Have you ever wanted to go somewhere with friends (like a show or club) but everyone is too busy or unable to go with you? Well now they can, thanks to a robotic shoulder-mounted avatar that not only lets a friend come with you but they’re able to gesticulate robotically! Designed by researchers from Yamagata University’s Telerobotics Laboratory, the robot (called the ‘20-DOF Miniature Humanoid MH-2’) is a wearable telepresence robot that’s controlled by another individual from anywhere in the world through an internet connection.
The robot mimics human gestures from the remote operator using a 360 degree immersive 3D display that uses an imaging system, such as Microsoft’s Kinect, to translate the person’s upper-body movements (even simulated breathing!?) to the robots. The MH-2 is equipped with (unknown at this time) what I’m guessing is a stereo camera and cleverly hidden speaker that lets the remote operator both see in a 3-D environment and talk to the ‘wearer’ just as though they were there.
(via Yamagata University)
In order for the MH-2 to gesticulate, the robot is outfitted with a series of servos and actuators (22 in all) that move the robot using wires akin to a marionette. These are housed on a specialized harness that’s worn like a backpack and provide the robots arms with 7-DOF (Directions of Freedom) each, 3-DOF for the head, 2 for the body and 1 for the chest (breathing remember?). Sure it makes the MH-2 seem more realistic and lets your friends smack you around remotely, but I think using ‘Telepods’ (from Queens University) would be much easier and less physical.
Cabe
