Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming our work and daily lives in the rapidly evolving field of human-machine interaction.

OMRON Corporation of Japan has showcased its vision for the future of human-machine collaboration through its innovative product, the FORPHEUS table tennis robot.

FORPHEUS is an entertaining product and a testament to OMRON's exceptional capabilities in sensing and control technology.

OMRON's Core Technology

OMRON's core technology, "sensing and control + thinking," is at the heart of FORPHEUS's development. Sensing technology enables the robot to detect the position and movement of the table tennis ball and the player.

Control technology allows the robot to move precisely, while "thinking" involves integrating human thought process data to simulate the strategies of top players and coaches.

Continuous Improvement and the Introduction of Artificial Intelligence

Initially, OMRON faced significant challenges in enabling the robot to see the ball, predict its trajectory, and swing the racket to hit it accurately.

As research and development progressed, the second-generation FORPHEUS could display collected information, enhancing human-machine interaction. In 2016, FORPHEUS was certified by Guinness World Records as the "first table tennis robot coach".

The introduction of artificial intelligence marked a turning point, significantly advancing the robot's capabilities. The third-generation FORPHEUS aimed to "promote human-machine harmony and inspire human potential".

The robot's table tennis skills improved drastically, allowing it to adjust its play based on the player's skill level. In 2019, the fifth-generation FORPHEUS debuted at the CES, showcasing major improvements in its robotic arm, which enhanced its ability to return the ball effectively.

Robotic Arm Improvements and Cooperation

OMRON collaborated with Kyoso Technology to develop a new robotic arm that significantly enhanced the arm's strength and length while maintaining the same weight.

The innovative design utilized a lattice structure to reduce weight and maintain structural integrity. This project, which began in 2020, saw the two companies successfully employ generative design and additive manufacturing technology to create a lighter and stronger robotic arm.

Generative design played a crucial role in this innovation. It involved using AI algorithms to explore all possible configurations and come up with the most efficient design. This approach led to the creation of forms and structures that were previously unimaginable, greatly enhancing the robot's performance.

Kyoso Technology’s Hisashi Kataoka noted that the new mechanical arm, with its increased strength and reduced weight, represented a significant leap forward in robotics.

Future Outlook

The collaboration between OMRON and multiple companies resulted in groundbreaking designs for the robotic arm using various design and manufacturing tools. By applying generative design, the team achieved unprecedented forms, significantly improving the robot's performance.

Nakayama, from OMRON, expressed confidence that this technology would lead to robots with a more natural and harmonious appearance and interaction style.

The generative design process involved several steps: modeling with Autodesk Fusion 360, simulating with Inventor Nastran, and pre-processing 3D printing data with Netfabb.

The team used the EOS M400-4 metal additive manufacturing system to produce the new robotic arm with a titanium alloy. This advanced manufacturing process allowed the creation of complex structures that were both lightweight and durable.

Wider Application of Artificial Intelligence

OMRON's advancements in AI extend beyond table tennis robots. In 2019, OMRON collaborated with Square Enix to combine AI that can observe human emotions and abilities with the emotional response systems in video games.

This collaboration aimed to develop personalized training methods that adapt to the user's emotional state and skill level. OMRON envisions applying this technology across various industries to enhance human-machine interaction.

Conclusion

Through continuous innovation and technological advancements, OMRON's FORPHEUS table tennis robot exemplifies the cutting edge of current technology and offers new possibilities for harmonious human-machine interaction.

As additive manufacturing and generative design become more prevalent, the appearance and functionality of robots will evolve to become more diverse and human-like.