Humanoid Avatars: From Concept to Reality

A Journey into the World of Advanced Avatar Technologies

In the realm of robotics, the development of advanced avatar technologies has opened doors to a new era of human-robot interaction and remote presence. At the forefront of this innovation, the research team at the Artificial and Mechanical Intelligence (AMI) lab at the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT) in Genova, Italy, has made significant strides in the field. This article delves into the intricacies and solutions encountered during the creation of the iCub3 avatar system, highlighting the importance of real-world testing and adaptability in forging robust humanoid robotic platforms.

The iCub3 Avatar System: A Multifaceted Approach

Components and Design:

The iCub3 avatar system comprises the iCub3 robot, a sophisticated humanoid robot, and the iFeel wearable technologies, which meticulously track human body motions. This integrated system empowers human operators to embody humanoid robots, encompassing aspects such as locomotion, manipulation, voice, and facial expressions. Moreover, it offers comprehensive sensory feedback, including visual, auditory, haptic, weight, and touch modalities.

Collaboration and Innovation:

The development of the iCub3 avatar system was a testament to the power of collaboration between IIT and the Italian National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work (INAIL). This partnership brought together expertise in robotics, human-computer interaction, and safety, culminating in an advanced avatar system with practical applications.

Real-World Testing: Embracing Challenges and Driving Solutions

Scenario 1: Remote Exploration at the Biennale di Venezia (November 2021)

Amidst the artistic wonders of the Biennale di Venezia, the iCub3 avatar system faced the challenge of establishing stable remote communications while ensuring cautious robot movement within a delicate art exhibition environment. To overcome these hurdles, IIT’s wearable iFeel suit was employed for precise body motion tracking. Custom haptic devices relayed remote touch sensations, and a standard optical fiber internet connection with minimal delay ensured seamless communication.

Scenario 2: Live Performance at the We Make Future Show (June 2022)

In the vibrant setting of the We Make Future Show, the iCub3 avatar system took center stage in a live public performance. Amidst considerable electromagnetic interference, the robot entertained the audience while navigating the complexities of a live event. Specialized haptic devices provided the operator with a sense of weight perception, enhanced robot expressiveness, and intuitive control, allowing for direct manipulation of all robot parts and capabilities.

Scenario 3: ANA Avatar XPrize Competition (November 2022)

The ANA Avatar XPrize Competition presented a unique challenge: operating the robot under time pressure, performing heavy-duty tasks in a simulated extraterrestrial environment, and accommodating non-expert operators with limited training. The iCub3 avatar system rose to the occasion, equipped with sensorized skin on the robot’s hands for texture perception, an intuitive control interface, and direct manipulation of robot parts, fostering a heightened sense of embodiment.

The Evolution: From iCub3 to ergoCub – A New Era of Humanoid Robotics

Inspiration and Design:

The experiences gained from the iCub3 avatar system development served as the catalyst for the creation of a new robot: the ergoCub. This humanoid robot is meticulously designed to minimize risk and fatigue in collaborative tasks for workers in industry and healthcare settings.

Key Features and Applications:

The ergoCub robot stands out for its ability to collaborate safely with humans, alleviating the physical strain and risks associated with certain tasks. Its potential applications span a wide range, including assistance in assembly lines, material handling, and patient care, among others.

Conclusion: The Promise and Potential of Avatar Technologies

Bridging the Gap:

The development of the iCub3 avatar system and its evolution into the ergoCub robot exemplify the transformative potential of avatar technologies. By bridging the gap between humans and robots, these systems open up new avenues for remote presence, collaboration, and assistance in various domains.

Future Directions:

The future of avatar technologies holds immense promise, with potential applications in space exploration, disaster response, and healthcare. Ongoing research and development efforts are focused on refining existing systems, enhancing autonomy, and exploring novel applications, pushing the boundaries of human-robot interaction even further.