Fraunhofer IPA presents mobile communication assistants

Thanks to the height-adjustable tablet PC, MobiKa supports telepresence, interaction, or reminder functions. (© Fraunhofer IPA)

MobiKa can be connected to external fall detection sensors, drive to the person in need of assistance, and contact an emergency center via the screen. (© Fraunhofer IPA)

Whether for person communication and interaction, for simple transports, or as an autonomous telepresence system: The mobile communication assistant MobiKa is cost-effective and versatile. In March, the Fraunhofer IPA publicly showcased the robot during an award ceremony.

MobiKa consists of a basic setup with a mobile, wheel-driven robot platform and a slim structure with a height-adjustable tablet. Equipped with navigation software developed at Fraunhofer IPA, MobiKa moves safely and autonomously to a specified destination. The person recognition software enables the robot to approach people intentionally and establish contact via the tablet and voice outputs.

The IPA researchers placed particular emphasis on the economical use of the assistive system prototype, which is why they installed as simple and inexpensive components as possible. Unlike other interaction robots, MobiKa has a functional and deliberately non-humanoid design. This is intended to emphasize its role as a tool for the user – comparable to existing household appliances or robots.

Versatile application

There are many possibilities for MobiKa in the home environment: including interaction with the outside world, e.g., through telepresence or telemedicine functions. Unlike existing telepresence robots, MobiKa can support the teleoperator with semi-autonomous assistance functions. Because the robot is mobile, it can also actively address users at home, e.g., in emergencies, for reminder, activation, or entertainment functions. Already available tablet-based assistive systems or smart home solutions could also be used here.

With the help of integrated sensors and object recognition software, it is possible for the robot to be used for locating objects. Equipped with an additional storage surface, MobiKa could also assist with limited mobility by transporting everyday items, thereby supporting the user’s independence at home.

Person communication and activation in the »EmAsIn« project

MobiKa was developed as part of the research project »Emotion-sensitive assistive systems for reactive psychological interaction with people« (www.emasinprojekt.de), funded by the BMBF. The goal of the project was to develop a new assistive system that provides individualized support to affected persons, such as those with dementia, motivates them, and thereby improves their quality of life. In institutional settings, care facilities could expand their offerings and relieve care staff through activation and entertainment with MobiKa.

The assistive system implemented on MobiKa was extensively tested and continuously improved during the project. In a Bruderhaus Diakonie facility, the project partners equipped a common room with sensors and connected them to MobiKa. This allowed the robot to gather information about the residents in the room, approach selected individuals, and display relevant content on the screen, such as a memory game.

The residents found MobiKa interesting. They were curious, more active than usual, and a new sense of community sometimes emerged, for example, when playing a quiz. Animal photos were particularly well received. However, some applications required guidance from staff. For long-term practical use, it is important to continuously expand the offerings to maintain residents’ interest.

Further development of existing technologies

MobiKa benefits from over 20 years of experience at Fraunhofer IPA in developing new robot solutions for healthcare. In particular, many fundamental service robot technologies used in the EmAsIn application development were available, which the institute had developed among others for the service robot Care-O-bot®. The IPA researchers adapted these to the requirements of MobiKa. They used the freely available Robot Operating System (ROS), making it easy to integrate the software components developed by the project partners. At the same time, ROS interfaces enable other interested research institutions to use the robot and adapt it to their application scenarios with minimal effort.

In addition to research institutes interested in using the robot in their projects, Fraunhofer IPA is seeking industrial companies for the commercial further development of the robot. Tools and procedures that have already proven successful in numerous cooperation projects with industry are available for the associated technology transfer.

Award-winning service robot

On March 21, 2019, MobiKa achieved second place at the Bavarian Innovation Award for Health Telematics. The Bavarian Telemedicine Alliance, together with the Bavarian State Ministry for Health and Care, awards this prize to innovations that offer tangible benefits, have medical and economic relevance, and enable new forms of collaboration and integration.