A Novel Approach to Systematic Development of Social Robot Product Families

Abstract

In this paper, behavioural modules for social robots are developed by using the 3D Design Structure Matrix (DSM) model. Behavioural modules are the building blocks for the systematic design of social robot families, which are composed of personalized social robots, to satisfy the diverse needs of individuals or small groups. The 3D DSM is independent of any physical solution principle and is based on 3 different behavioural elements among robots, namely 'perception', 'cognition' and 'motoric action'. In this study, the data for these elements are extracted from 45 different social robots existing in the literature. Sixteen behavioural modules are developed by defining the mutual interactions among these three types of behavioural elements. Among them, 6 sample modules are designed and manufactured in the laboratory. A model social family of two robots which uses different combinations of these 6 modules is developed for technology demonstration. This study is a first attempt to establish a behaviour, modularity-oriented and physical solution-independent infrastructure in the systematic conceptual design of personalized social robots for alternative purposes; hence, a starting point for future research toward further integration of social robots into everyday life.