Shadow: a support tool
Shadow is a mobile social robot designed by the RoboLab group (University of Extremadura) as an intelligent companion tool for hospitals, nursing homes, and care centers. Its design focuses on agility, autonomy (more than 7 hours), and low cost, being completely manufactured using 3D printing and optimized to follow people in real environments.
Thanks to its omnidirectional base with Mecanum wheels, Shadow moves smoothly in any direction, allowing it to maneuver in tight spaces. Its innovative suspension system reduces vibrations by more than 90%, making it possible to transport delicate objects without compromising stability. The robot's structure is modular and easily expandable, allowing new functionalities to be incorporated as technological needs evolve.
The robot integrates an advanced perception system based on two 3D LiDARs and a 360° RGB camera, providing it with a complete view of its surroundings. This information is processed using CORTEXcognitive architecture, which allows it to accurately detect and track people, as well as incorporating visual attention mechanisms that simulate an adjustable camera with no moving parts.
Shadow has a touchscreen for interaction and a front tray for logistical tasks. Its power electronics system is modular, offering several power outputs to feed motors, sensors, and computing systems. In laboratory tests, it has reached a TRL 7 technology level, successfully passing navigation, tracking, and structural strength tests.
Related publications
2024
- Torrejón Harto, Zapata Cornejo, Bonilla Rodríguez, Bustos García, Núñez Trujillo | Design and Development of Shadow: A Cost-Effective Mobile Social Robot for Human-Following Applications
- Torrejón Harto, Zapata Cornejo, Núñez Trujillo, Bonilla Rodríguez, Bustos García | Shadow, an accompanying tool robot
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