Abstract: A humanoid robot which can move on its lower limb to execute a trajectory and is capable of detecting intrusion of obstacles in a safety zone defined around its body as a function of its speed is provided. Preferably when the robot executes a predefined trajectory, for instance a part of a choreography, the robot which avoids collision with an obstacle will rejoin its original trajectory after avoidance of the obstacle. Rejoining trajectory and speed of the robot are adapted so that it is resynchronized with the initial trajectory. Advantageously, the speed of the joints of the upper members of the robot is adapted in case the distance with an obstacle decreases below a preset minimum. Also, the joints are stopped in case a collision of the upper members with the obstacle is predicted.

Abstract: A method of handling humanoid robot interaction with human is disclosed. The method allows systematically storing all events detected within a humanoid robot environment, and classifying as temporary stimuli. When the robot is set to analyze the events, a process allows selecting one preferred stimulus among the stored stimuli and depending on the current activity of the robot, one or more actions are generated for the robot.

Abstract: A humanoid-type robot comprises two elements and an articulation with at least one degree of freedom linking the two elements, the articulation allowing a travel in a given range in operational operation, a first of the two elements being intended to come into contact with an abutment belonging to a second of the two elements at the end of the range. According to the invention, the robot further comprises at least one switch. The switch is configured to actuate an electrical contact when a force exerted by the first element against the abutment exceeds a given force.

Abstract: A method for performing a dialog between a machine, preferably a humanoid robot, and at least one human speaker, comprises the following steps, implemented by a computer: a) identifying the human speaker; b) extracting from a database a speaker profile comprising a plurality of dialog variables, at least one value being assigned to at least one of the dialog variables; c) receiving and analyzing at least one sentence originating from the speaker; and d) formulating and emitting at least one response sentence as a function at least of the sentence received and interpreted in step c) and of one dialog variable of the speaker profile.

Abstract: A humanoid robot is provided, the robot being capable of holding a dialog with at least one user, the dialog using two modes of voice recognition, one open and the other closed, the closed mode being defined by a concept characterizing a dialog sequence. The dialog may also be influenced by events that are neither speech nor a text. The robot is capable of executing behaviors and generating expressions and emotions. It has the advantage of considerably reducing programming time and latency of execution of dialog sequences, providing a fluency and naturalness close to human dialogs.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of handling an audio dialog between a robot and a human user comprises: during the audio dialog, receiving audio data and converting the audio data into text data; in response to the verification of one or more dialog mode execution rules of the text data, selecting a modified dialog mode; wherein a dialog mode comprises one or more dialog contents and one or more dialog voice skins; wherein a dialog content comprises a collection of predefined sentences, the collection comprising question sentences and answer sentences; and wherein a dialog voice skin comprises voice rendering parameters comprising frequency, tone, velocity and pitch. Described developments comprise modifying dialog contents and/or dialog voice skin, using dialog execution rules (for example depending on the environment perceived by the robot) and moderating dialog contents.

Abstract: A humanoid robot is provided with a manager for its physical and virtual resources, a method of use and a method for programming said manager. Said resources (140, 1410, 1420) are requested so as to execute behaviors. The resources and the behaviors are organized into hierarchical subsets, optionally defined in object trees. Conflicts of use of the resources by the behaviors are resolved locally, the behavior reserving resources being able to be programmed so as to offer options to the user of locking the resources by the reserving behavior, of release in favor of the first other requesting behavior, of partial execution of the behavior in progress or of pausing. A software toolkit makes it possible to program the Resource manager of the invention in a graphical manner in the development environment which allows the programming of the behaviors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a player humanoid robot, a method and computer programs associated therewith. The prior art does not disclose any humanoid robot able to move on its lower limbs, to perform gestures, to communicate visual and/or audible signs, to receive same and interpret them so as to deduce therefrom appropriate behaviors for participating in a game in time as compere, questioner, questioned, investigator or mobile stake for the game. The hardware architectures, internal software and software for programming the robot of the invention make it possible to carry out these functions and to create new game experiences in which the boundaries between virtual world and real world are shifted once again.

Abstract: A spherical wheel to move a vehicle comprises two caps, the surface of which follows the spherical surface of the wheel, the caps being articulated by means of a pivot link relative to a shaft. The wheel further comprises two casters each arranged in an opening of each of the caps, the opening centered about the axis of the corresponding pivot link, each caster arranged in the extension of the pivot link of the cap concerned. Each caster ensures a rolling at the level of the spherical surface. Radii S of the opening of each cap and r of the corresponding caster are defined to substantially balance forces needed to drive a cap and the corresponding caster when the wheel goes from bearing on the ground on a cap at the edge of the opening to bearing on the ground on the corresponding caster.

Abstract: A hand intended for a humanoid robot comprises a palm and several fingers that are motorized relative to the palm. According to the invention, the hand comprises an actuator common to several fingers and a spreader making it possible to distribute a force exerted by the actuator toward the fingers.

Abstract: A hand intended for a humanoid robot comprising a palm and several fingers, each of the fingers being able to be displaced in relation to the palm between a position of rest maintained by spring effect and a compressed position obtained by driving a link part with the palm countering the spring effect, comprises a motorized shaft, linked to the link part of each of the fingers, and configured to respectively displace at least one first finger and at least one second finger, from the position of rest to the compressed position, by rotation of the motorized shaft respectively in a first direction of rotation and in an opposite direction.

Abstract: A computer program and a system for controlling walking of a mobile robot, notably a humanoid robot moving on two legs. Conventionally, control was guided by driving a zero moment point. Such driving was performed within a fixed coordinate system connected to a progression surface and assumed knowledge of the characteristics of said surface and the creation of a provisional trajectory. Such driving encountered significant limitations due to the nature of the progression surfaces on which walking can effectively be controlled and an obligation to have a perfect knowledge of their geometry; and also in respect to the necessary computing power, and the appearance of the walk which bore little resemblance to an actual human walk. The invention overcomes such limitations by providing a walk which includes a pseudo-free or ballistic phase, an impulse phase imparted by the heel of the robot, and a landing phase.

Abstract: A method for localizing a robot in a localization plane with a bi-dimentional reference with axis x and y comprises: determining by odometry an estimation of coordinates x1 and y1 and orientation ?1 of the robot; determining an estimation ?2 of the orientation of the robot using a virtual compass; determining an estimation ?3 of the orientation of the robot by correlating parts of a reference and a query panorama; determining an estimation x4, y4 of the robot position using Iterative Closest Points; determining standard deviations ?_x1, ?_x2, ?_?1 ?_?2, ?_?3, ?_x4, ?_y4 of the estimations; determining probability distributions G(x1), G(y1), G(?1), G(?2), G(?3), G(x4), G(y4) of each estimation using standard deviations; determining three global distributions GLOB(x), GLOB(y), GLOB(?) and a global estimation xg, yg of the coordinates of the robot in the localization plane and a global estimation ?g of its orientation by applying maximum likelihood to global distributions.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of executing a standby mode for a robot, comprises the steps of measuring one or more parameters associated with one or more parts of the robot (e.g. the temperature of one or more motors); receiving one or more standby optimization rules associated with the parameters (e.g. maximizing the dissipation of the heat of the motor), and executing one or more received standby optimization rules (e.g. executing a body animation to cool down motors). The monitored parameters comprise motor temperature measures and/or energy consumption values and/or values quantifying signs of wear. Optimization rules comprise the minimization of the consumption of energy and/or the minimization of wear and/or the maximization of the dissipation of the heat. In developments, a predefined animation can be associated a valuable social engagement score. Further aspects are disclosed, including the optional use of accessories. System aspects and computer programs are described.