28/6/2007

Registration for "Actual Proof Experiments Supports Service" has started!

Robot Laboratory seeks new uses and markets for next-generation robots. To achieve this end, Robot Laboratory supports experiments that
determine the feasibility of putting robots into practical use. The Osaka Robot Society Proof Experiment Initiative (ORi) strategically promotes various actions to create a Robot
Industry cluster in Osaka. It was established at Robot Laboratory to invite proof robot commercialization experiments into Osaka and in addition, the Prefecture and City governments of Osaka are supporting this initiative by funding potential applications for robots.

The main purpose of this "Actual Proof Experiment" is to verify whether developed robots would function and would be received by society as the developer intended. Nineteen projects have already been adopted in two years, with results validating the practical use of robots. In this interview, Mr. Katsunori Kitamura, the Director and Coordinator of ORi, talks about the outline of this initiative and its main purpose.

The City of Osaka and Osaka Prefecture are aiming for economic revitalization through the promotion of the next-generation robot industry, which will harness the accumulation of manufacturers and research institutions in the Kansai area with the support of the Actual Proof Experiment Service, which began in fiscal year 2005. If a project is approved, the city of Osaka and Osaka Prefecture will subsidize the cost of the project�fs application.

"Unlike a car or a household appliance, a robot is still an unknown quantity to society. Therefore the process of validating the needs and acceptability of the services and work performed by robots needs to include an opportunity for people to actually use the robots,�h says Mr. Kitamura as he explains the importance of this actual proof experiment.

In an actual proof experiment, verification is mainly performed from two perspectives, functionality and sociality. For example, in the case of a communication robot, from a functionality standpoint it is judged whether the robot clearly understands the voice of the child whose voice is soft and difficult to catch. From the sociality standpoint, it is noted whether or not the child is afraid of the robot. Sociality issues expand beyond the child�fs emotions towards the robots. There are cases where a company developed a robot and wasn�ft able to conduct an actual proof experiment because of safety concerns that a heavy robot could injure people if they collided. These concerns can become a severe hindrance to the development of a company�fs product.

"But," Mr. Kitamura continues, "it is our role to find the suitable public outlet and to connect the robots with that. It is here that you can find the �emerit�f of our service.�h


For the past two years, there have been a variety of situations in which experiments were conducted. They included evaluating the use of indoor type cleaning robot in outdoor, high-straffic conditions, or determining whether a medicine and chart delivery robot used in hospitals would also be appropriate for apartment security applications.

"When we develop a robot, it is man who actually uses it. For example, in the case of arobot that plays an auxiliary role in a service that a human provides, if the robot gives human (use side) the misconception that his job could be taken over by robot, that could prevent the spread of robots and there wouldn�ft be much progress. The experiment itself cannot be performed if it�fs not actually accepted in very first place. The technique of conducting an actual proof experiment smoothly so that I may get people to accept without resistance is also an important theme for us to consider."

There is one company that has advanced to the product launch stage based on the positive data collected by these actual proof experiments.

Moreover, press releases on new robot technologies have created a high level of attention in the mass media, which has in turn resulted in several inquiries as to alternate applications for established robotic technologies.

�gWhen applying for the program, one doesn�ft need to be decided about the place where you want to conduct an proof experiment in a certain field,�h says Mr. Kitamura. �gIf you want to evaluate a part of a function of the robot, that�fs fine. Our organization will provide consultation around both the selection and type of the field where you should conduct your experiment. As various networks have also been built up in the past two years, we can provide opportunities for proof experiments and introduce robot-related companies and researchers in line with their requests and, in turn, they can become partners in establishing new businesses.�h Like Mr. Kitamura says, �gthe support one receives before the planning stage is also a very important step.

"I want to send out as many [robots] as possible to the market by repeating actual proof experiments and solving problems," says Mr. Kitamura.

Registration for the actual proof experiment support service for the current fiscal year has already started.


Mr. Katsunori Kitamura
Secretary General/Robot Coordinator
OSAKA ROBOT SOCIETY PROOF EXPERIMENT iNITIATIVE