ErgoCub is a humanoid robot endowed with embodied intelligence and designed for ergonomic interaction with humans. The aim of the project is to apply collaborative robotics and ambient intelligence to maximize ergonomics and technological acceptance in future industry and healthcare environments and to prevent and reduce the psychophysical risk of workers. The robot has 54 degrees of freedom (including the head and fully articulated hands). It is 150 cm tall and weighs 55.7 kg. IIT (Italian Institute of Technology), together with INAIL (Italian National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work), gave us the task of designing and engineering the covers of the robot to achieve a functional and friendly look and feel.

The mechanics are covered with plastic shells screwed to inner 3D-printed elements that connect the covers to the inner skeleton. All the screws for the assembly of the covers are hidden with magnetic strips. Behind the mask, a flexible oled screen displays the facial expressions of the robot to interact with workers and show its status during the tasks.

Category:RoboticsAward Year:2023Designers:Fabio Rezzonico, Rezzonico Design, Como (CO), ItalyManufacturer:IIT (Instituto Italiano Tecnologia), Genova (GE), Italy