koboshi: A Base That Animates Everyday Objects

TL;DR

The paper introduces 'koboshi', a robot base that can animate static objects by moving underneath them, enabling new interactions through internal motion and communication among multiple units.

Contribution

It presents a novel robot base design that can impart movement to objects and interact with users, expanding possibilities for object animation and multi-unit coordination.

Findings

Koboshi can rock objects in multiple directions.

It successfully interacts with users through sensors.

Multiple units communicate effectively for coordinated behavior.

Abstract

We propose a base-shaped robot named "koboshi" that moves everyday objects. This koboshi has a spherical surface in contact with the floor, and by moving a weight inside using built-in motors, it can rock up and down, and side to side. By placing everyday items on this koboshi, users can impart new movement to otherwise static objects. The koboshi is equipped with sensors to measure its posture, enabling interaction with users. Additionally, it has communication capabilities, allowing multiple units to communicate with each other.