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Revolutionizing Human Interaction: iCub3 Avatar System Breakthrough Unveiled


After an extensive four-year research endeavor, the engineers at the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT) in Genova have introduced a groundbreaking innovation – the iCub3 avatar system. This technological marvel, developed by IIT’s Artificial and Mechanical Intelligence (AMI) lab, incorporates advanced avatar technologies that promise to redefine human interaction and virtual presence globally. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the key features of the iCub3 system and its successful real-world applications.

Advanced Avatar Technology:

The iCub3 avatar system is a testament to the IIT’s commitment to advancing humanoid robot capabilities. Designed to facilitate the seamless embodiment of humanoid robots by human operators, the system encompasses critical aspects such as locomotion, manipulation, voice, and facial expressions. It provides comprehensive sensory feedback, including visual, auditory, haptic, weight, and touch modalities, making it a versatile and immersive experience.

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Key Components:

At the core of the iCub3 avatar system is the iCub3 humanoid robot, an evolved version of its predecessor born two decades ago. This innovative robot is complemented by wearable technologies named iFeel, developed in collaboration with the Italian National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work (INAIL). The meticulous design ensures that human operators can seamlessly embody humanoid robots, opening up a realm of possibilities for applications in various fields.

Real-World Tests and Success Stories:

The IIT research group subjected the iCub3 avatar system to rigorous tests in diverse real-world scenarios, showcasing its adaptability and robust capabilities.

  1. Biennale di Venezia Trial (November 2021): In this initial trial, a human operator in Genoa remotely controlled the iCub3 avatar at the Biennale di Venezia in Venice, 300 kilometers away. Overcoming challenges of stable communication and cautious interaction in the delicate art exhibition, the iFeel suit tracked the operator’s motions, allowing the iCub3 robot to replicate precise movements, including fingers and eyelids.
  2. We Make Future Show Festival (June 2022): At the We Make Future Show festival, the iCub3 avatar system showcased its prowess as the Genova operator controlled a Rimini-based robot, performing tasks on stage before an audience of 2000 amid electromagnetic interference. Specialized haptic devices conveyed the robot’s weight perception, enhancing its expressive abilities for audience engagement.
  3. ANA Avatar XPrize (November 2022): The iCub3 system’s presentation at the ANA Avatar XPrize in Los Angeles demonstrated its adaptability and potential applications in space exploration. Operated by individuals outside the research team, the robot faced time-sensitive, diverse tasks, revealing its robust capabilities. Sensorized skin on the robot’s hands allowed texture perception, and intuitive control enabled direct manipulation.

Future Developments:

The experience gained from the iCub3 avatar system has paved the way for a new robot, the ergoCub, currently under development at IIT. The ergoCub robot is designed to maximize acceptability within work environments, minimizing risk and fatigue in collaborative tasks for industries and healthcare.