Abstract
While seamless switching between the accompanying and handling modes for an outdoor personal robot is required, a lack of sensors that can robustly detect the proximity and touch of the user has hindered its practical development. In this study, a novel sensing technology using electromagnetic field fluctuation is presented. The experiment, using a suitcase with the sensor, showed that the area surrounding the user, as well as the direct touch of the user can be separately detected. We also embedded the system into the robotic suitcase and showed that the robot can robustly follow the users.
