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Project Overview
Research staff
WABOT-kun and The Book of Wabot
Wabot Research Group
House Research Group
Information Communication Research Group
Research Group for Regional Exchange and
Industry Creation
Contact Information
The research purposes of this group can be divided roughly into three categories: 1) research on the design and operation of WABOT-HOUSE; 2) research on the production system during construction; 3) research on homes for human occupancy that monitor WABOT-HOUSE. Currently, dimensions of buildings are all determined by human body dimensions, activity range, and lifestyle. However, as robots are introduced into our lives, new concepts will be required in building space modules for “robot-only” space as well as space for co-existence between humans and robots. In response to this, we are working on developing new building design methods, in designing WABOT-HOUSE and attempt to create an innovative lifestyle based on this method. One of our objectives in the construction of WABOT-HOUSE is the use of a new system of technology tailored to the IT and robot society. By developing and proposing new and revolutionary “IT/robot construction production systems” that address issues in the manufacturing process, such as transporting heavy equipment and products and performing hazardous jobs, we will also be able to cut costs, shorten the construction period, and increase safety on the job. “Homes for human occupancy,” the new SOHO (Small Office Home Office) concept that offers monitoring and control of the WABOT-HOUSE with robots placed inside, will be proposed from the stand point of function and space. In addition, a proposal will also be made for recycle-style homes, a housing system within which materials circulate, with superior health, safety, and comfort. This housing system will be based on a sphere of living or an area in which climate, geographical features, and the ecological system are integrated (watershed sphere).
Developing a method to adapt a virtual system that facilitates the supervision of construction sites has also been pursued in order to develop a “new IT/robot construction production system.” Furthermore, research has been conducted to plan the production process and to select processing methods to create a structure that takes into account safety and productivity. Surveys were also conducted on various pollution issues that building construction may bring about in the neighborhood. We have pointed out the necessity of appropriate inspection methods based on these results. Safety and Workability are analyzed by monitoring devices installed in a laboratory within the university that analyze workers’ movements.
We have constructed “homes for human occupancy”, a rural-type model house (Toyama City), with the objective of completely reusing all natural building materials, and an urban type model house (Kitakyushu City) that completely recycles construction materials within the industrial chain. We are conducting various field experiments in an effort to: 1) confirm the reuse and recycle performance of buildings by demolish-and-rebuild experiments; 2) to research health, safety, and comfort by conducting live-in experiments; 3) confirm effectiveness of modularized components.
Based on the results of these experiments, we are planning to build a new laboratory building at Techno Plaza to create a living space in which humans and robots can co-exist in harmony.
