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Companionship robot for the elderly, autistic, etc.

Former Member

Research has shown that pets have a positive impact on the lives the elderly, autistic, infirmed, or just plain lonely. Real pets, however, require a level of care that can not always be met by those that need them most. Existing therapy robots, like the PARO seal, are expensive ($5000). This makes them out of reach for those who cannot afford it. Pet robots available at stores are more focused on play and novelty than companionship and social skills. I think that a DIY solution utilizing easily accessible materials would enable these people to enjoy the benefits that therapy robots can provide regardless of their financial situation.

 

My idea involves a device which gives the illusion of life by:

making sounds at random intervals

reacting to some stimuli such as light, touch, and sound

sleeping when it is dark

 

The team has already built some wonderful devices, like the one handed controllers, for people in need. I'd love to see y'all's take on something like this.

 

Nicholas

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  • Hi Dylan,

     

    Your ideas would certainly fit the bill for helpful, robotic companions. You are right in that you need some "stepping-stone" projects to lead up to something as complex as a bipedal robot.

    I would suggest that you look on Amazon.com for Arduino starter kits. The Chinese knockoff kits are very cheap and include everything you need to get started with robotics. You might also buy a soldering iron and practice soldering some simple projects like B.E.A.M. Trimets (sometimes called symets), which are quick, easy, and cheap to build and move on their own in sunlight. They are sort of like the robot equivalent to a pet fish; you can't really interact with them, but they are interesting to watch.

     

    I would also suggest exploring some different robot designs. Think about the bare minimum that your robot must do in order for it to be a success and the simplest way it could be accomplished. Your robots form (body) will grow from its functions. I learned after struggling with my own projects that usually, the end result isn't exactly like I thought it would be.

     

    I'd like to see what your tinkering results in! I have not had much time to work on this project now since work has gotten busy, but I haven't abandoned it.

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  • Hi Dylan,

     

    Your ideas would certainly fit the bill for helpful, robotic companions. You are right in that you need some "stepping-stone" projects to lead up to something as complex as a bipedal robot.

    I would suggest that you look on Amazon.com for Arduino starter kits. The Chinese knockoff kits are very cheap and include everything you need to get started with robotics. You might also buy a soldering iron and practice soldering some simple projects like B.E.A.M. Trimets (sometimes called symets), which are quick, easy, and cheap to build and move on their own in sunlight. They are sort of like the robot equivalent to a pet fish; you can't really interact with them, but they are interesting to watch.

     

    I would also suggest exploring some different robot designs. Think about the bare minimum that your robot must do in order for it to be a success and the simplest way it could be accomplished. Your robots form (body) will grow from its functions. I learned after struggling with my own projects that usually, the end result isn't exactly like I thought it would be.

     

    I'd like to see what your tinkering results in! I have not had much time to work on this project now since work has gotten busy, but I haven't abandoned it.

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