RESCUER

Motion control rescuing robot

Automotive design | Wearables | Embodied interaction

Personal project 2016.06

 
 

INTRODUCTION

Building collapses happen from time to time. Involving robot in rescuing is a trend. However, rescue robots are currently controlled by physical controllers. The method is not in line with users’ unconscious action and cost much to acquire. This project is to explore a control method applying motion control tech for rescue robot in the future.

 
 

ROBOT VS HUMAN

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Interview

I also interviewed a professional rescuer from Wuxi, China via phone. From the interview, I find that human is the only choice for rescuing even if they are almost hurt and threatened by dangerous environment all the time. Dogs are good helpers now because they have abilities people do not have. Robot equipped with sensors and motors might replace dogs’ work in many ways. However, rescue robot are only used for detecting currently because the tech is not developed. Therefore, I decided to explore a concept for the future rescuing.

 
 
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DIRECTION

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Robots can’t work as flexible as human. One important factor is the control method. Motion control can combine the information and behaviour from people and robot together, which allows controller to work in an intuitive way.

 
 

CONCEPT

The system can be divided into two parts according to its interactions.

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FUNCTION ANALYSIS

Operator - Robot

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Robot - Environment

The robot can be divided into 5 parts according to functions.

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PROTOTYPING

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I made a draft mock up to simulate the operation of the wearable system. People may get exhausted with the heavy device. Besides, arms ache easily after holding for a few minutes without any support. Therefore, offering support for the body and arms is important. I also make a simple arm prototype. It simulates the shoulder joint and elbow joint of the device, which helps me to explore the structure.

 
 

FORM

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STORYBOARD

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DESIGN FINALISATION

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Color choices

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Size

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INSTRUCTION

Flexible arm control

The wearable device can record arm’s motion of three joints in 3 dimensions, ensuring the flexibility of people’s action. The mechanical arm is of 6 DOF, which can simulate people’s arm and hand well.

The wearable device can record arm’s motion of three joints in 3 dimensions, ensuring the flexibility of people’s action. The mechanical arm is of 6 DOF, which can simulate people’s arm and hand well.

 

Tongs and drill

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Operation comfort

The wearable arm can follow the position of operator’s and give support with the motor inside. The operator will not feel exhausted even after hours work with the support for his arm.

The wearable arm can follow the position of operator’s and give support with the motor inside. The operator will not feel exhausted even after hours work with the support for his arm.

The wearable bag has a supporting stick inside. It can release the heavy burden from the device and make the operator works easily.

The wearable bag has a supporting stick inside. It can release the heavy burden from the device and make the operator works easily.

 

Real-time video

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CV