Photo by Akira Uehara

Researchers at University of Tsukuba have developed an innovative human-collaborative robot that operates in a cybernics space, seamlessly bridging the physical space and cyberspace. Using multimodal vital information reflecting the intentions of humans, the robot can be operated with an arm hand system and an IoT system, supporting daily life activities without physical or spatial limitations.

Tsukuba, Japan—Aging and illness in humans are accompanied by decline in motor and cognitive functions, causing difficulties in daily life and communication and often leading to anxiety and depression. Human-collaborative robots that can interpret the intentions of humans promise to mitigate these issues and enhance independence.

The researchers have introduced a technology that empowers patients with intractable neurological diseases and enables elderly users to perform daily tasks without physical movement. In cybernics space, the transition zone between physical space and cyberspace, the robot can effortlessly switch among three modes of human-robot interactions using bioelectrical signals and gaze information that reflect the user's intentions. This capability allows the robot to operate in physical space and cyberspace, managing arm hand systems and IoT devices.

During verification experiments of its basic performance, the robot completed the daily movements expected in living environments with a high success rate and a satisfactory level of usability. By enhancing the independence of individuals through motor intention, this technology is anticipated to significantly reduce the burden of nursing care and medical costs.

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This research partially includes the results of Cross-ministerial Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP) 3rd Phase, "Expansion of fundamental technologies and development of rules　promoting social implementation to expand HCPS Human-Collaborative Robotics" promoted by Council for Science, Technology and Innovation(CSTI), Cabinet Office, Government of Japan.　(Project Management Agency: New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) (Project Code JPNP23024), HCPS: Human-Cyber-Physical Space). The part of construction of the 3D model and application were promoted by ARGO GRAPHICS Inc., and Silicon Studio Corporation.

Original Paper

Title of original paper:

Development of human collaborative robot to perform daily tasks based on multimodal vital information with cybernics space

Journal:

Frontiers in Robotics and AI

DOI:

10.3389/frobt.2025.1462243

Correspondence

Assistant Professor UEHARA Akira
Institute of Systems and Information Engineering, University of Tsukuba

Related Link

Institute of Systems and Information Engineering