The future of human robot interaction

General description

The past 50 years majority of the robots was found in factories where they do the so-called 3D jobs (dangerous-dirty-dull). Nowadays in many research institutes the coming generation of robots is prepared: robots that will work in our daily environment like home or office and this in a broad range of applications. Robots will help disabled and elderly, edutain our children, assist in the household and many other fields. Maybe robots will be as present in our lives as computers are today.

Academic information

Fields of activity:

Computational Sciences , Computer Engineering , Electronic/Electrotechnical Engineering , Mechanical Engineering , Mechatronics

Content and topics:

Human-robot interaction - Applications - Technology - Research issues

Firstly, an overview of different applications of robots will presented, especially robots that will take care of humans like rehabilitation robots, prostheses and robots for robot assisted therapy especially for autistic children. During a lab visit, you will also see different of the robots developed in our lab (http://mech.vub.ac.be/multibody/research_topics.htm).

Secondly, you will experience the complete design cycle to make a robot yourself From CAD models you will make the prototype of the robot using state of the art rapid prototype machines as laser cutters, 3D printers,? The robot will be controlled using an Arduino microcontroller that you will program yourself and design the electronics to connect the sensors and actuators. This all by working in a modern Fablab at the Erasmus hogeschool Brussel.

Learning goals and objectives:

1. Introduction to robots for human-robot interaction
2. Going from CAD models to prototypes using rapid prototype machines
3. Designing and soldering the electronics using sensors and actuators
4. Programming Arduino microcontroller
5. Integrating mechanics, electronics and programming to make the robot work

Examination type:

A presentation of your project in front of a jury

ECTS credits issued:

1.0

Information for applicants

Selection criteria:

Interest in the field of human-robot interaction

Practical arrangements

All of the following are covered by the event fee:

Lodging:

The participants will be lodged in the university's dormitories

Meals:

The food will be prepared by the organisers

Transportation:

Mainly use of public transport: metro in the city of Brussels and train when visiting further.