Robots in science fiction (SF) movies are becoming increasingly real. The autonomous driving technology that started with automobiles has now expanded to wellness robots through cleaning robots, raising the technical difficulty as well. Recently introduced wellness robots are trending toward enhancing precise autonomous driving functions, such as spatial awareness and obstacle avoidance, to increase user convenience.
The wellness robotics brand NAMUHX showcased technology that improves indoor autonomous driving performance. NAMUHX utilizes technologies such as Lidar, Time-of-Flight (ToF), infrared sensors, and camera-based object recognition AI to quickly perceive indoor spaces and movement paths, enabling autonomous movement to user-set destinations based on a map. It also features the ability to detect moving objects and floor obstacles in real time to prevent collisions.
It accurately recognizes floor wires, moldings, and other height differences to minimize blind spots. The ToF sensor is utilized to precisely measure the distance to small obstacles and has a function for preemptive avoidance. The robot's wheels are equipped with tread patterns for slip prevention, along with suspension and dampers to assist stable driving, reducing noise to around 40 dB even on various floor environments.
A key to improving autonomous driving accuracy is the application of precise mapping technology. NAMUHX uses simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) technology that combines Lidar and Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) sensors to allow the robot to create indoor maps autonomously and accurately recognize its position. To reduce mapping errors, the 'Loop Closure' technology is applied, maintaining a resolution of about 5 cm to enhance mobility accuracy.
To enhance safety, NAMUHX is designed to fuse various sensors to detect and avoid people and dynamic obstacles in real time. It can be used safely even in environments with pets or infants, accurately recognizing everyday objects such as toys. Additionally, camera and sensor information is encrypted to protect user privacy and security.
Additionally, it is equipped with IR sensors to prevent falls and has automatic deceleration and stop functions after obstacle recognition. NAMUHX continually improves its software through over-the-air (OTA) updates, progressively enhancing driving performance and obstacle response capabilities.
NAMUHX focuses not only on simple mobility functions but also on improving user living environments and ensuring safety in the wellness robot market. Based on this, it aims to develop mobile wellness solutions that can be used in daily life.