Swingable Torso Cover for Human-Like Telepresence Robot Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional telepresence robots lack human-like motion, leading to an inorganic and cold impression, which can cause anxiety or fear in human interactions.
Innovation Solution
A robot design incorporating a swingable cover mechanism powered by motors and power transmission mechanisms, allowing the cover to oscillate based on the drive unit's direction, with additional features like tilting and elastic connecting members to simulate human-like motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the robot remains completely stationary to maintain structural stability, then stability is improved, but the robot gives an inorganic and cold impression, causing anxiety or fear in human interactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the cover swingable rather than fixed. The cover can oscillate left-right and forward-backward to simulate human body movements during walking and turning, transforming the robot from a static to a dynamic structure that conveys natural motion cues to humans, thereby reducing anxiety and fear while maintaining structural stability through controlled movement ranges.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cover is made swingable to simulate human-like motion, then human-like motion is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional motors and power transmission mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the cover into multiple independent swingable sections (left-right swing mechanism and forward-backward swing mechanism). Each section has its own motor and power transmission mechanism, allowing independent control of different motion dimensions. This segmentation enables complex human-like motions while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing the cover to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a protective covering and an expressive body part that simulates human motion. The same cover structure is used for both protection and communication of intent through swinging movements, reducing the need for separate components and thereby managing complexity while enhancing adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cover swings in response to drive unit movement, then human-like motion is achieved, but energy consumption increases due to additional motor operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by making the cover's swinging motion responsive to the drive unit's actual movement. The controller detects the drive unit's advancing direction and turning direction, then commands the cover to swing accordingly. This feedback-based control ensures the cover only consumes energy when the drive unit is moving, synchronizing energy consumption with actual operational needs and avoiding unnecessary power usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by starting the cover's swinging motion before the drive unit actually advances or turns. The controller commands the cover to swing in advance, creating a more natural human-like motion pattern where body movement precedes or accompanies limb movement. This preliminary action is timed to coincide with drive unit operation, ensuring energy is consumed only when motion is needed rather than continuously.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design enables more human-like motion by simulating body movements, enhancing user interaction and reducing anxiety or fear in human-robot interactions.
Implementation Method 1
a motor (for example, the first motor 162, 862, second motor 172, 872 described later) serving as a power source which causes the cover to oscillate
Implementation Method 2
a connecting member (for example, the first coil spring 161, second coil spring 171 described later) which connects the torso and the cover
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a robot that implements human action. The robot (1) is equipped with: a cover (15) which covers the torso part (12) so as to create a space between the cover and the torso part (12) and which is also capable of swaying; a first motor (162) and a second motor (172) which serve as power sources for causing the cover (15) to sway; and a first link mechanism (163) and a second link mechanism (173) which transmit the power of the first motor (162) and the second motor (172) to the cover (15). The head part has a control unit (141) that causes the first motor (162) and the second motor (172) to rotate on the basis of the advancing direction and the turning direction of the drive unit and causes the cover (15) to sway.