Creating Prototypical Clothing for Socially Assistive Robots

Topic Description

Socially Assistive Robots (SARs) and their ability to engage people in social interaction show potential in a variety of applications and roles, such as supporting children in learning, care, and therapy. Varying in their form factors, these robots range from abstract designs to animal-like and human-like appearances, such as the Aldebaran NAO (depicted above). While children can customize non-animate, human-like toys like puppets to enhance bonding experiences, SARs predominantly remain in their unmodified, out-of-the-box state. This thesis, therefore, aims to take a first step toward understanding how clothing for robots, along with visual and tactile customization, can impact the relationship between children and robots.

This thesis seeks to develop guidelines for robot clothing as well as prototypical clothing for the NAO robot, varying in shape and texture. The student will first systematically familiarize themselves with the current state of the art in robot dressing and textiles. Following this, the student will develop guidelines outlining the restrictions and preconditions robot clothing must fulfill to ensure full functionality. Finally, the student will apply these guidelines to create prototypical clothing for the NAO robot.

Task Summary

1. Related Work Systematically
   acquire knowledge about the state
   of the art in robot customization and
   dressing.
2. Develop Guidelines for Robot
   Clothing The student will develop
   guidelines for robot clothing, speci-
   fying restrictions and requirements.
3. Creating Prototypical Clothing
   The student will create prototypical
   clothing items based on the devel-
   oped guidelines.

Skills

Required:

• Critical Thinking
• Creativity

Beneficial Skills:

• Handcraft/Sewing Experience

Contact

Jan Rixen

jan.rixen∂kit.edu