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 Tokyo,
October 7, 2002 - Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd. today announced
that it has developed a new robot for the home, the MARON-1, which
can be remotely controlled by mobile phone to operate home electronic
appliances or monitor household security.
The ambulatory
prototype robot is equipped with a wide range of functions, including
telephone, camera, remote control, timer and surveillance equipment.
With these features, for example, it is envisioned that MARON-1
could be used for monitoring homes or offices at night or for checking
up on persons requiring special care and monitoring.
Fujitsu will
be presenting details on the new robot at the Japan Robot Conference,
opening October 12, 2002 at Osaka University.
Background
Fujitsu's previous developments in the robotics field include HOAP-1,
announced in September 2001. This robot, which was a test platform
for bipedal locomotion, is now being distributed by Fujitsu Automation
Limited. It is expected that robots will increasingly be used in
personal applications and in the future will come to help out around
the house as part of people's everyday lives. MARON-1 represents
an initial step toward realizing that vision.
About
MARON-1
Maron-1 consists of a drive mechanism, a camera that can rotate
left, right, up, and down, a programmable remote to control home
electronic appliances, and a PHS communication card that, together
with specially designed i-appli (*1) software, enables the robot
to be operated remotely by mobile phone.
With remote
operation by mobile phone, the robot can take pictures and relay
them to the phone's screen, so that the owner can check conditions
at home. The owner can give precise commands for moving the robot
forward, backward or turning in a desired direction. In addition,
by storing the home's layout in the robot's memory, the owner can
give the robot a destination, and it will automatically navigate
to that point, avoiding obstacles and maneuvering over door saddles
and other surface gradations along the way. Alternatively, a pattern
may be established for it to patrol a designated course.
Images sent
by the Maron-1 can also be used for specifying a destination. The
robot's infrared remote control capability can be used to operate
appliances such as air conditioners, televisions and VCRs.
By positioning
the robot one or two meters from a spot the owner would like to
monitor (for example, the front hall or a window) and turned appropriately,
MARON-1 is able to detect anyone or anything entering its field
of view. If it does detect an intrusion, it can sound an alarm and
call a pre-set number.
The robot can
also be scripted to take specific actions at specific times. For
example, it can be used as an alarm clock or timer, or it can be
programmed to take pictures around the house at pre-set times.
With its built-in
PHS capability, the robot can be used as a hands-free telephone.
Frequently dialed numbers can be stored in its memory for one-touch
dialing. Other commonly performed actions may also be assigned to
function buttons.
| MARON-1:
Main Specifications |
| Weight:
|
5 kg |
| Dimensions: |
32 x 36
x 32 cm |
| Operable
parts: |
2 powered
wheels (left, right); 1 rotating arm; 2-way movable camera head
(pan, tilt). 5 degrees of freedom |
| Sensors:
|
1 Infrared
sensor/emitter (for operating electronics by remote); 2 cameras,
1 proximity sensor
|
| User interface:
|
1 touchpad;
5 menu keys; 2 function keys; 1 4" LCD monitor; 1 microphone;
1 speaker |
| Operating
system: |
WinCE 3.0 |
| Expansion
interfaces: |
1 USB (host);
1 PC card slot; 1 RS-232C port (for maintenance); 1 DC-IN connector |
| Battery
type: |
NiMH (in
main unit) |
| Run time
per charge: |
12 hours
(Assuming low-power mode and 20 minutes of driving) |
| Accessory: |
AC adapter |
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