Person Following Robot ApriAttenda

We have developed the person following robot "ApriAttenda(TM)". This robot can accompany a person using vision based target detection and avoid obstacles with ultrasonic sensors. The robot first identifies an individual with its image processing system by detecting a person's region and recognizing the registered color and texture of his/her clothes. Our newly developed algorithm allows the robot to extract a particular individual from a cluttered background, and to find and reconnect with the person if it loses visual contact. Tracking people with vision was realized by systematizing visual and motion control with a robust algorithm that utilizes various characteristics of the image data. ApriAttenda(TM) has been exhibited at Aichi EXPO 2005, and its robust functions and smooth person following capability were successfully demonstrated.