Robot Motion Control Using Breathing-Synchronized Nonverbal Gestures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motion control technologies for robots struggle to create a natural and immersive experience for users, particularly in simulating human-like motions and physiological patterns.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method that generate motion control data for a robot by integrating input data from a target motion and a breathing motion pattern of a second user, modifying the target motion to synchronize with the breathing pattern, and outputting the modified motion control data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a robot imitates a motion of a person to convey presence, then the robot can communicate nonverbal information, but the imitated motion appears artificial to the receiving person

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenonverbal communication capabilityVSAvoidnaturalness of motion

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines voluntary motion data with involuntary physiological motion data (breathing, heartbeat) to create composite motion control data. This merging of motion types allows the robot to perform natural-looking motions that convey nonverbal communication while avoiding the artificial appearance of simple imitation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces physiological motion patterns (breathing, heartbeat) as intermediary elements that mediate between the robot's mechanical motion and human perception. These physiological patterns serve as a bridge that makes the robot's motions appear more natural and less artificially imitated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the robot performs precise target motion, then the motion control accuracy is high, but the motion lacks natural physiological variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotion control accuracyVSAvoidphysiological motion variation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges precise target motion data with physiological motion variations by superimposing breathing and heartbeat patterns onto the target motion. This combination maintains the accuracy of the intended motion while adding natural physiological variations that make the motion more lifelike.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by making the robot's motion adaptable and variable through real-time modulation with physiological patterns. Instead of static, fixed motion trajectories, the system dynamically adjusts motion parameters based on breathing and heartbeat variations, creating living, breathing motion that responds naturally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250178209A1Apparatus for generating motion control data for a robot for nonverbal communication and corresponding robot

Publication Date: 2025.06.05 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

An apparatus for generating motion control data for a robot is provided. The apparatus comprises input interface circuitry configured to receive first input data indicative of a target motion to be performed by a robot arm of the robot relative to a first user and receive second input data indicative of a breathing motion pattern of a second user. The apparatus further comprises processing circuitry configured to modify the target motion based on the breathing motion pattern and generate the motion control data, wherein the motion control data are indicative of the modified target motion. The apparatus further comprises output interface circuitry configured to output the motion control data.