Human Robot Following Using Parco UWB RFID Tags and Obstacle

A system developed by Parco Wireless (http://www.parcowireless.com/)
was installed at the Washington Hospital Center (WHC)
(http://www.imedi.org/docs/references/mr.htm). UWB RFID active tags can
be wore by patients, medical staff and robots. The credit card-size
tags information can be read at a frequency of up to 30 times a second.

Tracking is achieved based on dynamic calculations between x and y
coordinates of a tag located on the human and x and y coordinates of a
tag placed on the robot. In order to accompany a person, the robot
should estimate the next position of the person in order to move
without any delay. The robot calculates the distance and angle required
to reach the person. The robot calculates the distance between the
robot's and human's actual tag readings.

A video is available here:

http://www.compactech.com/kartoun/videos/Uri_Kartoun_Human_Robot_Following_August_1_2005.wmv

Other robot-related videos:

http://www.compactech.com/kartoun/videos/

Thanks!

Uri.

 

Unfortunately, following is achieved by using a set of receivers
installed inside rooms / buildings. The receivers read the values of
the active RFID tags.
Yes, it would be much more fun making the robot to follow you outside a
laboratory - to the grocery store, the barber, and even to the gym - to
do some exercises instead of you. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Uri.

 

[rowan194]

Is the system self contained or does it need external sensors/beacons
around the room? Would have been more fun if they'd taken the robot for
a walk outside the lab.