Autonomous humanoid robot shows a range of movements

An autonomous humanoid robot has been developed under a joint project between academia and industry. The open platform robot was developed by The University of Bonn’s Autonomous Intelligent Systems group with help from tribo-plastic specialist igus.

The child-size robot was constructed using a number of 3D printed parts and is controlled by open source Robot Operating System software. The robot is capable of humanoid movement and interactive behaviour such as head movements and nods, handshakes, walking, balancing on one foot and standing from a laying position. The robot is also shown to be able to kick a football in to a goal.

Its variety of movement is largely thanks to the mechanical systems engineered and supplied by igus, which include its robolink D motor-driven slewing ring bearings in its articulated joints. These self-lubricating and maintenance-free units are ideal for robotics applications, where relatively slow but smooth movements of high loads are required.