Articulating Robotic Gaze Operated System

Project Description

During the COVID-19 global pandemic, an overwhelming majority of businesses found themselves moving to entirely online communication. While many of these businesses were fortunate enough to have the infrastructure to allow these necessary interactions, many felt that just a screen is not enough to be invested in meetings. Even when users could connect to anyone instantaneously, people felt as though they were missing the subtleties of a face-to-face conversation, or the immersion of physically visiting another location. 

ARGOS strived to create a new generation of telepresence systems that dramatically amplified the sense of presence to the user. The aim is to foster a human-to-human communication from any distance in an age of technological separation. Eye to eye contact is an essential element of personal connection. Unlike other solutions, which feel disconnected, ARGOS sought to maintain these nonverbal cues as an integral part of our design. Using a 180-degree binocular camera, and a VR headset the operator can be more immersed in a remote location than ever before. This is combined with an articulating monitor on the remote side to increase the operator’s physical presence in a remote location.

The name ARGOS is an abbreviation for Articulating Robotic Gaze Operated System. ARGOS also refers to Argus Panoptes the hundred-eyed giant from ancient Greek mythology. He is known as the “all seeing one” and the term is used for someone that pays incredible detail to something. This name is fitting as the user is able to see the whole room in more detail than ever before.

Since Milestone 1, the team has conducted a series of tests to evaluate specific design components. Tests include comparisons of hardware running the same software as well as mathematical comparisons. The results of these tests were used to conduct vital design decisions. 

Milestone 2.5 involves basic prototyping for an Alpha. This includes rudimentary electrical proof of concepts and hardware prototyping. Details on how the Alpha will be continued are included in the presentation listed here.

Milestone 4 allowed the team to assemble all of the components and systems into a functioning unit

Python was used to implement wireless communication

Egarim was utilized for a custom video streaming server

The heart of ARGOS is driven by a Raspberry Pi

The system articulates to match the head position of the operator

For code details, see the ARGOS repository

ARGOS' subsystems were fully functional for the Beta Milestone 4, use of them was documented in the presentation. 

For the Milestone 5 final deliverable, the team focused on finishing touches and cosmetic changes. The system was given a new polished enclosure and all power electronics were placed inside. A counterweight was also added to the back of the monitor to reduce jittery motions. 

For the 2021 Innovation Expo, the team prepared several demonstrations to help the general public understand the concept of ARGOS. 

• "Seeing Like ARGOS" Demonstrates the concept of 180-degree video

• "ARGOS" Final Movements" shows how ARGOS replicated head-turning and shows what the Expo Table looked like

• "ARGOS Final Headset View" shows what the operator can see when wearing a headset to drive ARGOS