Cloud networked robotics

TLDR

Recent advances in robotic development environments and integrated multi‑robot systems have enriched robot functionalities and simplified development, yet stand‑alone services alone cannot continuously and seamlessly support daily activity. The article proposes Cloud Networked Robotics as a new research field that abstracts robotic devices into a cloud to continuously and seamlessly support daily activities for the elderly and disabled, and discusses key research issues arising from these requirements. The authors examine daily support requirements through example scenarios for seniors and disabled users, and propose a cloud‑based infrastructure that abstracts robotic devices into a shared cloud. A field experiment in a shopping mall demonstrates that the prototype infrastructure enables multi‑location robotic services for life support.

Abstract

This article proposes a new field of research called Cloud Networked Robotics, which tackles the issues for supporting daily activity, especially for the elderly and the disabled, throughout various locations in a continuously and seamless manner by abstracting robotic devices and providing a means for utilizing them as a cloud of robots. With recent advances in robotic development environments and in integrated multi-robot systems, robots are acquiring richer functionalities and robotic systems are becoming much easier to develop. However, such stand-alone robotic services are not enough for continuously and seamlessly supporting daily activity. We examine the requirements in typical daily supporting services through example scenarios that target senior citizens and the disabled. Based on these requirements, we discuss the key research issues in cloud network robotics. As a case study, a field experiment in a shopping mall shows how our proposed prototype infrastructure of cloud networked robotics enables multi-location robotic services for life support.