With the continuous development of science and technology, the robotics industry is also developing rapidly. From robotic arms to intelligent robots, the development of robots is very fast. Interactive robots are one such example. The most important feature of interactive robots is their ability to recognize and respond to human commands, and even engage in simple conversations with humans. In the future, with technological advancements, interactive robots may even be able to completely simulate human behavior, expressions, and thinking. So how can this interactive robot be realized? Let's take a look.
(Robot Interaction)
I. What is an interactive robot?
The robot communicates with an operator or programmer through a computer system to control and operate it. Although it has some processing and decision-making capabilities and can independently perform simple functions such as trajectory planning and obstacle avoidance, it still requires external control.
II. How to implement an interactive robot?
1. Isolation
To date, industrial robots are "sharing space with humans." In the US market alone, there are over 20 robot-related deaths each year—therefore, most of the time, robot activity areas need to be surrounded by obstacles. They are very effective and practical in handling heavy objects and other single tasks. However, they can only act blindly, lacking intelligence, so once they come into contact with humans in this process, it can easily lead to serious accidents, even death.
Unlike earlier robots, "interactive robots" have safety-enabled sensors that can effectively detect people in their vicinity and react accordingly. This design creates a perfect match between humans and robots: the latter's strength and precision match the former's vision. Perception, thinking, and adaptability will unleash more efficient productivity. The combination of humans and robots is harmonious, at least for now, because many human skills cannot be created through programming. "There is a lot of experience and non-book knowledge that cannot be expressed in program code. For example, a worker might discover that something is wrong, or that the drill is vibrating abnormally, or that some material is too hard. It's difficult to record these things."
2. Avoid injury
BMW is a leader in the use of "interactive robots." In 2013, BMW Denmark installed a factory in Southern California.
The general-purpose robots are designed and manufactured by the company. These robots can assist with door isolation and water sealing operations by spraying glue. Without these robots, traditional manual operations would be extremely difficult, potentially leading to occupational wrist injuries. "We are interested in ergonomics and safety. The robots can repeatedly push and pull along the production line without injury," said Rich Morris, head of BMW's assembly logistics department. "These robots work with the workers, and the workers love them." But what happens when people get too close to the robots? Morris said, "The robot will first warn you that you are too close, and then stop the current operation."
This year, the robot was used for another demanding ergonomic task: inserting hard rubber into holes in the chassis. "Many workers injure their thumbs doing this," Morris explained. Initially, BMW developed and protected the bones to support the finger using 3D printing, but now the "Super Thumb" collaborative robot has completely taken over the task.
3. Learning through demonstrations
State-of-the-art interactive robots are highly flexible, allowing the same robot model to easily handle different tasks and switch modes again, such as task scheduling, loading and unloading, and raw material processing. The Baxter robot, designed by RethinkRoboTICs, has two robotic arms and a dynamic facial expression (screen). The robot learns to perform various tasks through demonstration training: a human can control the robot's arms and specify a series of movements, which the robot will remember and repeat, achieving the purpose of demonstration learning. The screen on its head informs those around it about the current task or problem through expressive prompts.
In February 2015, Australian confectionery giant Hague introduced its chocolate-selecting robot to Baxter, marking the first time a robot had been separated from the laboratory and put into practical use. This robot works alongside other factory workers without the need for protective gear or isolation.
4. Flexibility and accuracy
The next major application area for interactive robots is the assembly and production of consumer electronics. Currently, this industry relies heavily on human resources. Zurich-based ABB has launched a robot called YuMi, equipped with numerous sensors that allow it to accurately thread a sewing needle. YuMi's small size and range of motion make it a perfect fit for group assembly lines producing smartphones, laptops, and tablets. "These capabilities are crucial for maximizing factory utilization."
Once interactive robots are widely assembled and tested in industry, they may immediately appear in the home market, though many unique challenges will arise. “In industrial environments, humans are typically adults over 18, capable of understanding the importance of wearing safety goggles and hard-soled shoes in the workplace. But in home environments, everything is different, with pets and children crawling on the floor,” Saenz notes. “But the home market is a much larger market.”
