RoboThespian At a Glance
Contents
Description
RoboThespian™ model RT4 is a life size, interactive, fully programmable humanoid robot exhibit suitable for public display, demonstration and academic research.
The robot features an actuated upper body, arms, fingers, head and jaw designed to mimic human expression and gestures.
The inbuilt infra red depth sensor and head camera enable further interactive possibilities all designed to engage and fascinate the audience, further enhancing the communication potential of the programmed content.
RoboThespian™ is supplied with a touchscreen kiosk and pre-configured with a multiple language software interface suitable for public use.
- File:RoboThespian At a Glance Setup.pngRoboThespian Setup
Application Areas
Content Delivery
The robot can perform any script thus making the robot an ideal interactive content delivery tool for use at exhibitions, events, science and technology museums and visitor attractions.
Demonstration
Demonstrate AND explain cutting edge technological advances, for example, motion capture and live audience interaction via telepresence.
Interaction
Users can get “hands on” and control the robot themselves, primarily via the touchscreen interface. The robot's onboard sensors allow for additional interaction possibilities, from making eye contact with passers by, responding to gestures (ie a wave of the hand), facial recognition and reading/responding to QR codes.
STEM Education
Inspire users to learn about STEM subjects like Computer Science and Engineering. Create inspiring content to make RoboThespian™ your favourite teacher. Students can animate their own performances using Virtual RoboThespian and have the real robot make their presentations.
Entertainment
Create awe inspiring stage performances with multiple RoboThespians™. Integrate video projection, lighting, multi channel sound, for a unique, futuristic theatre experience.
Academic Research
The robot is also used as a platform for research into Human-Robot interaction by academic institutions. In this area, researchers have so far used the robot in the following ways: Avatar/Remote operation, Brain Controlled Interface, Stage/theatre based social interaction research.
Installations worldwide
Over 50 RoboThespian™ currently permanently installed worldwide, including:
- NASA Kennedy Space Center, USA.
- Questacon, National Science Museum of Australia
- MUNCYT, National Science and Technology Museum of Spain
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA.
- University College London.
- Copernicus Science Centre, Poland (complete Theatre of Robots stage production, comprising 3 RoboThespians, integrated lighting, video projection, multi channel sound).
Simple specification
| Robot Dimensions (Excluding floor base) | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Robot Weight | 33 kg | 72 lbs |
| Robot Height | 1750 mm | 5' 9” |
| Robot Width (shoulder to shoulder) | 410 mm | 16” |
| Robot Width (arms fully extended) | 1750 mm | 5' 9” |
| Robot Dimensions (Including floor base) | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Robot Weight | 37 kg | 81 lbs |
| Robot Height | 1780 mm | 5' 10” |
| Robot Width (floor base width) | 600 mm | 23.5” |
| Robot Width (arms fully extended) | 1750 mm | 5' 9” |
| Wooden Touch Screen Kiosk Dimensions | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 30 kg | 66 lbs |
| Height | 1006 mm | 40” |
| Width | 472 mm | 18.5” |
| Depth | 420 mm | 16.5” |
| Floor Base Dimensions | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Base Width | 600 mm | 23.5” |
| Base Length | 650 mm | 25.5” |
| Base Depth | 30 mm | 1.25” |
| Base Weight | 4 kg | 9 lbs |
Typical Standard Package for public venues
Includes:
- RoboThespian™ Humanoid Robot with 27 x Powered Head, Arm and Body Axis
- Interactive touchscreen kiosk suitable for public use
- Standard web browser based public user interface
- Standard range of content - film impressions, songs, etc.
- 10 minutes of custom content prepared by our animator in accordance with customer's script and audio voiceover.
- Virtual RoboThespian – web browser application for customers to create their own content – includes wide range of Acapela TTS voices (non-public licence)
- Robot Management Software Suite – web browser application. (comprising content management, sensor data and Python IDE screens)
- Standard head option with LCD eye screens, RGB LED cheek lighting and auto jaw/speech movements
- 1 x English Text to Speech voice installed directly onto robot for offline use on “Compose” screen of interface (Acapela Demo)
- Asus Xtion IR depth sensor for motion tracking and copy movement functions
- Built in Head Camera
- Basic spares kit
- Remote support and diagostics
- One year warranty on parts
Public User Interface
- Simple graphical based user interface suitable for public use with the following Screen tabs.
- Interface is pre-installed on the touchscreen kiosk but may also be accessed via a web browser on a remote PC/laptop (robot must be on and network connected)
- Individual screens can be enabled/disabled from public view as required.
Language Selection
Multiple language options may be included. Customer may be asked for assistance with translations.
Library
Users can quickly trigger pre-programmed performances at the touch of a button.
A selection of entertaining English demo content (film impressions, songs, etc) is included as standard along with customer specific content.
Icons and content fully customisable.
Live
A selection of independent robot controls at the touch of a button.
Move the arms, head, torso, eyes, change eye expression and LED colours, prompt a range of short pre-set phrases.
Compose
Create your own unique robot performance quickly and easily with simplified timeline editor.
Drag and drop gestures, expressions, LED colours into the timeline section. Type in the Text box what the robot should say (uses Acapela Text to Speech) Then press Play to see RoboThespian™ perform your work.
Designed for public use and quick, basic custom sequences - for detailed content creation see Virtual RoboThespian.
Sensors
See the “Robot's Eye View” and tracking information from it's onboard sensors.
Command the robot to copy a persons arm movements.
Tricks
A library of robot behaviours available at the touch of a button. For example:
- Sing a random pre-programmed song,
- Ask robot to estimate your age, gender, expression (SHORE option required)
- Get the robot to track and point at your moving hand, etc
Icons and behaviours fully customisable.
Admin (Hidden from public view)
Restricted Access Back End Robot Management.
Volume control, diagnostic tools including robot self test routine, content management tools. (English language only)
