Robots, methods, computer programs and computer-readable media

US11396102B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Emotech Ltd. · GB

Inventors

• Hongbin Zhuang · London, GB
• Szu-Hung Lee · London, GB
• Martin Riddiford · London, GB
• Patrick David Hunt · Palo Alto, US
• Graham Brett · London, GB
• Robert L. Butterworth · London, GB
• Douglas Morton · London, GB
• Ben Mahon · London, GB

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 15, 2019
• Grant date: Jul 26, 2022
• Expiry date: May 26, 2041

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06N3/008
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A robot comprises a first part and a second part moveable relative to the first part. The robot operates in an audio output mode in which the first and second parts are in a first configuration relative to each other and in which the robot outputs audio from an array of speakers using an audio output technique. The robot operates in a user interaction mode in which the first and second parts are in a second, different configuration relative to each other and in which the robot interacts with a user. The robot is configured to change from the audio output mode to the user interaction mode in response to the robot detecting a trigger event. Changing from the audio output mode to the user interaction mode comprises causing the first part to lift up relative to the second part.