ROBOTICS & MOTION CONTROL SUPPLEMENT FEATURE A modular gentleman
The Care-O-bot 4, dubbed the butler of the future, was developed by the Frauenhofer IPA in Stuttgart and will celebrate its world premiere at the SCHUNK Expert Days on Service Robotics on 25th-26th February. The modular design of Care-O- bot 4 allows diverse configurations and application scenarios
H
enrik A Schunk, managing partner of SCHUNK & Co in Lauffen am Neckar,
commented, “Its high degree of standardisation makes Care-O-bot 4 a milestone in the field of mobile service robots.” Both the arm joints and the one- finger hand of the Care-O-bot 4 are taken from SCHUNK’s standardised modules for mobile gripping systems. Schunk added, “Since service robot solutions are generally used in mobile applications, the components have to be lightweight and energy efficient. Mobile gripping systems from SCHUNK are designed exactly for such scenarios. The components can be used both in industrial applications and in measuring and testing applications, as well as in assistance systems that support people in everyday life.”
AGILE, MODULAR AND AFFORDABLE While the predecessors of the Care-O-bot 4 focused on object detection or safe navigation, an important step has now been taken in the direction of commercialisation. “The fourth Care-O- bot generation is not only more agile, more flexible and more charming than its predecessors, but also features more affordable construction principles,” said project manager Ulrich Reiser, team leader at the Fraunhofer IPA. The majority of the interior consists of folded sheet metal constructions, which can be manufactured cost effectively even in small quantities.
MODULAR SOLUTIONS The modular concept allows diverse configurations. It is possible, for example, to eliminate one or both arms. Standardised SCHUNK Powerball ERB modules with a compact spherical form that facilitates integration are used as arm joints. The entire electronic control and regulation circuitry of these components are integrated in the joint drives. Position, speed and torque can be
flexibly regulated. Since the supply lines for the gripper and tools are completely within the arms, there are no interfering cables on the peripheral devices. Integrated intelligence, universal
/AUTOMATION
communication interfaces and cable technology for data transfer and power supply allow their use as single modules or as completely pre-configured SCHUNK Powerball lightweight arms for easy integration in higher level units, such as Care-O-bot 4. For portable use, the modules operate by a 24V DC power supply or even rechargeable batteries for complete mobility. The consistent lightweight construction and torque motors ensure low energy consumption. That lowers energy costs, provides for longer work periods when using rechargeable batteries and also allows the use of small format batteries.
Above: Care-O-bot 4 is the butler of the future
DIFFERENT VERSIONS CAN BE IMPLEMENTED The costly ball joints of the Care-O-bot 4 in the neck and hips, as well as many sensors, are optional. If the application only requires the serving of beverages, it would be possible to replace one hand with a tray or to only use the mobile base as a serving and transport cart. Individual adaptation to specific tasks creates economical solutions. One of the primary concerns of the
development engineers was user friendly handling, because most people are intimidated by robots, especially if they are hard to use and program. An easily accessible interaction area on the head allows intuitive operation of the Care- O-bot 4 and can be used in either a sitting or standing position. Of course, interaction with the robot by means of words or gestures is also possible through the means of cameras and microphones for recognition of specific people through their speech and gestures. The robot responds with gestures such as nodding or shaking of the head to signal whether it has understood. Light effects and a laser pointer in the hand of the Care-O-bot 4 also enable the exchange of information.
Left: the modular design of Care-O-bot 4 allows the set-up of an
individual robot platform for various applications, decisively reducing the costs for developing new service robotics solution
SYMBIOSIS OF DESIGN AND ENGINEERING “Care-O-bot 4 is a successful symbiosis of design and engineering of function and emotion that quickly moves the user to interaction,” said Andreas Haug, managing director of the Stuttgart- based design studio Phoenix Design, which was involved in the development process. With its streamlined design, the two arms and head help make the robot resemble a human being. An overly human appearance was not desired, however, because that would give the user, “false expectations” according to Ulrich Reiser. Only the “inner values” are human. It always maintains a discreet distance, clearly indicates what it has understood and what it is about to do, has a command of simple gestures, and can even show emotions. Social behaviour, as has been demonstrated in studies, is indispensable for acceptance by future users. While Care-O-bot 3 was a butler, its successor is a gentleman.
SCHUNK
expertdays.schunk.com T: +49 7133 103 2351
Enter 223 ROBOTICS & MOTION CONTROL | FEBRUARY 2015 S9
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56