Abstract: Various embodiments of a system and method for reducing vibrations in and inspecting a suspended cable are described. In one embodiment, a vibration control robot includes a frame roller cage configured to roll open and closed around a cable, a drive system comprising a motor system to maneuver the robot along the cable, and a vibration absorption system to admit and absorb mechanical vibrations from the cable. The vibration absorption system can include a messenger cable segment of a predetermined length, where the messenger cable segment is mechanically coupled with the frame to admit mechanical vibrations on the cable. The vibration absorption system can also include an absorbing counterweight tip mass, a sliding mass, and a permanent magnet of an electromagnetic transducer device, to convert the mechanical vibrations in the messenger cable into electrical energy.

Abstract: A device for providing assistance in dexterous grasping operations. The device is a nine degree of freedom exoskeleton glove capable of reproducing grasping tasks present in ordinary daily activity. The device relies on series elastic actuators and a motion amplification controller for movement and support of finger joints of a user and is easily modifiable to fit individual users with different hand sizes. The user driven control scheme requires no additional hardware (e.g., camera or EMG sensors) but relies on user movements (even weak movements). Intelligent assistance prevents uncomfortable motion beyond the natural range of motion of the fingers while reacting very quickly to the user's physical input.