InterRobot Inc.

About iRT

Introduction

　It is known that an induced motion appears in the human communications, with one person’s motion induces another person’s responding motion.Introduction of this induced motion theory is considered to be indispensable for the next generation human interface to realize smooth communications.

　Inter Robot Inc. put research results of Prof. Tomio Watanabe at Okayama Prefectural University, the groundbreaker and the leader of this field, into the commercial use and named the technology iRT ( InterRobot technology). For wider proliferation of iRT, Inter Robot Inc. is engaged in support of iRT adoption, licensing and entrusted development of various interactive system (robot, CG characters, toys and touch panel terminals).

What is iRT?

　iRT is technology that generates body motions from sound, and this constitutes the basis of communications. iRT automatically generates both real-time speaker actions and listener actions from voice during interactions.

Features

* iRT automatically generates bodily movement based solely on voice input.

* Algorithm used here does not put much burden on CPU and easy to be employed in a system.

* iRT is independent of kind of languages , thus making it possible to be used globally.

　-Movement of a listener

　iRT creates movements in response to human voice as if a robot is really listening to it. A typical example of the movement is nodding. In addition, it can generate movement of head, blinking and total movement of a human body.

　-Movement of a talker

　iRT creates movement of mouth opening, arms swinging and total movement of a human body in a robot together with a talker’s voice, just like ventriloquism. It enables clear transmission of message through natural movement which is synchronized with the voice.

　 A robot or a DG character embedded with iRT nods, shows bodily movement and swings arms as if it really understand what is being told. Actually, however, it does not understand meanings of the words spoken to it. There is no embedded voice recognition system or artificial intelligence. iRT simply creates timing of body motion from rhythm of voice and set basis of linkage and communication with human. If you wish to have better communications or skillfully express feelings, iRT is the warm-hearted technology to be employed in such systems.

In what applications, can iRT be used ?

　It improves interface in various dialogue-type systems and enables human-friendly communications.

・For body motion of humanoid-robots in dialogue

・For friendly toys which may listen to you

・For active motion of CG characters and CG avatars

・For amusement robots to convey messages

　All the robots and CG characters that we develop and rent are equipped with this iRT. The iRT automatically generates entrainment motion from human voice and helps to have pleasant conversation between robots and human-beings.Thus far, iRT has been used in various themes and enjoyed good reputation.

Introduction example

- In robot-related area

* Robot systems on display in science museums

　

* Robots employed as MC in events

　

* Body motion engines that create humanoid robot movement in dialogue

　

* Healing toys

- In CG character area

* Video contents casters in TV programs

* Manipulation systems employing dialogue with 3D CG characters

* Body motion generation for CG avatar with artificial intelligence

For inquiries concerning installation, licensing and funded development of iRT, please contact us at the following address:

Inter Robot Inc.

2-10-1-203 Kamata, Ota-ku, Tokyo　TEL:03-6804-2030

http://www.i-robot.co.jp

Technology explanatory material

* SDEIR:Speech Driven Embodied Interaction Robot

Acquired patent

* Communication System : Patent No.3526785

* Voice-Reactive Body- Motion Toy: Patent No.3212578

　　 (U.S.)US6,394,872B1

　　 (China) 119976.5

Patent Pending

* Communication place-making system (Published Application 2001-307138)

* Creation method of various communication movements for pseudo-person (Published Application 2001-340659)

* Bodily-media communication system (Published Application 2003-108502)