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 featuring a swingable torso cover with an elastic member between the torso and cover, powered by motors and link mechanisms, allowing for complex swinging motions mimicking human movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the cover is made rigid and fixed to the torso, then structural stability is improved, but human-like motion capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed to be swingable rather than fixed, allowing it to move dynamically in response to external forces. This dynamic capability enables the cover to exhibit human-like motion patterns while maintaining structural integrity through controlled movement rather than rigid fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover functions as a flexible component that can swing and move relative to the torso. This flexibility allows the cover to respond naturally to external forces and create human-like motion patterns, contrasting with a rigid fixed structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cover is made swingable to achieve human-like motion, then adaptability is improved, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The swingable cover provides dynamic adaptability for human-like motion while the overall robot structure maintains stability. The controlled swinging mechanism allows the cover to move naturally without compromising the structural integrity of the entire system.
3Ease of operation
If the elastic member contacts the cover continuously, then motion control is improved, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member is positioned to contact the cover only when needed for motion control, rather than maintaining continuous contact. This partial action approach provides sufficient motion control during swinging while minimizing energy loss from continuous friction or resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member acts as an intermediary that provides motion control only when necessary. Its strategic positioning allows it to intervene in the motion control process selectively, reducing energy loss while maintaining ease of operation.
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 achieves more human-like motion by absorbing external forces and preventing unnecessary shaking, enhancing user interaction experience.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member disposed between the torso and the cover... since the elastic member disposed between the torso and cover absorbs external force, it is possible to curb wasteful shaking of the cover
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a robot that realizes human-like movements. A robot (1) comprises: a self-propelled drive unit (11); a trunk unit (12) mounted on the drive unit (11); and a head unit (14) installed above the trunk unit (12). The head unit (14) has an image capturing unit (142), and a transmission unit for transmitting an image captured by the image capturing unit (142) as a signal to a user terminal. The robot (1) comprises: a cover (15) that is swingable and covers the trunk unit (12) so as to provide a space between the trunk unit (12) and the cover (15); and a first coil spring (161) and a second coil spring (171) disposed between the trunk unit (12) and the cover (15).