CanguRo: A New Era of Mobility Robots

Shunji Yamanaka's Award-Winning Design Transforms Human-Machine Relationships

The CanguRo is more than just a vehicle; it's a partner. This three-wheeled robot is capable of autonomously navigating to its user via smartphone commands, avoiding obstacles, and following the user's walk. When needed, CanguRo can transform into a personal transporter, offering a ride to its user, much like a horse would. This unique feature sets CanguRo apart from other mobility robots, making it a trustworthy companion rather than just a tool.

The design and realization of CanguRo are feats of technological innovation. The robot uses a technology called SLAM for localization and map building, essential for autonomous navigation. This, combined with various control systems, gives CanguRo a sense of unity with its user. The robot's structure and figure are designed to combine functionality and familiarity, enhancing the sense of partnership between the machine and the user.

Despite its advanced technology, operating CanguRo is simple. The robot maps its surroundings automatically, and the user can choose between autonomous robot or transporter operation. For instance, at a shopping mall, the user can summon CanguRo via a smartphone and start shopping while leaving their baggage on the following CanguRo. If the user feels tired, they can ride CanguRo in the transporter mode. These functionalities have the potential to change daily lives and expand the range of human activities.

CanguRo was designed and developed in Japan and has been exhibited at several museums, including the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York in 2019, and the Design Museum in London in 2020. This mobility robot is a testament to the advancements in robotics and AI technologies and their potential to revolutionize our daily lives.

The design of CanguRo faced several challenges, the primary one being enhancing the sense of unity between the rider and the robot. To overcome this, several innovative ideas were implemented. For instance, CanguRo uses tactically placed force sensors to determine the rider's intentions and changes its posture for stable turns. It also has a unique communication system of heartbeat-like body sonic and bilaterally weight-controlled handle. The footrests are located at swing forks close to in-wheel drive units, allowing the rider to feel CanguRo's drive force through their legs.

This innovative design has earned CanguRo the Platinum A' Vehicle, Mobility and Transportation Design Award in 2021. This prestigious award recognizes world-class, exceptional, and highly innovative designs that contribute to societal wellbeing. CanguRo is indeed a defining aesthetic of our era, advancing the boundaries of art, science, design, and technology, and making the world a better place.