Ido

Humanity is increasingly faced with the problem of an ageing population. By 2050, more than 22% of the world's population will be aged 60 or over, and the number of people losing their independence is set to increase.

An ageing population requires a large number of homecare staff. Advances in the fields of robotics, cognition and interaction mean that we can now offer new technological resources to support the traditional assistance professions.

Using an approach that combines design, robotics and interaction, designers Guillian Graves, Axel Delbrayère and Alexandre Kournwsky have developed Ido, a robot designed to meet the needs of an ageing population and the growing need for day-to-day assistance.

Ido is a humanoid personal assistance robot. It is designed to reside in the homes of dependent people, in nursing homes and retirement homes, and is intended to provide additional assistance to that provided by care assistants.

At just 1.40 m tall, its human scale is in keeping with the uses it is designed to fulfil. It is equipped with an articulated spine and the most advanced technologies to give it greater precision and freedom of movement. These enable it to carry objects, open doors, grab items from cupboards and climb stairs.

IDO is a connected robot. In the event of a medical problem, it can monitor the correct dosage of medication. In the event of absence or a fall, it can sound the alarm by contacting a remote assistance service. What's more, it offers services that are just as much about housework (personal assistance, cooking) as they are about security (guarding), time management (diary), communication or even entertainment, through a simple conversation between the humanoid and the person.

In contrast to the archetypal Asian robot, the use of textiles and leather goods gives it a French identity that was previously non-existent in the robotics world. The use of these new materials is coupled with hidden mechanics. The use of a stretchy technical textile (in white), allows its behaviour to be expressed in new ways. Softer, more welcoming and reassuring, they are linked to the controlled deformations of the material and enable visual interaction between the user and his robot. These same principles solve a number of recurring problems in the robotics industry, such as joint safety, ventilation, ease of movement and cleaning of parts. Leather is used for physical interaction with the user, revealing tactile textile surfaces.

Each of the robot's functional parts is represented by a specific colour, enabling the user to identify certain areas of interaction, such as the precision finger, the interchangeable ears and the service areas (trays). Its endearing appearance and unique proportions help it to blend seamlessly into the domestic environment.