Assessing Feasibility of Cognitive Impairment Testing Using Social Robotic Technology Augmented with Affective Computing and Emotional State Detection Systems

Facial Expression Realization of Humanoid Robot Head and Strain-Based Anthropomorphic Evaluation of Robot Facial Expressions

The facial expressions of humanoid robots play a crucial role in human-computer information interactions. However, there is a lack of quantitative evaluation methods for the anthropomorphism of robot facial expressions. In this study, we designed and manufactured a humanoid robot head that was capable of successfully realizing six basic facial expressions. The driving force behind the mechanism was efficiently transmitted to the silicone skin through a rigid linkage drive and snap button connection, which improves both the driving efficiency and the lifespan of the silicone skin. We used human facial expressions as a basis for simulating and acquiring the movement parameters. Subsequently, we designed a control system for the humanoid robot head in order to achieve these facial expressions. Moreover, we used a flexible vertical graphene sensor to measure strain on both the human face and the silicone skin of the humanoid robot head. We then proposed a method to evaluate the anthropomorphic degree of the robot's facial expressions by using the difference rate of strain. The feasibility of this method was confirmed through experiments in facial expression recognition. The evaluation results indicated a high degree of anthropomorphism for the six basic facial expressions which were achieved by the humanoid robot head. Moreover, this study also investigates factors affecting the reproduction of expressions. Finally, the impulse was calculated based on the strain curves of the energy consumption of the humanoid robot head to complete different facial expressions. This offers a reference for fellow researchers when designing humanoid robot heads, based on energy consumption ratios. To conclude, this paper offers data references for optimizing the mechanisms and selecting the drive components of the humanoid robot head. This was realized by considering the anthropomorphic degree and energy consumption of each part. Additionally, a new method for evaluating robot facial expressions is proposed.

Spinal Orthosis in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: An Overview of the Braces Provided by the National Health Service in Italy

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a lateral, rotated curvature of the spine. It is a 3-dimensional deformity that arises in otherwise healthy children at or around puberty. AIS is the most common form of scoliosis in the pediatric population. The etiology is multifactorial, including genetic and environmental factors. The incidence is roughly equal between males and females, while there is a higher risk of progression in females. Guidelines for AIS treatment identify three levels of treatment: observation, physiotherapy scoliosis-specific exercises, and braces. In this paper, we carried out a review of the scientific literature about the indication and success rates of the braces provided for free by the National Health Service in Italy (SSN). Despite a general consensus on the efficacy of rigid bracing treatment and its use in AIS, an important heterogeneity about the treatment is present in the scientific literature, demonstrating a high degree of variability. The overall success rate of the braces provided by the SSN is high, suggesting an important therapeutic role in the treatment of AIS. Robust guidelines are needed to ensure uniform and effective treatments.

Living Lab-Based Service Interaction Design for a Companion Robot for Seniors in South Korea

A living lab is a valuable method for designing tangible and intangible service elements, ensuring a comprehensive user experience. Developing a digital companion service, which users may be unfamiliar with, requires observing user behavior in real-world environments and analyzing living and behavioral patterns. A living lab starts with understanding user characteristics and behaviors. Living lab methods have an impact on the accuracy and precision of service design. The number of seniors in South Korea is rapidly increasing, leading to a rise in social issues like solitary deaths and suicide. Addressing these problems has led to a growing demand for companion robots. To design effective companion services, understanding seniors' living environments and their cognitive and behavioral traits is essential. This opinion piece, based on a national R&D project, presents the development of a digital companion for seniors. It offers insights, providing a comprehensive overview of living lab-based service interaction design and proposing methodologies about living lab environment construction and experimentation and considerations when designing robot interaction functions and appearance. The living lab environment includes real living spaces, laboratories, virtual reality settings, and senior welfare centers. Using the research findings, we created service scenarios, analyzed senior language characteristics, and developed the concept and facial expressions of the digital companion. To successfully introduce a novel service, it is crucial to analyze users' real-life behavior and adjust the service accordingly.