Robotic Sparring Partner

Abstract

A robotic sparring device is provided having an upright torso section operatively engaged with arms, legs, and a head. Both the arms and legs are formed of two sections and engaged to the torso at respective shoulder and hip positions. Computer controlled electric motors at points similar to human joints provide rotation of joined leg and arm sections in two planes. A computer controller is configured with software to elicit human like offensive and counter movements of the limbs of the sparring device in response to or an offensive movement toward a human sparring partner.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates generally to sparring and training devices for boxing, martial arts, and the like. More particularly, the invention relates to a computer-controlled robotic sparring partner which is configured for both offensive and defensive sparring technique for use as a training aid for a human user. The device employs a plurality of sensing means, in particular a video enabled sensor communicating with a computer controller running software configured for the task of tracking user hand, and body motion, and recording such movement in real-time. It does so to use predictive software to access punching habits over time, and in order to calculate an incoming punch from the human user, and calculate and carry out responses in the form of defensive and offensive coordinated attacks. Such can include blocking or avoiding user advances as well as performing offensive strikes in response to the user's actions...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0018]The device herein disclosed and described provides a solution to the shortcomings in prior art and achieves the above noted goals through the provision of a robotic sparring partner

Problems solved by technology

If the boxer misses a moved pad, the blow can arrive at an unintended location such as the face or abdomen of the trainer.

In addition, these training sessions can be quite costly since the skilled trainer generally has highly valued time for which payment must be tendered.

Further, this trainer directed pad method is most generally for offensive training, and isn't necessarily aimed for defensive training since the trainer is unlikely to have the skill or speed to challenge a boxer in their prime, nor are pads a likely substitute for an incoming gloved hand.

However, even with the use of pads, there is still a chance of mistakes being made during a mock fight which can result in a fighter getting injured, sometimes seriously.

For these reasons, athletes often find it difficult to obtain a willing sparring partner, typically substantially of the same skill level as their own.

However, if the fighters are mismatched, the novice will end up in a pummeling and the more astute boxer will not have the training needed to fight boxers of his more elite status.

For these and other reasons, although sparring with a human partner is highly valuable in boxing and other combative sports, many athletes are unable to find an adequate partner or simply

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