Robot Survey 2019
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02
Introduction
04
Research Methods Robots for...
100
07
Sensing / Observation
17
Passive Services
31
Active Services
55
Mobility of Goods
91
Mobility of People
Credits & Sources
Robot Survey 2019
Introduction Autonomous vehicles (AVs) will change cities, they say. AVs will take your jobs, they crow. Drones will ďŹ ll your skies. Those things will deliver your burrito in no time! Self-driving vehicles, drones, and other urban robotics are simultaneously laden with both extensive hype and fear. The consequences and implications of these technologies are generally considered to be significant, but the valence of those implications, whether they help or hurt cities, remains open for debate. 2
Alphabet, Ford, Volvo, and others have experimental vehicles cruising around cities this very minute and cities are starting to prepare as well, with more than 130 municipalities studying, piloting, or writing policy for AVs according to the Bloomberg Aspen Initiative on Autonomous Vehicles in Cities. While seemingly inevitable, the question of how AVs and other urban robotics become situated in cities is up for grabs or, more precisely, yet to be designed.
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So that architects and planners may be better prepared to design the ways in which robots cohabitate with humans in urban environments we’ve undertaken a survey of the diversity of robotic ‘species’ in 2019. Though it is far from exhaustive, we have sought to provide a representative collection describing the robotic zeitgeist. By capturing the basic details of each robot, our intention is to pull these much-hyped technologies back ‘down to earth’ where we
can relate to them more easily. Our study of the robots in this survey has been intentionally simplistic, looking primarily to dimensions and provenance so that we may understand the devices not so much as technologies but as a ‘material’ which can—and must— be designed with intent and care. Bryan Boyer December, 2019
Robot Survey
Research Methods The Civic Futures Seminar at the University of Michigan’s A. Alfred Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning conducted a two week horizon scan in October of 2019, focusing on autonomous mobility of people, goods, and services. The intent of this research was to establish a repository of basic information about a variety of robots that have the potential to alter the urban landscape of cities in the coming decades.
environments and the types of jobs they may do. Our scan sought AV concepts, prototypes, or products but excluded student work or excessively speculative content. Desk research was conducted using openly available online sources and did not rely on proprietary information. In our initial scan over 100 robots were collected.
The findings were clustered based on their functionality and worldly We asked ourselves where interactions: mobility of people, robots may be employed in urban mobility of goods, sensing/ 4
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observing, passive services, and active services. The clustering of each robot was determined by their intended primary purpose.
Civic Futures
After the first scan to identify robots, a second pass was conducted to fill in the details. These basic details are intended to provide a compiled resource for anyone hoping to design urban environments that accommodate these robots in the future. Necessary details were decided as a research group, and reflect characteristics that are pertinent to
understanding the makeup of the robot such as size, weight, means of mobility, and sensor technology. Elevation drawings indicate basic detailing of each robot and have largely been interpreted based on photographs and videos. Rough scale is indicated through the silhouette of the robots with a human figure in the bottom right corner of each drawing.
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Robot Survey
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Sensing/Observation Robots The primary purpose of these robots is to provide remote sensing of the world around them. Their mobility is diverse, some specifically designed to navigate through airspace, while others functioning only under water, or within controlled environments such as underground tunnels.
Technological progress in this area of sensing/observation robots appears heavily weighted toward the development of drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Civic Futures
These robots proactively monitor the behavior, activities, and environmental information that are gathered for the purpose of managing, directing, or protecting assets, natural or otherwise.
Operationally, the surveillance robot collects data with its sensors and relays the raw data back to its control station or preprocesses the data with other information such as geographic information system (GIS) data and relays that information for use elsewhere.
Robot Survey 2019
Robo Bee This insect-inspired robot is in development for potential uses in crop pollination, search and rescue missions, surveillance, and environmental monitoring. Research hopes to proceed in coordinating behavior in larger groups. Sensors mimic the eyes and antennae of a bee.
8
Mobility Method Wings
Weight 8 kg
Speed Unknown
Capacity N/A
Range Unknown
Known Sensors Camera
Fuel Type Battery
Status Prototype
Size 380 mm wingspan
Manufacturer Wyss Institute
9
Joggobot The Joggobot is a tool for runners that urges users to run further and faster as it flies ahead of them. Using a HD camera, the drone hones in on sensors in a custom shirt and can be set to companion mode with a steady pace or coach mode with a more challenging speed.
Weight 1.8 kg
Speed 17.9 km/h
Capacity N/A
Range 20 minutes
Known Sensors HD Camera
Fuel Type Battery
Status Prototype
Size 600 x 600 x 100 mm
Manufacturer Exertion Games Lab
Sense / Observe
Mobility Method Quadrotor
Robot Survey 2019
SPOT A nimble robot that climbs stairs and traverses rough terrain with ease, yet is small enough to use indoors. Built to be a rugged and customizable platform, Spot currently accomplishes industrial sensing and remote operation needs.
Mobility Method 4 legs
Weight 30 kg
Speed 5.8 km/h
Capacity N/A
Range 1 hour 30 minutes
Known Sensors 3D vision system with SLAM and obstacle avoidance
Fuel Type Battery Size 915 x 230 x 560 mm 10
Status Product Manufacturer Boston Dynamics
11
RedEye This robot was designed as a security monitor. It can detect abnormal conditions and give an alarm to security guards.
Weight Unknown
Speed 9 km/h
Capacity N/A
Range Unknown
Known Sensors Light Sensor
Fuel Type Battery
Status Product
Size 400 x 400 x 700 mm
Manufacturer Mikelimei
Sense / Observe
Mobility Method Wheels
Robot Survey 2019
M1 This mapping robot autonomously moves around and collects threedimensional spatial data through sensors and creates a high-precision map online. It can self-update and act as the core data for other location-based technologies to connect to its map cloud.
Mobility Method Wheel
Weight Unknown
Speed Unknown
Capacity N/A
Range Unknown
Known Sensors HD Camera, 3D Laser Scanner, GPS
Fuel Type Battery Size 510 x 510 x 1020 mm 12
Status Prototype Manufacturer Naver Labs
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Fire Scout Unmanned Aircraft System Fire Scout is an autonomous helicopter system that provides real-time Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Target-acquisition (ISR&T), laser designation, and battle management to tactical users without relying on manned aircraft or space-based assets. Fire Scout has the ability operate from any air-capable ship or land base. Weight 2722 kg
Speed 250 km/h
Capacity N/A
Range 2272 km
Known Sensors Multi-mode maritime radar
Fuel Type NA
Status Product
Size 12318 x 2652 x 3322 mm
Manufacturer Northrop Grumman
Sense / Observe
Mobility Method Propeller
Robot Survey 2019
VizBot (K5) Best suited for patrolling large outdoor spaces such as parking lots, corporate campuses and hospitals, malls, warehouses. It records 360 degree video footage of its surroundings and has an integrated live broadcast capability and two-way intercom for vocal interaction.
Mobility Method Wheels
Weight 180 kg
Speed 4.8 km/h
Capacity N/A
Range Unknown
Known Sensors Video Camera, Thermal Imaging Sensors, Laser Range Finder, Air Quality Sensors, Microphone
Fuel Type Battery Size 900 x 900 x 1500 mm 14
Status Product Manufacturer Knightscope
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Sense / Observe
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Robot Survey
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Passive Service Robots These robots navigate the world autonomously and have the ability to communicate, but not to physically interact with their surroundings. The actions carried out by these robots are therefore usually limited in scope. They can broadcast information generally, as well as respond to individuals for navigation, entertainment, and
basic conversational services such as health queries and financial consultation. These robots mostly take on humanoid or approachable forms including those of animals or blobby shapes, which implies that part of their role is to offer emotional support or comfort.
Civic Futures
Robot Survey 2019
Aibo Also known as the Artificial Intelligence roBOT, this robotic dog provides emotional support by personifying a household pet, while learning and “growing� through its experiences. AIBO understands voice commands and manipulates emotion using its playful actions and dog-like sounds. It even occasionally misbehaves and has facial recognition technology to interact with people more individually. Mobility Method Wheels
Weight 2.2 kg
Speed 0.2 km/h
Capacity N/A
Range 2 hours
Known Sensors Time of Flight, Touch, Detection System, Motion, Light
Fuel Type Battery
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Size 171 x 29 x 74 mm
Status Product Manufacturer Sony
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Photon Specifically designed for children ages 5 to 12, the robot’s skills develop with its user’s progress. Its learned abilities and movement depend on the child’s interaction by solving tasks and engaging with experiments. There are mobile applications that support the robot in a seamless communication platform interface. All tasks and experiments are based on a story that help Photon and its user to explore the world. Weight 0.69 kg
Speed 1.5 km/h
Capacity N/A
Range Unknown
Known Sensors ToF Sensor, 940 nm VCSE laser, STC3100 monitor, ground sensor
Fuel Type Battery Size 172 x 170 x 190 mm
Status Product Manufacturer Photon Entertainment
Passive Services
Mobility Method Wheels
Robot Survey 2019
DONA Launched from a 72 hour workshop, called Sharing Experience, this humanoid robot was designed to encourage the act of giving donations in a culture where the percentage for donations is low (South Korea). As a way to promote individual donations from pedestrians, DONA “politely� roams around a public space and invites social interaction using its 3 distance measuring sensors and 20 preprogrammed animations.
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Mobility Method Wheels
Weight Unknown
Speed 0.3 km/h
Capacity N/A
Range Unknown
Known Sensors Ultrasonic Sensors
Fuel Type Battery
Status Product
Size 780 x 450 x 550 mm
Manufacturer Min Su Kim (Hong IK University)
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Bot Care Samsung’s Bot Care helps users manage their daily health routine, while also providing music or morning greetings with a weather forecast and schedule. It is capable of tracking sleep, measuring blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, and analysis sleeping patterns. It reminds users when to take their medicine. Apart from notifying family members in case of an emergency, it can also communicate with live video. Weight 140 kg
Speed 200 degrees/s
Capacity N/A
Range Unknown
Known Sensors Camera
Fuel Type Battery
Status Product
Size 500 x 500 x 700 mm
Manufacturer Samsung
Passive Services
Mobility Method Wheels
Robot Survey 2019
Care E An automated airport assistant robot from KLM Royal Dutch Airlines that scans boarding passes, carries luggage and guides passengers to their gates.
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Mobility Method Wheels
Weight 45 kg
Speed 4.8 km/h
Capacity 125 kg
Range Unknown
Known Sensors Cameras, LIDAR, GPS
Fuel Type Battery
Status Product
Size 610 X 1524 X 915 mm
Manufacturer SME Bluebotics
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Pepper Pepper is a social humanoid robot with facial and human emotion recognition. Its primary role is to welcome visitors and has been adopted by over 2,000 businesses and schools globally. The robot is optimized for human interaction by engaging in conversations in 15 different languages. It also has a touch screen for highlighting information or support speech. Weight 28 kg
Speed 3 km/h
Capacity N/A
Range 12 hours
Known Sensors Touch, Infrared, Bumpers, Inertial unit, 2D & 3D Cameras, Sonars
Fuel Type Battery Size 425 x 485 x 1200 mm
Status Product Manufacturer SoftBank Robotics
Passive Services
Mobility Method Wheels
Robot Survey 2019
Leo This is an automated airport assistant robot,developed by SITA and robotics company BlueBotics. It is designed to help check-in baggage or assist passengers find their way.
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Mobility Method Wheels
Weight Unknown
Speed Unknown
Capacity 641 x 457 x 152 cu.mm
Range Unknown
Known Sensors Cameras, LIDAR, GPS
Fuel Type Battery
Status Product
Size 762 x 1676 x 1372 mm
Manufacturer SITA + BlueBotics
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AirBot This ‘guide’ robot assists travelers at airports with directions and boarding times. It roams terminals and can speak four languages: English, Korean, Chinese and Japanese. Travelers can also choose to scan their boarding passes directly and be personally escorted to their designated departure gate as needed. Weight Unknown
Speed Unknown
Capacity N/A
Range Unknown
Known Sensors Voice Recognition, Bar-Code Scanner
Fuel Type Battery Size 1000 mm diameter 1500 mm height
Status Product Manufacturer LG Electronics
Passive Services
Mobility Method Wheels
Robot Survey 2019
Guizhi 2.1 A robot waiter that can replace or partially replace the repeated food delivery service of the restaurant waiter with a tray in hand. It takes the appearance of a cartoon character and can greet and communicate with the customers.
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Mobility Method Wheels
Weight 60 kg
Speed Unknown
Capacity 5 kg
Range Unknown
Known Sensors Voice Sensor
Fuel Type Battery
Status Product
Size 800 x 600x 1500 mm
Manufacturer GUI ZHI THE ROBOT
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LoweBot NAVii Navii is a retail inventory control and scanning robot. It utilizes machine learning, computer vision and AI technology to monitor inventory needs, such out-of-stock items, price discrepancies, and misplaced items.
Weight Unknown
Speed Unknown
Capacity N/A
Range 8 - 10 hours
Known Sensors Cameras, Speech Recognition
Fuel Type Battery
Status Product
Size 1524 mm tall
Manufacturer Fellow Robots
Passive Services
Mobility Method Wheels
Robot Survey 2019
Spencer This is an automated airport robot that scans boarding passes from passengers and leads them to their departure gates. It is also capable of guiding transfer passengers to their appropriate destinations. In addition to responding to people’s movements and reactions, it can identify large groups from individuals and adjusts its social rules accordingly.
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Mobility Method Wheels
Weight Unknown
Speed Unknown
Capacity N/A
Range Unknown
Known Sensors Cameras, LIDAR, GPS
Fuel Type Battery
Status Product
Size 915 x 610 x 2134 mm
Manufacturer SME Bluebotics
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Passive Services
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Robot Survey
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Active Services Robots are in cleaning, public safety, and making or construction. With Roomba and similar devices already on the market for about 15 years, it may come as no surprise that cleaning and sanitation robots outnumber other types of active service robots by a ratio of 4 to 1.
Civic Futures
While the robots introduced in the passive services cluster have limited ability to interact physically with the world, this cluster of active services robots are able to physically interact with their surroundings. These robots perform tasks and are active participants in the making or editing of their physical environments. Based on our research, the most advanced areas of development
Robot Survey 2019
Braava Jet M This cleaning robot mop helps with household chores, such as cleaning sticky messes, grime and kitchen grease. A mop or a sweeping pad still needs to be attached by a human but the device can automatically detect which cleaning method is most appropriate.
Mobility Method Wheels
Weight 1.2 kg
Speed 1 km/h
Capacity N/A
Range 20 - 25 sq.m
Known Sensors Front Cliff Sensors, Pad Detection Sensor, Rear Cliff Sensors
Fuel Type Battery Size 180 x 180 x 84 mm 32
Status Product Manufacturer iRobot
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Roomba S This autonomous robotic vacuum cleaners is designed for household use. It also creates a map of the home using its sensors and self empties its trash.
Weight 3.7 kg
Speed 3 km/h
Capacity N/A
Range 2 hours
Known Sensors vSLAM optical sensor
Fuel Type Battery
Status Product
Size 350 x 350 x 90 mm
Manufacturer iRobot
Active Services
Mobility Method Wheels
Robot Survey 2019
Mirra 530 Designed for cleaning in-ground pools, the Mirra 530 doesn’t require hoses or extra attachments and works independently of the pool’s filtration system. A pump sucks up algae, dirt, bacteria and other material that is removed with its motorized scrub brush and leaves the pool ready for a swim.
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Mobility Method Wheels
Weight 9 kg
Speed 7.2 km/h
Capacity N/A
Range 18 m
Known Sensors Gyro Sensor
Fuel Type Battery
Status Product
Size 300 x 400 x 300 mm
Manufacturer iRobot
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Automower 550H A robotic mower designed for commercial fleet use with a cutting height of up to 92 mm. It automatically adapts mowing frequency to lawn growth. The machine cuts all types of lawns and handles slopes up to 24° in dry or wet conditions.
Weight 15 kg
Speed Unknown
Capacity N/A
Range 4 hours 30 minutes
Known Sensors GPS System
Fuel Type Battery
Status Product
Size 750 x 630 x 330 mm
Manufacturer Husqvarna
Active Services
Mobility Method Wheels
Robot Survey 2019
Sanitation Bot A device solely for cleaning dog poop off the streets. They act alone within a designated zone in an urban environment, with little to no interaction with other beings.
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Mobility Method Wheels
Weight Unknown
Speed Unknown
Capacity Unknown
Range Unknown
Known Sensors Unknown
Fuel Type Battery
Status Concept
Size 450 x 350 x 400 mm
Manufacturer Netflix (Maniac miniseries)
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TrimBot 2020 This vision-controlled robot operates in uncontrolled outdoor conditions and varying terrain using autonomous navigation to trim gardens. It works without the need for on-site night illumination or garden sensors. It utilizes a 360 degree camera and creates a 3D scene map.
Weight 27.2 kg
Speed 1.5 m/s
Capacity N/A
Range Unknown
Known Sensors Camera
Fuel Type Battery
Status Prototype
Size 500 x 1200 x 700 mm
Manufacturer University of Edinburgh
Active Services
Mobility Method Wheels
Robot Survey 2019
Rubion Strawberry picking robot designed to pick and pack in one process.
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Mobility Method Wheels
Weight Unknown
Speed 3 m/h
Capacity 362 kg
Range Unknown
Known Sensors Camera, Photonic Sensors
Fuel Type Battery
Status Product
Size 300 x300 x 700 mm
Manufacturer Octinion
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Pitch-R Pitch drawing robot uses autonomous driving technology. It can create football fields for five-a-side, seven-a-side or eleven-a-side teams in less than 20 minutes.
Weight Unknown
Speed 1.15 km/h
Capacity N/A
Range Unknown
Known Sensors GPS
Fuel Type Battery
Status Prototype
Size 380 x 760 mm
Manufacturer Nissan
Active Services
Mobility Method Wheels
Robot Survey 2019
The Stan The Stan is an outdoor autonomous robot parking service that optimizes vehicle storage. The Stan is able to maximize the amount of cars parked in a lot while navigating obstacles.
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Mobility Method Wheels
Weight Unknown
Speed Unknown
Capacity 2700 kg
Range Unknown
Known Sensors LIDAR, Cameras
Fuel Type Battery
Status Product
Size 2000 x 1200 x 900 mm
Manufacturer Stanley Robotics
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ROAR Project Also known as the Robot-based Autonomous Refuse (ROAR), this robot enters neighborhoods, collects refuse bins and empties them into the refuse truck. It coordinates with a drone that communicates the bins location.
Weight Unknown
Speed Unknown
Capacity Unknown
Range Unknown
Known Sensors GPS, Lidar, Cameras, Motion Sensors
Fuel Type Battery Size Approx. 900 mm height
Status Prototype Manufacturer Volvo + Renova
Active Services
Mobility Method Wheels
Robot Survey 2019
Leobot Cleaning robot with scrubbing, vacuum cleaning, and mopping functions. It also has interactive features with expressive eyes and voices.
Mobility Method Wheels
Weight Unknown
Speed 1 km/h
Capacity N/A
Range 5 hours
Known Sensors 3D Environment Sensor, Location Sensor, Sonar Sensor
Fuel Type Battery Size 840 x 660 x 1155 mm 42
Status Product Manufacturer Lionsbot
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ICE RS26 BrainOS This robotic floor care vehicle uses an advanced vision-based AI system that allow the robot to navigate its environment. The machine is designed to work safely and efficiently alongside employees that can enable them to focus on other tasks and it can also be operated manually for ad-hoc situations. Weight 280 kg
Speed Unknown
Capacity 1143 x 647 mm
Range 4 hours
Known Sensors Camera
Fuel Type Battery
Status Product
Size 1625 x 762 x 1168 mm
Manufacturer Brain Corp
Active Services
Mobility Method Wheels
Robot Survey 2019
Neo This is a commercial floor scrubbing robot used for large spaces, such as airports, retail stores, educational institutions, warehouses, or healthcare facilities. It is meant to do menial cleaning tasks so employees can focus on other tasks.
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Mobility Method Wheels
Weight 350 kg
Speed 4.8 km/h
Capacity N/A
Range 4-6 hours
Known Sensors 3D Mapping, Laser Technology
Fuel Type Battery
Status Product
Size 1200 x 600 x 1200 mm
Manufacturer Avidbots
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Ecorobotix Scouting Robot This robot is a fully autonomous platform for scouting and phenotyping crop and soil applications, capable of integrating sensors from different manufacturers. It is solar powered without need for charging.
Weight 129 kg
Speed Unknown
Capacity N/A
Range Unknown
Known Sensors Unknown
Fuel Type Solar Power
Status Product
Size 2200 x 1700 x 1300 mm
Manufacturer Ecorobotix
Active Services
Mobility Method Wheels
Robot Survey 2019
Moxi Moxi was designed to be a robot assistant to help the human clinical staff, maintain consistent care and ease the work flow within the medical field. Moxi fetches supplies, delivers lab samples, and removes soiled linens from rooms to give the staff more time for patient care.
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Mobility Method Wheels
Weight 100 kg
Speed 9 km/h
Capacity Unknown
Range Unknown
Known Sensors LIDAR, Cameras, GPS
Fuel Type Battery
Status Prototype
Size 500 x 500 x 1500 mm
Manufacturer Diligent Robotics
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Luna This is a fully programmable personal humanoid robot that can respond to human voices, perform simple house chores on demand, and provide information.
Weight 30 kg
Speed Unknown
Capacity N/A
Range 8 hours
Known Sensors Camera, 3D Sensor, Microphone
Fuel Type Battery
Status Product
Size 1570 mm
Manufacturer Robodynamics
Active Services
Mobility Method Wheels
Robot Survey 2019
RT-100 Mower The RT-100 is an automated turf care robot. It is ideal for large scale mowing jobs of up to 20 acres, which it can do on a single tank of gas.
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Mobility Method Wheels
Weight 566 kg
Speed Unknown
Capacity N/A
Range Unknown
Known Sensors Unknown
Fuel Type Gasoline
Status Product
Size 3149 x 1651 x 1803 mm
Manufacturer Left Hand Robotics
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Atlas A dynamic humanoid robot that utilizes whole-body mobility to aid in emergency services, such as search and rescue. Tasks included navigating rough terrains, opening doors, operating equipment in extreme environments, running, driving, or removing debris.
Weight 80 kg
Speed 5.3 km/h
Capacity Unknown
Range Unknown
Known Sensors LIDAR
Fuel Type Battery
Status Product
Size 560 x 762 x 1880 mm
Manufacturer Boston Dynamics
Active Services
Mobility Method 2 Legs
Robot Survey 2019
Water Cannon This robot is designed to operate in high heat environments and discharge water and foam to extinguish fires. It has the capacity to shoot 3700 liters per minute, supplied by a hose.
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Mobility Method 4 Wheels
Weight 1600 kg
Speed 7.2 km/h
Capacity N/A
Range Unknown
Known Sensors RTK-GPS, RIDAR, IMU
Fuel Type Unknown
Status Prototype
Size 2000 x 1500 x 2000 mm
Manufacturer Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
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Marine Drone This concept was designed in response to current economic and oceanic waste conditions. At three week intervals, the robot is released into the ocean where it senses and recovers plastic waste. Infrared systems warn fishes away in hopes of not damaging the ocean ecology.
Weight Unknown
Speed Unknown
Capacity Unknown
Range 21 Days
Known Sensors Infrared Sensors
Fuel Type Battery
Status Concept
Size 5000 x 3000 mm
Manufacturer Veolia
Active Services
Mobility Method Electric Motor
Robot Survey 2019
OZMO This robot is programmed to clean windows on tall buildings and towers in the skyline. It requires a lift to move across the building’s facade.
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Mobility Method Stationary
Weight Unknown
Speed Unknown
Capacity N/A
Range N/A
Known Sensors Unknown
Fuel Type Unknown
Status Product
Size 1000 x 1000 x 3000 mm
Manufacturer Skyline Robotics
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Driverless Tractor Farm equipment that enables farmers to remotely control multiple crop production machines at the same time. It can also go fully autonomous and detect areas of higher crop productivity.
Weight Unknown
Speed Unknown
Capacity Unknown
Range Unknown
Known Sensors Video Cameras, LIDAR
Fuel Type Unknown
Status Concept
Size 7000 x 3000 x 3500 mm
Manufacturer Case IH
Active Services
Mobility Method 4 Wheels
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Robot Survey
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Mobility of Goods This cluster includes robots that serve a primarily logistical function and are designed to deliver packages from point A to point B. These robots generally have the capacity to learn and navigate through diverse settings. Most goods mobility bots generally still require some human effort for unloading/loading. As a cluster, a defining characteristic of these
devices is their service range. Different design considerations emerge for units limited to traversing within buildings versus those for use across cities, and those that make up a smaller contingent intended for long-haul transportation of goods.
Civic Futures
Robot Survey 2019
MiR 100 The MiR100 is a flexible mobile robot that can autonomously transport payload. The robot is designed with a customizable top that can be mounted with modules such as bins, racks, lifts, etc.
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Mobility Method Wheels
Weight 45 kg
Speed Unknown
Capacity 100 kg
Range Unknown
Known Sensors Unknown
Fuel Type Battery
Status Product
Size 889 x 579 x 213 mm
Manufacturer Mobile Industrial Robots
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Freight1500 The Freight1500 is a warehouse robot that can safely transport large and heavy payloads autonomously throughout a facility.
Weight Unknown
Speed Unknown
Capacity 500 kg
Range 9 hours
Known Sensors 3D Cameras, LIDAR
Fuel Type Battery
Status Product
Size 1260 x 1000 x 300 mm
Manufacturer Fetch Robotics
Mobility of Goods
Mobility Method Wheels
Robot Survey 2019
OTTO 1500 The Otto 1500 can transport pallets, bins, direct loads, and accepts custom designed attachments to best suit the users needs when handling inventory. These include lifts, conveyors, and fixed cages to move materials.
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Mobility Method Wheels
Weight 525 kg
Speed 7.2 km/h
Capacity 1500 kg
Range 8 hours
Known Sensors LIDAR
Fuel Type Battery
Status Product
Size 1800 x 1200 x 300m
Manufacturer OTTO Motors
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OTTO 100 The OTTO 100 is designed to move human-scaled payload in storage facilities without the need for determining predefined movement paths. It maintains a map of its surroundings in its memory and uses visual reference points to always know its position.
Weight 127 kg
Speed 7.2 km/h
Capacity 100 kg
Range 8 hours
Known Sensors LIDAR
Fuel Type Battery
Status Product
Size 740 x 550 x 300 mm
Manufacturer OTTO Motors
Mobility of Goods
Mobility Method Wheels
Robot Survey 2019
Vector Vector is an autonomous mobile robot for moving goods in manufacturing environments. It is built for rugged use with a compact, industrial strength chassis.
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Mobility Method Wheels
Weight 45 kg
Speed 3.2 km/h
Capacity 135 kg
Range 36 km
Known Sensors LIDAR
Fuel Type Battery
Status Product
Size 670 x 500 x 304 mm
Manufacturer Waypoint Robotics
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Amazon Scout Amazon Scout is a fully-electric automated device that for delivering packages to customers. These robots are designed to move slowly on sidewalks at a walking pace.
Weight Unknown
Speed Unknown
Capacity Unknown
Range Unknown
Known Sensors Unknown
Fuel Type Battery
Status Prototype
Size Unknown
Manufacturer Amazon
Mobility of Goods
Mobility Method Wheels
Robot Survey 2019
Xanthus The Xanthus is designed to function as a modular base that can be adapted to work with a range of potential attachments within warehouse environments. This variability will allow Amazon to use the same product for a variety of needs in its buildings.
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Mobility Method Wheels
Weight Unknown
Speed Unknown
Capacity Unknown
Range Unknown
Known Sensors LIDAR, Cameras
Fuel Type Battery
Status Product
Size 900 x 900 x 600 mm
Manufacturer Amazon
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Phantom Delivery Robot Small package delivery system currently used to deliver food by Postmates, an online delivery Service.
Weight Unknown
Speed 4.5 km/h
Capacity 22 kg
Range 48 km
Known Sensors LIDAR
Fuel Type Battery
Status Product
Size 915 x 558 x 640 mm
Manufacturer Phantom Auto & Postmates
Mobility of Goods
Mobility Method Wheels
Robot Survey 2019
Gita This robot is a hands-free carrier that follows people on the go while transporting up to 18 kg.
Mobility Method Wheels
Weight 18 kg
Speed 35 km/h
Capacity 18 kg
Range 4 hours
Known Sensors Voice Recognition, Face Recognition camera
Fuel Type Battery Size 610 x 660 mm 64
Status Product Manufacturer Piaggo Fast Forward
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CartConnect This robot is designed to work alongside humans in warehouse environments. Through an integrated camera, they are able to pick up and drop off stock while avoiding obstacles. A web-enabled device can be used to request tasks from any location in a facility. CartConnects are designed to be used with FetchCarts, a specially designed transport shelf on wheels. Weight Unknown
Speed 5.4 km/h
Capacity 68 kg
Range Unknown
Known Sensors 2D Laser Sensor, 3D Cameras
Fuel Type Battery Size 500 x 300 x 760 mm
Status Product Manufacturer Fetch Robotics
Mobility of Goods
Mobility Method Wheels
Robot Survey 2019
Locus Bot Designed to deliver bins of material to human workers within warehouse environments.
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Mobility Method Wheels
Weight 45 kg
Speed 1.1 m/s
Capacity 45 kg
Range Unknown
Known Sensors Camera
Fuel Type Battery
Status Product
Size 900 mm height
Manufacturer Locus Robotics
67
RT 1000 This robot is used to move heavy boxes across distribution centers typically within a fleet. It allows the quick movement within warehouses eliminating the need for human sorting.
Weight 1500 kg
Speed 7.2 km/h
Capacity 1000 kg
Range Unknown
Known Sensors Camera, Touch Sensor, Motion Sensor
Fuel Type Battery Size 2000 x 1100 x 900 mm
Status Product Manufacturer Vecna Robotics
Mobility of Goods
Mobility Method Wheels
Robot Survey 2019
RollerTop RollerTop helps increase automation in conveyor driven environments. It is capable of autonomously navigating to and from conveyor ends to load and unload totes and bins.
Mobility Method Wheels
Weight Unknown
Speed Unknown
Capacity 80 kg
Range 9 hours
Known Sensors 2D Laser, 3D Cameras
Fuel Type Battery Size 400 x 600 x 900 mm 68
Status Product Manufacturer Fetch Robotics
69
Dom Dominos Pizza delivery bot designed to deliver and keep warm pizzas for urban delivery.
Weight 190 kg
Speed 19.3 km/h
Capacity Unknown
Range Unknown
Known Sensors LIDAR, Cameras, GPS
Fuel Type Battery
Status Product
Size 1036 x 732 x 915 mm
Manufacturer Samsung
Mobility of Goods
Mobility Method Wheels
Robot Survey 2019
Qilun-150 Qilun-150 was designed for delivering luggage for customers in hotels or airports. It can carry heavy stuff and move quickly to keep up with people. The platform allows luggage of different shapes and sizes and the device has tall frames for protection of its contents.
70
Mobility Method Wheels
Weight Unknown
Speed 12 km/h
Capacity 150 kg
Range 48 hours
Known Sensors Laser Scanners
Fuel Type Battery
Status Product
Size 700 x 500 x 1000 mm
Manufacturer Mikelimei
71
TUG Aethon mobile robots perform delivery and transportation tasks in healthcare, hospitality and manufacturing organizations to assist the staff safely transport up to 1,400 lbs of material.
Weight 100 kg
Speed 0.7 m/s
Capacity 340 kg
Range Unknown
Known Sensors Camera, Laser, Sonar, Infrared
Fuel Type Battery
Status Product
Size 1100 x 500 x 1000 mm
Manufacturer Aethon
Mobility of Goods
Mobility Method Wheels
Robot Survey 2019
ZXX-80 ZXX-80 is a nursing assistant working in hospitals or with the elderly in homes. It can deliver medicines or equipment to patients. Patients can also communicate with their doctors through the screen. In addition, the robots can detect the air quality conditions and sound an alarm in case of emergencies like fire or smoke.
72
Mobility Method Wheels
Weight Unknown
Speed 9 km/h
Capacity 40 kg
Range 48 hours
Known Sensors Laser Scanners
Fuel Type Battery
Status Product
Size 700 x 480 x 1100 mm
Manufacturer Mikelimei
73
Tag Surveyor This robot helps manufacturing facilities and large warehouses keep track of inventory by scanning RFID tags and mapping the location of objects.
Weight 90 kg
Speed 1.5 m/s
Capacity N/A
Range 7.6 m
Known Sensors RFID scanner, wide-angle laser scanner
Fuel Type Battery Size 500 x 600 x 1200 mm
Status Product Manufacturer Fetch Robotics
Mobility of Goods
Mobility Method Wheels
Robot Survey 2019
SMT-201 SMT-201 is a workshop trolley designed for use in high precision electronics manufacturing environments.
74
Mobility Method Wheels
Weight Unknown
Speed 6 km/h
Capacity 100 kg
Range Unknown
Known Sensors Laser Scanners
Fuel Type Battery
Status Product
Size 900 x 700 x 1200 mm
Manufacturer Mikelimei
75
Savioke An autonomous delivery robot that works in hotels, hospitals, and other public spaces. The robot was designed to interact with humans, deliver items, and navigate open spaces.
Weight 41 kg
Speed 2.6 km/h
Capacity 4.5 kg
Range Unknown
Known Sensors Cameras, LIDAR, GPS
Fuel Type Battery
Status Product
Size 610 x 610 x 1219 mm
Manufacturer Savioke
Mobility of Goods
Mobility Method Wheels
Robot Survey 2019
HMIShelf HMIShelf plays the role of a virtual conveyor. Its configurable and customizable shelving system make it suitable for moving packages from loading to unloading.
Mobility Method Wheels
Weight Unknown
Speed Unknown
Capacity 78 kg
Range 9 hours
Known Sensors 2D Laser, 3D Cameras
Fuel Type Battery Size 500 x 400 x 1400 mm 76
Status Product Manufacturer Fetch Robotics
77
Dust Cart This is a door to door waste management system that may be called via app to pickup and carry the waste from homes to a centralized collection space. This is currently being tested and prototyped in dense urban neighborhoods.
Weight 150 kg
Speed 4.5 km/h
Capacity 15 kg
Range 54 km
Known Sensors GPS, Cameras, LIDAR
Fuel Type Battery
Status Prototype
Size 762 x 1016 x 1448 mm
Manufacturer RoboTech
Mobility of Goods
Mobility Method Wheels
Robot Survey 2019
RPR The Robotic Pallet Transporter is meant to quickly move wooden and plastic pallets of materials across warehouse floors to be stocked or distributed.
Mobility Method Wheels
Weight 3600 kg
Speed 5.4 km/h
Capacity 3200 kg
Range Unknown
Known Sensors Camera, Touch Sensor, Motion Sensor
Fuel Type Battery Size 2500 x 900 x 1500 mm 78
Status Product Manufacturer Vecna Robotics
79
Angus This robot assists in growing produce within controlled environments by relocating beds to optimize growth. It operates in conjunction with a hydroponic growing system.
Weight Unknown
Speed N/A
Capacity Unknown
Range N/A
Known Sensors Unknown
Fuel Type N/A
Status Product
Size 4500 x 1500 x 1500 mm
Manufacturer Iron Ox
Mobility of Goods
Mobility Method Wheels
Robot Survey 2019
Neolix This autonomous platform has multiple product types. This vehicle can be used as a mobile convenience store, courier, or security patrol unit.
80
Mobility Method Wheels
Weight Unknown
Speed 50 km/h
Capacity Unknown
Range 100 km
Known Sensors Unknown
Fuel Type Battery
Status Product
Size 2400 x 1000 x 1600 mm
Manufacturer Neolix
81
SameDay Bot FedEx developed the SameDay robot for retailers, allowing them to provide for on-demand, hyper local delivery. With an aim of providing door-to-door delivery experience the bot is designed to navigate unpaved surfaces, curbs, and steps.
Weight 91 kg
Speed 16 km/h
Capacity Unknown
Range 12.8 km
Known Sensors Cameras, LIDAR, GPS
Fuel Type Battery
Status Prototype
Size 762 x 762 x 1615 mm
Manufacturer DEKA Development & Research Corp
Mobility of Goods
Mobility Method Wheels
Robot Survey 2019
3E-C18 Honda’s 3E-C18 was developed to be a cargo companion that supports the activities of small entrepreneurs. The upper surface of the multipurpose C18 rises from the main body to form a canopy for street vendors or mobile shops.
82
Mobility Method Wheels
Weight Unknown
Speed Unknown
Capacity Unknown
Range Unknown
Known Sensors GPS
Fuel Type Battery
Status Prototype
Size 1500 x 750 x 1800 mm
Manufacturer Honda
83
RT4500 Tugger This robot was meant to move large amounts of goods across warehouses and factories. Similar to baggage trains at the airport, this autonomous vehicle pulls long trains of goods.
Weight 4500 kg
Speed 5.4 km/h
Capacity 3600 kg
Range Unknown
Known Sensors Camera, Touch Sensor, Motion Sensor
Fuel Type Battery Size Unknown
Status Product Manufacturer Vecna Robotics
Mobility of Goods
Mobility Method Wheels
Robot Survey 2019
Cargo Pod Delivery vehicle that can carry multiple food orders or packages.
84
Mobility Method Wheels
Weight Unknown
Speed Unknown
Capacity Unknown
Range Unknown
Known Sensors LIDAR, Cameras, GPS
Fuel Type Battery
Status Prototype
Size Unknown
Manufacturer Ocado and Oxbotica
85
Nuro R1 Grocery and package delivery bot that may be called via app to pickup and deliver large amounts of items.
Weight Unknown
Speed 40 km/h
Capacity Unknown
Range Unknown
Known Sensors 12 Cameras, LIDAR, Audio, Radar, Ultrasonic
Fuel Type Battery Size 3048 x 915 x 1830 mm
Status Prototype Manufacturer Nuro
Mobility of Goods
Mobility Method Wheels
Robot Survey 2019
AT 135 The AT 135 is meant to be an autonomous replacement for baggage train cars, and other airport service vehicles.
Mobility Method Wheels
Weight 4215 kg
Speed 24 km/h
Capacity 1814 kg
Range Unknown
Known Sensors LIDAR, Cameras, Odometry, GNSS
Fuel Type Battery Size 3250 x 1600 x 2160 mm 86
Status Product Manufacturer Nayva
87
Tesla Semi Multi-purpose semi cab to replace human driven long distance semi trucks.
Weight Unknown
Speed Unknown
Capacity 36,288 kg
Range 997 km
Known Sensors Unknown
Fuel Type Battery
Status Prototype
Size Unknown
Manufacturer Tesla
Mobility of Goods
Mobility Method Wheels
Robot Survey 2019
T - Log Large semi-truck designed to carry freshly cut timber from logging sites.
88
Mobility Method Wheels
Weight 9,980 kg
Speed 85 km/h
Capacity 14,515 kg
Range 193 km
Known Sensors LIDAR, Radar, Cameras, GPS
Fuel Type Battery
Status Prototype
Size 6706 x 2500 x 3048 mm
Manufacturer Einride
89
Mobility of Goods
90
Robot Survey
91
Mobility of People Perhaps the most familiar kind of urban robot today is the now-ubiquitous idea of the driverless car. We identified established three sub-clusters based on the number of passengers they accommodate: Large (more than 15 people), Small size (less than 15 people), and personal.
Civic Futures
in our survey, perhaps because these vehicles have the flexibility to operate in fixed route and point to point modes, and hence can be deployed in a larger spectrum of situations. Robots that offer mobility to a single person typically allow point to point routing and can presently only be deployed for short distance transport. Large size vehicles are more typically Vehicles for small groups used on fixed routes similar to represent the largest sub-cluster current day public transport.
Robot Survey 2019
Loomon This is a mini electric personal transporter with smart self-balancing technology.
92
Mobility Method Wheel
Weight 19 kg
Speed 18 km/h
Capacity 1 person (up to 100 kg)
Range 35.5 km per charge
Known Sensors Camera, Infrared, Ultrasonic
Fuel Type Battery
Status Product
Size 310 x 570 x 650 mm
Manufacturer Segaway
93
Aircart Wheelchair This robot is a wheelchair with autonomous driving technology that can be pushed easily with a small force regardless of the weight on the wheelchair. It maintains a certain speed in slopes and automatically breaks when it detects obstacles or the pusher loses the hold.
Weight Unknown
Speed Unknown
Capacity 1 person (up to 120 kg)
Range Unknown
Known Sensors Load Sensor
Fuel Type Battery
Status Prototype
Size 1220 x 760 x 760 mm
Manufacturer Naver Labs
Mobility of People
Mobility Method Wheels
Robot Survey 2019
Mover A small vehicle for short trips across controlled streets. Uses all wheel drive, allowing forward and backward movement without turning the vehicle around.
94
Mobility Method Wheels
Weight Unknown
Speed Unknown
Capacity 4 Passengers
Range Unknown
Known Sensors Unknown
Fuel Type Battery
Status Prototype
Size 2500 x 1500 x 1200 mm
Manufacturer Schaeffler
95
Autonom Cab The Autonomous cab is a regular self driving cab meant to replace human driven personal transport.
Weight 2100 kg
Speed 88.5 km/h
Capacity 6 Passengers
Range 885 km
Known Sensors LIDAR, Cameras, GPS, IMU, Odometry, Radar
Fuel Type Battery Size 4650 x 1950 x 2100 mm
Status Prototype Manufacturer Nayva
Mobility of People
Mobility Method Wheels
Robot Survey 2019
Optimus These are self-driving vehicles deployed by Boston-based self-driving startup Optimus Ride for its robot taxi service.
96
Mobility Method Wheels
Weight Unknown
Speed 2.5 km/h
Capacity 6 Passengers
Range Unknown
Known Sensors Cameras, LIDAR, GPS
Fuel Type Battery
Status Prototype
Size 3200 x 1830 x 1650 mm
Manufacturer Polaris
97
Travel Suite Hospitality is injected into transportation in the Aprilli Travel Suite. Designed for long distance journeys, amenities and space for leisure are provided for commuters as they travel from point A to point B making the Travel Suite a competitive option compared to conventional means of transportation and lodging. Weight Unknown
Speed Unknown
Capacity Unknown
Range Unknown
Known Sensors LIDAR, GPS
Fuel Type Battery
Status Concept
Size 2000 x 5800 x 2600 mm
Manufacturer Aprilli Design
Mobility of People
Mobility Method Wheels
Robot Survey 2019
Autonom Shuttle Autonomous shuttle meant to carry 10 - 12 people comfortably across confined urban areas, business parks, or short tours. Meant for short distances on highly controlled paths.
Mobility Method Wheels
Weight 2400 kg
Speed 24 km/h
Capacity 15 Passengers
Range 216 km
Known Sensors LIDAR, Cameras, GPS, IMU, Odometry, Radar
Fuel Type Battery Size 4750 x 1950 x 2100 mm 98
Status Product Manufacturer Nayva
99
Mobility of People
Robot Survey
This booklet was produced by students of the Civic Futures Thesis Group at the University of Michigan’s A. Alfred Taubman College of Architecture & Urban Planning in the Fall of 2019. Sources: Scan the QR Code to access a Google Sheet document that includes citations for each robot in this document.
Research and Illustrations: Abirami Manivannan Andrea Marquez Asya Shine Beiyi Ma Da Eun Lee Harshwardhan Saini Julia Jeffs Karun Chughasrani Linda Lee Rinika Prince Tristan Snyder Victoria Yu Yousun Nam Advisor: Bryan Boyer, Eliel Saarinen Visiting Assistant Professor of Practice and Partner, Dash Marshall
100
Graphic Design and Compilation: Abirami Manivannan Andrea Marquez Karun Chughasrani Edition: Printed on Risograph in an edition of 50 by Cache Printing Services in Detroit, MI. License: Use and remixing of this publication is allowed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Civic Futures
Produced by the Civic Futures thesis group at the Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning University of Michigan