Mikhail Chistiakov · CLIENT: Ant Robotics
The fully autonomous Ant Boy is an advanced solution for automated delivery of materials in production. Compatible with existing infrastructure, the robot is easily integrated into delivery workflows. With its appearance, the robot resembles a small animal, with a good-natured and friendly character. This was achieved with the help of smooth body surfaces, a light communication system and the location of cameras and lidars resembling a face. Thanks to this, the robot is socialized and ready to work in a team with people.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- The robot was designed to deliver materials and other goods on demand at factories and production facilities. It is a ready-made solution for small and medium-sized assembly and manufacturing enterprises. The robot has been specially designed for complex, dynamic production environments. Fully autonomous, can be called and redirected when and where needed. Using the same infrastructure (trolleys, tracks) like people, the robot integrates easily and works in a team with humans. Therefore, there is no need to replace the existing inventory of pallets and pallet jacks.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- 660 mm x 660 mm x 375 mm.
- Tags
- Robot, Cute, Ant, Transporter, Autonomous
- Production Technology
- The case is made of polycorbane and mounted on an aluminum frame. The upper part of the frame is open in order to mount various attachments on it.
Two motor wheels with variable ground clearance are used for movement. For stability, there are also auxiliary 4 wheels. Batteries are used as an energy source. - Design Challenge
- An important aspect was the social integration of the robot. Since he has to work among people, helping workers in routine operations, it was necessary to make him friendly, responsive and even cute.
The robot's wheels are masked by several inflows of shape that seem similar to legs. The location of the cameras and lidars resemble a face. Side luminous side stripes that serve for indication and communication. Thus, all these details make the robot look like a living being. - Project Duration
- The project started in May 2021 in Saint Petersburg and finished in October 2021 in Chicago.
- Operation Flow
- The robot moves autonomously, using lidars and cameras and sensors to avoid obstacles. Various interfaces are mounted on the upper platform for connection with different types of trolley. Completely autonomously grabs the cart, carries it along the route and unloads it. It can work in real conditions, including limited spaces.
In normal use, the robot drives to the dock and charges without the need for human intervention. In the upper part there is access to the inner window for changing the battery.
The side illumination is used to communicate with the robot, it conveys its emotions. - Research
- During the development, there were several serious challenges: technical, technological, and also related to machine vision technologies. But apart from that, an important aspect was the social integration of the robot.
- Inspiration
- Ants have long been known as outstanding weightlifters of the animal world. The abilities of different species may differ, but some can lift a load whose mass is from 10 to 50 times the body weight.
Like an ant, Ant Boy is able to move much more than its weight. And like an ant, the robot works thriftily and diligently moving loads. - Image Credits
- Image #1: Mikhail Chistiakov, 2022
Image #2: Mikhail Chistiakov, 2022
Image #3: Mikhail Chistiakov, 2022
Image #4: Mikhail Chistiakov, 2022
Image #5: Mikhail Chistiakov, 2022
Video Credits: Ant Robotics, 2022
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