Research Fields : Robotics
Research and Industry-University Collaboration
研究・産学連携
ROBOTICS
Leading advanced robot development from the ICT aspect
Experts in the ICT genre in the robotics field are valuable, and the University of Aizu is contributing to robot development in terms of software. The possibilities of robots are increasing, such as teleoperation using communication functions, or cooperative operation between different robots. The ultimate goal is to develop space robots that can be operated from Earth. If robots can be operated under severe conditions, their use on Earth will surely expand even further.
Disaster response robot being developed at the University of Aizu
Potential for robot development using ICT
Robot arm that turns valves under autonomous control
Robotics is the most obvious application of the University of Aizu's expertise in ICT. Knowledge of ICT, such as networks and databases, is one of our unique strengths that general engineering specialists involved in robot development do not have. The University of Aizu contributes to robot development from the aspect of ICT.
Until now, robot development has focused on making a single robot smarter or faster. However, in today's world of Wi-Fi and the Internet, it is now possible for multiple robots to work together and exchange information. In addition, the need for robots that can be remotely operated through a network will also increase. The presence of the ICT field in robot development will become increasingly important in the future.
Create "standards" that connect robots to each other.
Robot PC connected by network
Robots are expected to play a role in making our lives more convenient. Take home delivery, for example. Experiments are being conducted using drones, but mobile robots on wheels would be advantageous for transporting large packages. If robots could deliver packages from convenience stores and supermarkets to homes, logistics would be greatly improved. This could also support the lives of elderly people who have difficulty shopping.
If all these robots were of the same make and model, networking would be relatively easy. In reality, however, there are bound to be a wide variety of robots made by different manufacturers. We are working on the fundamental components of a system that will allow robots from any manufacturer to be connected to each other and to the Internet. Our goal is to create such a "standard. We will release the technologies we develop as they are developed. We hope that these technologies will be brushed up in various fields and become the de facto standard. This will surely be in line with the university's contribution to society.
More advanced technology with an eye on space
Robot vehicle for educational purposes
The University of Aizu has many researchers related to space development. In space communications, information can only be sent at the old PHS level, and it takes a very long time. However, eventually a base will be established on the moon or Mars. If we can build a space robot that can be operated from the earth, it would be the ultimate teleoperated robot. With such a technological foundation, we will surely be able to do even more convenient things on Earth. We are conducting research and development with this in mind.
In addition to the glamorous and fun "development," it is also essential to conduct the "research" part, that is, to investigate and verify the safety of robots. Although the use of simulators has dramatically increased the speed of verification compared to the past, this kind of humble research is the foundation of this field. Research is an important part that should never be neglected.