Mimebot: spherical robot visually imitating a rolling sphere

Abstract

Purpose-When designing a performance involving people and mobile robots, we must consider the required functions and shape of the robot. However, it can be difficult to account for all of the requirements. In this paper, we discuss a mobile robot in the shape of a ball that is used in theatrical performances. Design/methodology/approach-We propose a mobile robot that can give the audience the optical illusion of the unique movements of a sphere by mounting a spherical LED display on a high-agility wheeled robot. Findings-We found that movements that are difficult to implement with existing mechanisms can nonetheless be visualized through the use of light. Originality/value-We propose the concept of using pseudo-physical movements in performances with robots. We built a robot that visually reproduces the movements of a rolling sphere and is capable of faster movements and easier position estimations in comparison with previous spherical robots.