Ambidex

AMBIDEX from Naver Labs represents South Korea's innovative approach to dual-arm manipulation, using cable-driven technology to achieve safe, lightweight arms capable of human-like movement. Created through collaboration with Korea Tech and unveiled in 2017, AMBIDEX has evolved into a comprehensive research platform.

Each 7-DOF arm weighs just 2.6 kg, lighter than an average human arm, yet moves at speeds up to 5 m/s while safely interacting with humans. The cable-driven mechanism places all heavy actuators on the shoulder and body, reducing arm weight while mimicking human muscle movement. This approach enhances precision while significantly reducing power consumption compared to conventional actuators.

The system supports 3 kg payload per arm and enables bilateral teleoperation through a haptic device with 1:1 human size ratio and 7 DOF per arm. Force feedback flows both ways between human operator and robot, allowing intuitive control while capturing high-quality training data for machine learning. Naver aims to use this data to advance robot intelligence for autonomous operation.

Recent upgrades added a sensor head, torso, and waist to expand the range of movement, along with the BLT Gripper hand capable of various grasping methods. AMBIDEX supports high-speed wireless real-time control via 5G networks, enabling remote operation from anywhere. Target applications span cooking, laundry, serving, nursing, rehabilitation, and daily activities, emphasizing safe coexistence and collaboration between humans and robots. The platform demonstrates how innovative actuation can achieve industrial-grade control in a form factor safe for close human interaction.