Robocrane

The Robocrane is a manipulator resembling a Stewart platform but using an octahedral assembly of cables instead of struts, offering six degrees of freedom (x, y, z, pitch, roll, & yaw). Developed by Dr. James S. Albus at the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), it uses a hierarchical control system called the Real-Time Control System. The Robocrane can lift and precisely manipulate heavy loads with fine control in all six degrees of freedom. It has been tested with tools like saws, grinders, and welding torches, as well as positioning heavy objects such as steel beams and cast iron pipe.

In 1992, the RoboCrane was recognized by Construction Equipment magazine as one of the 100 most significant new products for construction and related industries. It also received a "Best of What's New" award from Popular Science. A version of the RoboCrane has been developed for the United States Air Force to perform rapid paint stripping, inspection, and repainting on large military aircraft like the C-5 Galaxy, saving $8 million annually at each maintenance facility. This project was awarded a National Laboratories Award in 2008.

Potential future applications include shipbuilding, construction of high-rise buildings, highways, bridges, tunnels, and port facilities; cargo handling, ship-to-ship cargo transfer on the high seas, radioactive and toxic waste clean-up, and underwater applications such as salvage, drilling, cable maintenance, and undersea waste site management.