Care-O-bot 3 is the latest in the line of mobile service robots, developed by Fraunhofer IPA, which are designed to bring robotic assistance into the home or business space. It is a far more sophisticated piece of technology than both Care-O bot 1, which was constructed as a prototype in 1998, and Care-O bot 2 which was created in 2002.
Care-O-bot 3 has potential for use not just as an assistant to fetch and carry, but as a communication device and a source of entertainment.
What can Care-O bot 3 do?
The third incarnation of Care-O bot has some impressive abilities. It has a sensor enabled navigation system which means it can travel to its destination via an optimal route. It also has four wheels with steering so that it can navigate awkward environments.
These assistance robots have an arm which has a high level of flexibility. Couple this with a tactile sensitive, three fingered hand, and you have the perfect instrument for retrieving items, with care.
The Care-O bot 3 is highly adaptable to its environment. Its sensors enable it to detect and negotiate obstacles. These highly responsive pieces of technology include 3D sensors, laser scanners and stereo vision cameras.
The Care-O-bot 3 sensors also enable it to identify objects on its own and undertake a 6D computation of their position.
The future
The next addition of this assistance robot is Care-O bot 4 which benefits from further enhancements. Currently on the market as an impressive piece of kit that can be used to impress visitors and business clients, there is ongoing research by the ACCOMPANY team into adapting the Care-O bot model to become a caring and social interaction aid for the elderly.
Fraunhofer IPA
