Humanoids and personal robots: Design and experiments

Abstract

This paper addresses the field of humanoid and personal robotics—its objectives, motivations, and technical problems. The approach described in the paper is based on the analysis of humanoid and personal robots as an evolution from industrial to advanced and service robotics driven by the need for helpful machines, as well as a synthesis of the dream of replicating humans. The first part of the paper describes the development of anthropomorphic components for humanoid robots, with particular regard to anthropomorphic sensors for vision and touch, an eight‐d.o.f. arm, a three‐fingered hand with sensorized fingertips, and control schemes for grasping. Then, the authors propose a user‐oriented design methodology for personal robots, and describe their experience in the design, development, and validation of a real personal robot composed of a mobile unit integrating some of the anthropomorphic components introduced previously and aimed at operating in a distributed working environment. Based on the analysis of experimental results, the authors conclude that humanoid robotics is a tremendous and attractive technical and scientific challenge for robotics research. The real utility of humanoids has still to be demonstrated, but personal assistance can be envisaged as a promising application domain. Personal robotics also poses difficult technical problems, especially related to the need for achieving adequate safety, proper human–robot interaction, useful performance, and affordable cost. When these problems are solved, personal robots will have an excellent chance for significant application opportunities, especially if integrated into future home automation systems, and if supported by the availability of humanoid robots. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

What do people expect from robots?

“…However, the next major challenge for robotics concerns applications for domestic environments and personal use, thus involving closer interaction between robots and humans [3]. The field of service and personal robotics is rapidly expanding and predicted to grow even more in the future [14].…”

Mechanism design and static analysis of exoskeleton robot for rehabilitation of lower limb

“…Where 1 θ is in the range of 68 ° -158 °, we can draw the joint angle 1 θ on the slider position x curve, as shown in θ and x is almost linear, so the fitting method is used to deal with the problem of inverse kinematics. Using the Taylor expansion method, the function shown in equation (2) …”

“…The lower limb rehabilitation exoskeleton robot is a typical exoskeleton booster device [1], which is worn outside the lower limb of the patient, providing the patient with functions such as assisting, protecting, passive training, body support, etc., to complete the body itself is difficult to complete the activities. At present, many institutions at home and abroad are actively studying the lower extremity exoskeleton robot.…”

Biomimetic Design of Low Stiffness Actuator Systems for Prosthetic Limbs

“…A critical goal of the amputee is to regain movement that appears "normal". It is, therefore, imperative for them to include muscle like, compliant actuators in order for them to move as naturally as possible [6,7].…”