Development of a Human-Centric System Using an IoT-Based Socially Embedded Robot Partner

Abstract

Recently, the increasing social isolation of the elderly has caused major social problems, such as loneliness and the progression of dementia. A human-centric system could be a solution to these problems and promote coexistence with humans. Therefore, we aimed to develop a robot system using smart devices, which are essential for the Internet of things (IoT) technology, to provide services, such as information support and monitoring. As the development and application of smart devices become more sophisticated, a hyperconnected society will finally be realized through the development of smart-device-centered robots and their connection to peripheral devices. A hyperconnected society is one in which people, things, and data are connected. Personal mobility is developing and converging with robotic technology to the point where a large mobile robot can board a person. These robot technologies can be connected to wireless networks to provide organically connected services. In the era of Society 5.0, the connection among smart devices, robot systems, and mobility technology is still developing and will be a new paradigm in the development of human-centric systems in the future. Therefore, this study introduces the creation of a human-centric system using a robot system and a mobility system based on the IoT. Finally, we present several examples of the effectiveness of the proposed system and discuss its applicability.