Intro
ergoCub is a collaborative research project developing a humanoid robot designed to physically assist workers in tasks that pose biomechanical risks, such as lifting heavy loads. Building on the iCub humanoid robot platform, ergoCub integrates embodied intelligence, ergonomic design, and AI to support physical human-robot collaboration aimed at reducing musculoskeletal disorders. The project combines wearable technologies with robotic assistance to actively reduce worker fatigue and injury risk, going beyond passive monitoring. A key achievement is the creation of a 1.5m tall, 55.7 kg humanoid robot capable of carrying loads up to 10 kg while walking and collaborating safely with humans in industrial and warehouse environments.
Robots
- ergoCub Humanoid Robot: Standing 150 cm tall and weighing 55.7 kg, ergoCub is designed for ergonomic physical collaboration. It features advanced sensors including Intel RealSense depth cameras, Lidar for navigation, force-torque sensors, and expressive OLED displays. Powered by Nvidia Xavier AGX and Intel i7 processors, it can perform complex lifting tasks alongside humans, recognize worker intentions, and autonomously navigate environments such as warehouses. Its design focuses on minimizing human-robot joint effort and energy consumption during collaborative tasks.
Specialism
- Ergonomic humanoid robot design optimized for physical human-robot collaboration and load sharing.
- Integration of wearable technologies and AI to monitor and reduce biomechanical risk in workers.
- Advanced perception systems (depth vision, Lidar) enabling autonomous navigation and obstacle avoidance.
- Force-torque sensing for intuitive physical interaction and safe collaboration.
- AI modules for intention recognition, object manipulation, and adaptive task planning.
Business Viability
- Supported by a €5 million grant from INAIL, reflecting strong institutional backing and societal relevance.
- Addresses a critical need to reduce workplace musculoskeletal disorders through innovative robotics and wearables.
- Demonstrated real-world applicability in industrial and warehouse settings with autonomous navigation and load handling.
- Collaboration between leading research institute (IIT) and national insurance agency (INAIL) ensures alignment with worker safety regulations and adoption potential.
- Positioned at the forefront of ergonomic robotics with potential to transform worker safety and productivity in physically demanding jobs.
