Enhancement of interface robot using RT middleware and RSNP network protocol

To cope with various needs of a rapidly aging society, common RT middleware and RSNP network protocol are incorporated in an interface robot. In this manner, a reception service application that is required in facilities for the elderly, has been developed for an interface robot. The robot counts the number of people who enter and exit a facility and greets them according to the position and velocity of each person as a reception service. Furthermore, robots located in several facilities are networked through the Internet, and their information data are transmitted to a server computer and are shared using RSNP. Such a system is expandable to aid in developing the required functions. Here, the developed system and results of basic experiments are described.