel the research properly, followed user engagement through speech, gestures, and
by the methodology, formulas used, and real-time lab expressions. Furthermore, these robots exhibit
images of the work done in the result section. collaborative capabilities, seamlessly working
alongside humans in tasks that demand teamwork.14–
17
Humanoid Robot These defining characteristics collectively position
Humanoid robots, with their anthropomorphic humanoid robots as multifaceted entities poised to
design and advanced capabilities, represent a cutting- revolutionize industries and human-robot interactions.
edge frontier in robotics. Inspired by human form and Which are shown in Fig. 2.
function, these robots aim to replicate human-like
movements and interactions, making them highly
versatile in various applications. Fig. 1 illustrates the
dynamic evolution of robotics from the 1950s to the
2020s, capturing milestones such as the introduction
of industrial robotic arms, programmable robots, and
the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This
visual chronicle showcases robotics' continuous
advancement and diversification, shaping
technological landscapes across various industries.
Humanoid robots showcase remarkable agility,
mobility, and adaptability, from assisting in high-risk
scenarios to augmenting industrial processes. Equipped Fig. 1 — Evolution of robotics development over decades
822 J SCI IND RES VOL 83 AUGUST 2024
Sensing and Perception: Sensing and perception Locomotion in Humanoid Robot: Locomotion in
are vital facets of humanoid robots, encompassing robotics is a dynamic interplay between legged
various modalities to enhance their interaction with movement, balancing, and stability control, crucial
the environment as mentioned in Fig. 3. Vision for navigating diverse terrains and environments.
capabilities empower robots with sight, enabling Balancing mechanisms ensure the robot maintains
object recognition and navigation. Auditory sensors stability during motion, preventing falls and enabling
equip them with sound perception, facilitating agile maneuvers. Stability control algorithms
responsiveness to auditory cues.18 Tactile and force contribute to real-time adjustments, optimizing
sensors endow robots with a sense of touch, crucial weight distribution and adapting to changing
for delicate tasks and safe interactions with objects surfaces.21 This comprehensive approach to
and humans. Environmental awareness, a critical locomotion empowers robots to move effectively,
dimension, involves the integration of sensors to negotiate obstacles, and operate in challenging
comprehend surroundings, ensuring adaptability to conditions, extending their applicability across
dynamic conditions. This comprehensive sensory various fields, from search and rescue missions to
suite enables humanoid robots to interpret and industrial tasks.22
respond to their environment, fostering versatility Human-Robot Interaction: Human-robot interaction
and effectiveness in diverse tasks and scenarios.19,20 is enriched through multi-faceted communication
channels, incorporating speech and natural language,
emotional and social intelligence, gesture and facial
expressions, and haptic interaction. Speech and
natural language capabilities enable robots to
comprehend and respond to verbal commands,
facilitating seamless communication with humans.
Emotional and social intelligence equip robots with
an understanding of human emotions and social cues,
fostering empathetic interactions.23–25
The integration of gestures and facial expressions
allows robots to convey information non-verbally,
enhancing the subtlety and nuance of communication.
Haptic interaction, involving touch and physical
feedback, deepens the interactive experience, enabling
robots to engage with users on a tactile level.26,27
Together, these elements form a comprehensive
Fig. 2 — Characteristics of humanoid robot framework for human-robot interaction, enriching
communication and collaboration and paving the way
for robots to become integral partners in various
domains, from healthcare to customer service, as
highlighted in Fig. 4.
accelerometer, and a 3-axis magnetometer. This allows Learning for adaptive decision-making in dynamic
for highly accurate motion tracking and orientation scenarios, and Deep Learning to process sensory inputs
sensing, which are crucial for the precise control of the and recognize patterns. The methodology also involves
robotic arm. In contrast, the MPU-6050, which using standard methods to ensure the accuracy and
combines only a 3-axis gyroscope and a 3-axis reliability of the experimental setup. These methods
accelerometer, lacks the additional magnetometer, include rigorous calibration of sensors to minimize
making it less suitable for applications requiring precise measurement errors and validate kinematic models to
orientation in three-dimensional space. ensure that the robotic arm's movements accurately
The employed model, particularly relevant to the correspond to the desired inputs. Data transmission is
robot's working, integrates Inverse Kinematics for facilitated through IoT connectivity, enabling seamless
precise joint parameter calculation, Reinforcement communication between the robotic arm and human
joints. This holistic methodology ensures a
comprehensive workflow, allowing the robot to operate
collaboratively, make informed decisions, and respond
dynamically to its surroundings, showcasing a blend of
advanced robotics and machine learning.
The units of the X and Y axes in the given plot
would be in arbitrary units since the specific lengths
of the robot arm segments (l1 and l2) are defined. The
movement pattern and trajectory shape are
meaningful regarding the robot arm’s configuration.
Still, the exact scale is not defined unless the lengths
Fig. 4 — Human-robot interaction
of the robot arm segments are specified in real-world
units (e.g., meters), as shown in Fig. 5. The units are
relative and depend on the scaling of the robot arm
lengths, which are not explicitly provided here.
Data Acquisition
The 3D printing of this robotic arm was initiated
using the PLA+ material for this project. MPU6050
and MPU9250 sensors are deployed to achieve the
desired degree of rotation and movement in the
robotic arm.15 The primary function of the MPU-6050
sensor is to measure the acceleration and angular
velocity in 6-directions of freedom. Meanwhile, the
MPU-9250 measures acceleration, angular velocity,
and magnetometers in 9 degrees of freedom.
Sensor-wise specification is discussed in Table 1
Fig. 5 — 2-DOF robot arm forward kinematics trajectory below:
Table 1 — Specification of MPU-6050 and MPU-9250
Specification MPU-6050 MPU-9250
Axis 3 Axes viz., X, Y & Z 3 Axes viz., X, Y & Z
Accel full scale range (in g) User Configurable; ± 2g, ± 4g, ± 6g, ± 8g ,& ± 16g User Configurable ± 2g, ± 4g, ± 6g, ± 8g
& ± 16g
Gyroscopic axis 3Axes viz., X, Y & Z 3 Axes viz., X, Y & Z
Gyro full scale range (in °/sec) User Configurable; ± 250°, ± 500°, ± 1000°, User Configurable; ± 250°, ± 500°, ± 1000°,
and ± 2000° and ± 2000°
Communication Inter-Integrated Circuit communication is 3 Axes viz., X, Y & Z in Magnetometer, with a
configurable to the I2C slave address. measurement range of ±4800µT
Operating voltage 2.5V– 3.5 V 2.5V–3.5V
Temperature sensor Accuracy upto ± 1°C Accuracy upto ± 1°C
824 J SCI IND RES VOL 83 AUGUST 2024
refining its decision-making process and enhancing to process complex sensory inputs, recognize patterns,
overall performance during complex operations. and make informed decisions, contributing to its
Reinforcement Learning (RL)3,20 is a powerful efficiency in responding to environmental changes.
machine learning paradigm suitable for training The synergistic application of these machine-learning
agents to make decisions in an environment through algorithms reflects a sophisticated approach, enabling
trial and error. In humanoid robotic arms, RL could the humanoid robotic left arm to navigate intricate
play a crucial role in training the robotic arm to tasks collaboratively and autonomously, marking a
perform tasks in high-risk situations in collaboration significant advancement in human-robot interaction
with human movements. The methodology for the and robotic capabilities.
reinforcement learning is discussed below,
Data Transmission
Training for Coordination: RL can be used to train
For data transmission, the preceding steps involve
the robotic arm to coordinate its movements with
initial data acquisition from IMU sensors and angular
the human joints. The algorithm can learn from the
and linear motion data capture. The captured
movements of a human arm in various situations
measurements are then transmitted to the ESP32 node
and adapt its actions to work collaboratively in
MCU. From there, data is relayed to the Arduino
high-risk environments.
UNO via Universal Asynchronous Receiver and
Adaptive Responses: In high-risk scenarios, the Transmitter (UART) communication for further
environment may change dynamically. RL allows processing and control of the robotic arm.
the robotic arm to adapt its responses based on UART is a serial communication protocol to
feedback. For example, if the arm senses a transmit and receive data between electronic devices.
deviation or disturbance, the RL algorithm can The robotic arm uses an ESP-32 Node MCU, a
adjust the control signals to maintain stability. development board with an ESP-32 microcontroller,
Learning from Human Demonstrations: RL can and its primary function is enhancing wireless
incorporate learning from human demonstrations. capabilities using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Generally, it
By observing and imitating human movements, the is suitable for IoT projects and Prototyping. ESP32 is
robotic arm can acquire practical skills and compatible with Arduino, which implies that it can be
strategies in high-risk situations, enhancing its programmed using Arduino IDE, having pertinent
ability to assist in emergencies. built-in flash memory to store program code and data.
Real-time Decision Making: RL algorithms can The data is then sent from the ESP-32 MCU node
facilitate real-time decision-making for the robotic to the Server driver using TCDA 9548A-I2C
arm. In unpredictable or hazardous scenarios, the multiplexer, allowing it to communicate with up to 8
ability to make adaptive decisions based on the devices via wireless communication protocols shown
current environment is crucial. RL enables the in Fig. 9. Four Servo Motors are installed in the
robotic arm to learn and optimize its actions on the humanoid robotic hand to achieve various degrees of
fly. motion; hence, 4 degrees of freedom are used in one
Risk Mitigation: RL can contribute to risk hand of the robot.
mitigation by allowing the robotic arm to learn safe
and efficient strategies. Through a reward-based
system, the algorithm can guide the arm to perform
actions that minimize the risk of collateral damage
and enhance the safety of emergency service crews.
Reinforcement learning is a potential candidate for
training and optimizing the humanoid robotic right
arm to operate effectively in collaboration with
human joints, especially in high-risk environments,
which is done for designing this model.
Deep Learning constitutes another essential facet,
leveraging neural networks to empower the robot with
advanced perception and decision-making abilities.
Integrating deep learning algorithms allows the robot Fig. 9 — Data transmission from Arduino UNO to ESP-32
AGRAWAL & KUMAR: IOT BASED JOINT SYNCHRONIZED COLLABORATIVE HUMANOID ARM 827
Fig. 10 — Left hand down motion Fig. 12 — Left hand side motion
828 J SCI IND RES VOL 83 AUGUST 2024
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