Multi-Function Mobile Manipulator Robot Platform

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The ultimate goal of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics is to work in the wild, messy world, leading to address key integration challenges. The availability of state-of-the-art robotic platforms equipped with advanced sensory, actuation and computational capabilities makes it possible to work on high-level control mechanisms and the efficient integration of a multitude of capabilities under processing and time constraints. ***This proposal requests funds to purchase the state-of-the-art mobile manipulator robot (KINOVA MOVO platform). Available starting Fall 2018, this robot will allow us to put in place an advanced research infrastructure for intelligent telepresence and autonomous mobile robotics, with its unique 2 7-degrees-of-freedom torque sensing robot manipulators on an omnidirectional base and adjustable torso. Combined with custom-made mobile robot platforms and specialized algorithms for augmented telepresence 3D displays (combining vision, force representation, sound localization and appearance-based mapping), the requested equipment is the missing piece to design and demonstrate in field trials advanced teleoperation and interaction capabilities in different types of applications, from ‘human-in-the-loop' applications such telepresence for home care assistance to human-robot cooperation tasks in manufacturing and health care settings, toward robots with increasing autonomy (attempting to ‘close-the-loop'). The requested equipment is essential in this strategy to support research activities in collaborative robotics for manufacturing (through the NSERC CREATE Collaborative robotics for manufacturing program), in home assistance (through AGE-WELL Network of Centres of Excellence on technologies that benefit older adults and INTER Strategic Network on engineering interactive technologies for rehabilitation), in cognitive robotics (through 2 Discovery Grant programs) and a collaboration with ENSTA-ParisTech Robotics and Computer Vision Lab, in robot group behavior, and in rehabilitation of severely handicapped people. The equipment will be used to trained 10 HQP/year and support the research activities of 5 researchers (including 2 new faculty members) over 3 universities and 3 disciplines (Mechanical, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Rehabilitation). ***Using this platform to demonstrate new capabilities and unprecedented level of integration in key application areas will position Canada to the forefront of the field of advanced intelligent robots. With service robotic market expected to reach 23.9 billion US$ by 2022 with a compound annual growth rate of 15.18% (estimated by Markets and Markets, Jan. 2017), funding to purchase the requested equipment will allow to train highly qualified personnel in this emerging market. The requested equipment aims to lead the way for advanced, mobile humanoid robots capable of high-level cognitive functions, working autonomously or by interacting in real world settings.*****