DAM-BOT

What it does

DAM-BOT interprets facial expressions from the operator's smartphone as commands. The robot has a screen to display emotions and allows the operator to see, hear, speak, and interact with people through the robot.

Your inspiration

This project was inspired by Japan's DAWN cafe, which promotes the reintegration of people with disabilities through the use of robots. We learned about this concept a few years ago and noticed that, outside of Japan, it is not a common practice. From that inspiration, we saw an opportunity: to adapt the idea into a commercial waiter robot operated by people with quadriplegia, with an accessible design intended to suit different contexts and establishments around the world. In this way, we aim to contribute to labor inclusion and the autonomy of people with disabilities, even on a global scale.

How it works

DAM-BOT consists of two main parts: the waiter robot and the operator's software. The robot features a lightweight plastic chassis, internally reinforced with an aluminum frame. Its power system is removable and interchangeable, providing over 5 hours of continuous operation. It includes two motors capable of carrying more than 40 kg, a sensor to follow floor lines, and another to avoid front-facing obstacles. To interact with customers, it incorporates an LED screen, two speakers, a microphone, and a camera, and it communicates via Wi-Fi with the operator’s software. This software runs on a mobile phone through an app that recognizes facial expressions as movement commands and/or in-app actions. In control mode, the app displays the robot’s camera feed in real time, along with a layout of the establishment to help the operator navigate.

Design process

The design process began with defining the general needs of the project, followed by establishing specific requirements. Based on these, component selection was carried out, starting with the materials for the chassis and internal structure, followed by the processor, peripherals, wheels, motors, and sensors for line tracking and obstacle detection. The power system was then selected, considering a removable battery. All electronic components were also chosen, including power management and regulation modules, power stages for robot movement, and the connections between all elements. A 3D design was developed to integrate the selected components, which went through multiple modifications due to real-world considerations such as electronics ventilation, manufacturing limitations, space distribution, and heat concentration. Finally, the facial expressions for the software were defined, along with the programming language and development environment. A facial recognition system was selected, and tests were conducted in a 2D virtual restaurant environment to validate the interpretation of facial expressions as movement commands.

How it is different

DAM-BOT is inspired by the robots used in Japan’s DAWN café but features key differences. Its design is based on commercial waiter robots, allowing it to carry more food using three trays arranged at different levels. It also includes a multifunctional screen that, in addition to displaying facial expressions, can be adapted for various interactive purposes. The robot's design has been optimized to operate solely with the components needed by the user, reducing additional costs without compromising functionality. A major difference lies in the operator's software. Unlike other systems that require specialized hardware, DAM-BOT uses a mobile application, eliminating the need for expensive equipment to detect facial expressions. This approach allows greater flexibility and easier updates, as changes can be implemented without additional material costs.

Future plans

DAM-BOT is expected to be optimized to create customized versions from a common base, enabling its use in restaurants, cinemas, airports, hotels, stores, shopping centers, and even scalable to public transportation—serving as an assistant, delivery robot, or guide. On the software side, voice control is planned to be integrated, and its usability extended to people with other disabilities, benefiting a wider range of users. DAM-BOT is not just a functional tool, but an adaptable platform aimed at promoting social and labor inclusion, proving that technology can open real paths toward a fairer, more accessible, and more inclusive world.

Awards