Robotically yours is a project done in conjunction with "IROMEC". The main aim of the project is to create a robotic toy for disabled children. A toy which has autonomous behavior and supports different disabilities from age group of 6 to 12.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Camima
The idea is to create a robotic entity with a deformable flexible surface that can be used in many type of play activities, stimulating interaction, exercise, movement and sensory experience. The idea explore of stimulating challenging and playful activities for children in a warm and supportive context that can used for fun as well as for healing and growth. It also includes collaborative playfulness and interaction between children with different disabilities.
The focus is more on games that are more dynamic or sensory in nature such as exercise and rule based play.It includes competitive or co operative games as well as activities that are performed just for fun with less structured game setting. It should be suitable for various environments and play activities as well as being accessible to a wide range o children with different disabilities.
Camima
Camima is a deformable carpet that has various shapes and functions. It is designed for free form play and more structured activities. It is very easy and accessible to children of a wide range of abilities and age group. It focuses on different kind of activities ranging from sensorial to motorial. It is modular, mobile and very configurable.
2 surprise-interaction design lab
3. giftin-mobile application-icon media lab
4. camima-robotically yours
5. come fly with us-retail therapy
6. two halves
7. hacking keyboards
8. annoyer-interactive toys
Camima is a deformable carpet that has various shapes and functions. It is designed for free form play and more structured activities. It is very easy and accessible to children of a wide range of abilities and age group. It focuses on different kind of activities ranging from sensorial to motorial. It is modular, mobile and very configurable.
"Camima" is a (80mm x 120mm) medium sized rectangular carpet.
Camima has the ability to move and flex deforming in various ways and holding its shape. When a child tries to pull it in direction it understands the gesture and slowly forms the curve.
In vertical position the inner side is also sensitive to the child's movement. As the child approaches it facing the inner side, and tries to touch it reacts in return and tries to touch the child back with gentle calm movements of the outside sides of the curve. Also the bumps on the surface appear relative to where the child is moving his hands and they follow his movement
Group Interaction
In vertical position, groups of Camima act as deformable building blocks. The children can form various shapes with them as show below [photo]. Camima detect one another and if placed close enough connect with each other to form more complex shapes.
When placed lying down on the floor Camima become the platform for a number of games designed for different types of children with varying interests and abilities.
When groups of Camima are placed in a rectangular formation, they form a surface that is responsive to pressure. When it detects motion Camima's surface responds by creating 'waves' and 'ripples' that move across the carpet and continue on to the next mats. The wave effect is created by the bumpy surface which changes to make bumps appear and disappear to creating the illusion of a wave. The carpets communicate together to detect motion and create ripples. Children can create ripples by jumping on the carpet. The force of the jump determines the spreading of the ripples. This can lead to interesting games such as some children creating these waves while others are trying to avoid them or jump over them.
Technical Details
The carpet is composed of very light weight and safe materials providing a safe play activity for children. The carpet is light enough that no harm would be done in case it gets knocked over or stepped on.
In terms of technology so form of Shape Memory Alloys can be used. This lightweight technology is small and does not require large motors or other components to move. This could form the inner structure of the carpet.
In terms of sensors the carpet would have pressure sensors to detect where and how much children are stepping on the carpet. In addition motion or touch sensors would be needed to detect movements above the surface of the carpet. Tilt sensors would be needed to detect position and orientation. Other sensors might be needed.
Potential
Camima is a perfect robotic entity for children. It is fun to play with and easy to use to, non humanoid yet still a familiar object that children can understand and relate to. Children can chose their own form of play activity, and use Camima in their regular play. It can be a warm cuddly experience, a construction tool for imagination, or a fun surface for energetic and exciting games.
In terms of it's therapeutic potential, Camima can be a very valuable tool particularly for children with impaired senses or disabilities. It enhances social skills and group play activity, boosts self esteem through stimulating challenges. It can help to train and sharpen abilities related to mobility and navigation reflexes and visual skills. Finally for children with social disabilities Camima allows for an experience which focuses more on sensation and experience with a non-humanoid robot. Familiarity with Camima in single play mode allows for future integration with other children and adults.
other projects
1. Language, Literacy and Mobile UI - Nokia2 surprise-interaction design lab
3. giftin-mobile application-icon media lab
4. camima-robotically yours
5. come fly with us-retail therapy
6. two halves
7. hacking keyboards
8. annoyer-interactive toys
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