External expansion device for humanoid robots

Abstract

This invention provides an external expansion device for humanoid robots that enables them to perform operating modes other than normal operation. [Solution] The humanoid robot 70 comprises a main body 1 detachably mounted on its torso, a data and power transmission interface 11, an environmental sensing expansion module 14, a power expansion system 13, and a computing unit 10 electrically connected to a second operation mode database 12, wherein the above-mentioned components include the computing unit installed on the main body. By attaching the external expansion device to a humanoid robot that is originally deployed in a first usage scenario and performs a first operation mode, it is possible to subsequently allow the humanoid robot's AI brain to acquire data stored in the second operation mode via the data and power transmission interface. Furthermore, by simultaneously driving the environmental sensing expansion module and the power expansion system, the number of usable scenarios for the humanoid robot is increased in the shortest time and at the lowest cost, thereby enhancing its versatility.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an external expansion device for a humanoid robot, and more particularly to an external expansion device for a humanoid robot capable of executing an operation mode other than normal operations on the humanoid robot.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the daily progress of science and technology, it is expected that in the future, the use of humanoid robots will become more advanced, and even like in science fiction movies, all the necessities of life and daily work, etc. will all be possible for humanoid robots to perform on behalf of humans. In the current situation of existing humanoid robots, they are classified into several usage scenarios. For example, it can be classified into three types: service-type humanoid robots mainly pursuing human-machine interaction, industrial humanoid robots mainly pursuing precise execution of single operations, and special humanoid robots mainly pursuing the ability to make decisions on their own, and each has significant differences. Or, there are known humanoid robots that have a single main usage scenario but different secondary usage scenarios. For example, it is a service-type humanoid robot that also mainly pursues human-machine interaction. When there are two secondary usage scenarios, such as taking care of people at home and providing public services, the support data for items such as natural language, gestures, and expressions of the human-machine interaction module is different. This difference in usage scenarios results in differences in the settings for the perception understanding and decision-making planning of the AI brain when manufacturing the humanoid robot. Based on this, with the premise of safety for humans, optimization, design, and manufacturing are carried out for single operation contents or specific operation locations.

[0003] For example, the forms of service-type humanoid robots that are easily accessible to the general public in the existing environment are, for example, delivery robots, airport transportation robots, reception or guide robots, nursing care robots, etc. Initially, these humanoid robot designs prioritize high safety for humans while performing intelligent learning of specific functions. However, they are unable to execute operating modes in use cases where they make decisions to a relatively high degree. However, in times of urgent need, for example, when an emergency situation occurs at an airport such as a fire, earthquake, or armed attack, even if the airport's humanoid transport robots possess sufficient mechanical strength and force, functional limitations in their design may prevent them from responding immediately to these emergencies, resulting in the loss of valuable rescue opportunities.

[0004] This invention was made in view of the shortcomings of the existing technologies described above, and provides an external expansion device for humanoid robots that can effectively solve the above-mentioned problems. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] The main objective of this invention is to provide an external expansion device for humanoid robots that can be detachably mounted on the torso of a humanoid robot when needed, enabling it to perform an operating mode other than the normal operating mode, thereby easily, quickly, and inexpensively expanding the robot's operating functions and providing it with extended power. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This invention relates to an external expansion device for a humanoid robot, which includes a main body that can be detachably mounted on the torso of the humanoid robot, and a computing unit installed within the main body and electrically connected to a data transmission interface, an environment sensing expansion module, a power expansion system, and a second operation mode database. By attaching the external expansion device to a humanoid robot that is originally positioned in the first usage scenario and performs the first operation mode, the AI ​​brain of the humanoid robot can then acquire the data of the second operation mode in the second usage scenario that is stored in the external expansion device. Furthermore, by simultaneously operating the environmental sensing expansion module and the power expansion system, the range of applications for humanoid robots is increased in the shortest time and at the lowest cost, thereby enhancing their versatility.

[0007] The following provides a detailed explanation with specific examples. This will make it easier to understand the purpose, technical content, features, and effects achieved by this invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the external expansion device for the humanoid robot according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the external expansion device for the humanoid robot of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] In order to make the advantages, purpose, and features of this invention easier and clearer to understand, they will be described and examined in detail below with reference to examples and figures. These embodiments are merely representative examples of the present invention, and it is necessary to state clearly that the embodiments and claims of the present invention are not limited to the forms of these embodiments. The purpose of providing these embodiments is solely to make the disclosures of this invention more thoroughly and easily understandable.

[0010] The terms used in the various embodiments disclosed in this invention are used solely for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the various embodiments disclosed in this invention. Unless otherwise specified, the singular form used includes the plural form. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meanings as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the various embodiments disclosed herein belong. The above terms (for example, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries) shall be interpreted as having the same meaning as they do in the context of the same art, unless explicitly defined in the various embodiments disclosed herein, and shall not be interpreted as having an idealized or overly formal meaning.

[0011] Please refer to Figure 1 for an external expansion device for the humanoid robot 70 disclosed in this invention. The external expansion device for the humanoid robot 70 includes a main body 1, a computing unit 10, a data and power transmission interface 11, a second operation mode database 12, a power expansion system 13, an environmental sensing expansion module 14, an environmental sensing sensor, and a battery pack. The main body 1 is detachably mounted on the torso of the humanoid robot 70. The computing unit 10, data and power transmission interface 11, second operation mode database 12, power expansion system 13, and environment sensing expansion module 14 are installed inside the main body 1, and the data and power transmission interface 11, second operation mode database 12, power expansion system 13, and environment sensing expansion module 14 are electrically connected to the computing unit 10. The environmental sensing sensors are installed on the outer surface of the main unit 1 and are electrically connected to the environmental sensing expansion module 14. Examples of these sensors include lenses, infrared thermography, sonar detectors, life detectors, gas detectors, pressure sensors, or temperature sensors. The battery pack is installed in the main unit 1 and electrically connected to the power expansion system 13; this battery pack may be a lithium-ion secondary battery. The above-mentioned arithmetic processing unit 10 is the core component of the external expansion device of the present invention and is used to execute all programs that operate, while the data and power transmission interface 11 is used to connect to and / or transmit power to the humanoid robot 70. The connection can be wired or wireless, and may include various wireless connection methods such as Universal Serial Bus (USB), Bluetooth®, or Wi-Fi®.

[0012] When the data for the second operation mode is stored in the second operation mode database 12 and the data and power transmission interface 11 is connected to the data and power interface of the humanoid robot 70, the arithmetic processing unit 10 first reads the relevant data of the humanoid robot 70. For example, regarding the model number, by selecting and opening the data for the corresponding model number, i.e., the machine that matches the second operating mode, a read operation is performed that cannot be modified or copied. The AI ​​brain of the humanoid robot 70 acquires and executes the corresponding second operating mode. It is particularly important to explain here that the so-called second operating mode refers to an operating mode different from the first operating mode of the target humanoid robot 70 at the time of shipment, or an operating mode built into the target humanoid robot 70. It is not limited to a single operating mode, and furthermore, the AI ​​brain is programmed to execute the second operating mode with the highest priority. This configuration makes it possible to immediately deploy the humanoid robot 70 to a second operational mode, such as emergency rescue. Furthermore, even after the external expansion device is removed, the humanoid robot 70 can still be maintained capable of performing its original operating items (first operating mode). There are no safety concerns for humans, and due to the original mechanism settings of the humanoid robot 70, it is not possible to perform the second operation mode for an extended period of time, nor is there any serious damage to the humanoid robot 70.

[0013] Furthermore, the main unit 1 may also have an authentication unit 15 (see Figure 2), which verifies the model of the target humanoid robot 70, the firmware or software version, the authentication key or identification code, etc., thereby confirming that the arithmetic processing unit 10 can open the second operation mode database 12 read by the humanoid robot 70. Furthermore, it is possible to attach an active or passive radio frequency identification (RFID) device to the main unit 1, thereby providing positional data for an external expansion device to be read by a humanoid robot 70 or a person as needed.

[0014] Here, an example will be given to describe the operation situation described above. Take, for example, a service-type humanoid robot that performs transportation at an airport. In a general situation, an airport transportation humanoid robot that focuses on human-machine interaction can execute the first operation mode in the first usage scenario of transporting luggage. In a special situation, for example, when the airport catches fire or collapses due to an earthquake and rescue is needed, the main body 1 of the external expansion device of the humanoid robot of this invention can be arranged on the torso of the airport transportation humanoid robot. The person who issues commands in this part (that is, makes the airport transportation robot execute a program that conforms to it) can be, for example, an airport staff member (or the person in charge), a person who needs rescue, or a rescuer, etc., and is mobilized by, for example, application software (app) or a specific rescue system. Of course, during the first operation mode built into the humanoid robot body, it can also judge the situation on the spot by itself, execute the arrangement of the external expansion device by itself, match the authentication program after the arrangement, and read the data of the necessary specific operation mode.​​​​​​​​​The main body 1 of the external expansion device of this invention may take the form of, for example, a vest, a backpack, or a corset, and can be applied to various forms of humanoid robots 70 from different manufacturers by combining, for example, a fastening method such as hook and loop fasteners. In addition, the external expansion device may also have a second Bluetooth wireless transmission module. The second operation mode database has a temporary data storage area corresponding to the second Bluetooth wireless transmission module. This allows remote operators to input collaborative data corresponding to the need for cooperation in the second operation mode, such as structural drawings of buildings or diagrams showing the placement of hazardous materials.

[0016] Furthermore, please refer to Figures 1 and 2 simultaneously. In the design of the target humanoid robot 70, since it is mainly designed to simply perform only the first operating mode, there may be hardware limitations when performing the second operating mode, such as problems with range. Therefore, in this embodiment, the power expansion system 13 of the main body 1 of the external expansion device may further include a battery module 16 and an electrical energy management system 17. In addition to providing the necessary power for the main body 1 of the external expansion device, the battery module 16 also provides the power necessary to, for example, transmit an active position signal, enabling the humanoid robot 70 to search for and position the external expansion device. Furthermore, the electrical energy management system 17 can also provide power to the target humanoid robot 70 via the data and power transmission interface 11, thereby increasing its range and preventing failure due to insufficient power when executing the second operating mode.

[0017] For example, in the event of a fire, a rescuer could summon a humanoid robot near the production line, or the humanoid robot could determine the need to find the main unit 1 of the external extension device nearby (which can be deployed in the factory on the production line, or installed over a wide area like existing fire extinguishers or automated external defibrillators (AEDs)), and then assemble it itself. Alternatively, a rescuer can be guided to a position where the main body 1 of the external extension device is located, put on and fitted with it, and the humanoid robot can be equipped with the ability to perform the second operating mode (rescue at a fire scene), enabling it to enter the fire scene and carry out rescue operations.

[0018] In summary, this invention relates to an external expansion device for humanoid robots. By adopting an external expansion method without altering the basic modes inherent in the humanoid robot, and by adapting this external expansion device to the target humanoid robot, it is possible to execute a second operating mode different from the original first operating mode, for example, to perform emergency rescue operations.

[0019] However, the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the scope of implementation of the present invention. Therefore, any equivalent modifications or alterations made based on the features and intent described in the claims for utility model registration of this invention should all be included within the scope of the claims for utility model registration of this invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0020] 1 Main unit 10 Processing Units 11. Data and power transmission interfaces 12 Second Operation Mode Database 13 Power Expansion System 14. Environmental Sensing Expansion Module 15 Authentication Units 16 Battery Modules 17 Electrical Energy Management Systems 70 humanoid robots

Claims

1. An external expansion device for a humanoid robot, applicable to a humanoid robot and capable of performing a normal first operating mode, comprising: a main unit, a computing unit, a data and power transmission interface, an environmental sensing expansion module, a power expansion system, a second operating mode database, and a plurality of environmental sensors, The main body is detachably positioned on the torso of the humanoid robot. The arithmetic processing unit, the data and power transmission interface, the environmental sensing expansion module, the power expansion system, and the second operation mode database are installed in the main body, and the data and power transmission interface, the environmental sensing expansion module, the power expansion system, and the second operation mode database are electrically connected to the arithmetic processing unit. The aforementioned multiple environmental sensors are installed in the main unit and are further electrically connected to the environmental sensing expansion module. An external extension device for a humanoid robot, wherein the main body is positioned on the torso of the humanoid robot, and the data and power transmission interface forms a data and power connection with the humanoid robot, thereby allowing the humanoid robot to read the data of the second operation mode stored in the second operation mode database, the power of the power extension system, and the environmental data received by the environmental sensing extension module, and to cause the humanoid robot to execute the second operation mode.

2. The external extension device for a humanoid robot according to claim 1, characterized in that the main body is in the form of a vest, backpack, or corset.

3. The external extension device for a humanoid robot according to claim 1, characterized in that the second operating mode is an emergency rescue program.

4. An external extension device for a humanoid robot according to claim 1, further comprising an authentication unit which connects to the robot and verifies whether to upload data for the second operation mode by authenticating the robot's model, firmware or software version, authentication key or identification code.

5. The external expansion device for a humanoid robot according to claim 1, characterized in that the environmental sensor is a lens, an infrared thermograph, a sonar detector, a life detector, a gas detector, a pressure sensor, or a temperature sensor.

6. The external expansion device for a humanoid robot according to claim 1, further comprising a battery module and an electrical energy management system electrically connected to the battery module.

7. An external expansion device for a humanoid robot according to claim 1, characterized in that an active or passive signal generator is installed in the main body, which generates a signal and transmits it to the humanoid robot, and accesses and identifies the external expansion device.

8. The external expansion device for a humanoid robot according to claim 1, further comprising a remote control data transmission interface installed on the main body, a temporary data storage area installed in the second operation mode database corresponding to the remote control data transmission interface, and where cooperation data when executing the second operation mode is written.

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