Androids and Robots

Pangie

This is a robot akin to an angel that encourages new communication by connecting with visitors to the Expo, just as a pollinator helps plants by carrying pollen from flower to flower. Designed by the architect Isozaki Arata, like Punica its lineage comes from the design of the legendary “Deme” robot unveiled at the Osaka’s Expo ’70.

Details

Role within the Pavilion
Pangie serves as an avatar that guides visitors through the pavilion.
Dimensions
W582 × D582 × H1375 mm
Weight
41.5 kg
Specifications
  • Developed based on the mobile Cybernetic Avatar (CA) Teleco, developed as part of the Moonshot Research and Development Program* Goal 1 project: Realization of an Avatar-Symbiotic Society where Everyone Can Perform Active Roles without Constraint.
  • Sensors: LiDAR sensors, microphone array, and camera
  • Actuators: Head pitch axis, vertical lift, drive wheels × 2
  • Continuous operation: Over 20 hours
    Note: Shares its locomotion system with Petra
  • The head, which resembles a pair of eyes, rotates back and forth and moves up and down.

 

* The Moonshot Research and Development Program

This government-led program sets forth ambitious “moonshot” goals aimed at solving major societal challenges, such as super-aging populations and climate change, and supports bold R&D efforts. Goal 1 of the program is overseen by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST). ISHIGURO Hiroshi serves as one of the project managers for Goal 1 and leads the project titled “Realization of an Avatar-Symbiotic Society where Everyone Can Perform Active Roles without Constraint.” This project promotes R&D to expand human physical, cognitive, and sensory capabilities through a Cybernetic Avatar (CA) platform, leveraging diverse forms of avatars including robots and CG, to realize daily life supported by CAs.

Functional Features
(1) Autonomous navigation and tele-operation & dialogue

Both autonomous navigation and speech and motion through tele-operation are supported.

(2) Obstacle avoidance