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Wiki source code of Social Robot

Last modified by Tiberiu Sabau on 2025/11/06 09:26
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1 We intend to use the MiRo-E robot, which is a suitable social robot for our use case due to its numerous features and affordability. First of all, the inclusion of 28 programmable touch sensors on MiRo-E's head and body allow for meaningful physical interaction and emotional connection for James (PwD). Additionally, the robot is quite expressive, as it includes rotating ears, tail-wagging, and eyelid movements. This can also have a positive effect on James' emotional connection with the robot. Furthermore, MiRo-E is capable of movement with wheels at its base, and built-in cameras and sensors to support navigation. This helps with both the “walking companion” function and general dog-like movements. Lastly, it has a relatively powerful processing unit, which can connect wirelessly to the Internet. This allows MiRo-E to connect with the adaptive AI system that tracks James’ activity, and generates personalised behaviour.
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4 The robot’s movement could pose a tripping or collision hazard for residents with reduced mobility. This is why we will limit the robot's speed and define fixed walking paths. It would also use proximity sensors to avoid obstacles. Additionally, we will ensure the robot remains within the caregiver's supervision range.
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6 For the robot selection, one alternative could have been Pepper, especially if the focus were strictly on companionship, since Pepper’s human-like form naturally supports social interaction. In that case, the interaction could center on social or cognitive games designed to build a connection between James and the robot.
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9 However, our design intentionally prioritised a dog-like companion to promote physical activity and foster emotional connection. Because James previously owned a dog, a pet-like robot aligns more closely with his background, making it more likely to feel familiar, comforting, and engaging. For these reasons, we selected the MiRo-E robot, which better supports our goal of providing an active, pet-style companion.
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11 One consideration with MiRo-E is its small size, which may limit certain types of outdoor play. That said, many retirement communities feature ramps and paved pathways, which actually support MiRo-E’s mobility and help mitigate these challenges. Overall, the benefits of its dog-like form, particularly for encouraging both physical activity and emotional bonding, made MiRo-E a more suitable choice than a human-like robot such as Pepper.