Assistive robots for Beijing Winter Paralympic torch relay: Accessible technologies to restore human functionality

摘要

The success of the Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics epitomized the vision of a community with a shared future for humankind. Various robots and artificial intelligence technologies were used in various games and events, such as assisting in parades, logistics, and security inspections. The integration of unmanned robotic systems into torch relays was one of the highlights of the Winter Olympics.1Gao F. Li S. Gao Y. Qi C. Tian Q. Yang G.Z. Robots at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.Sci. Robot. 2022; 7eabq0785Crossref Scopus (6) Google Scholar,2Park H. Oh J.H. Robots for the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympic Games.Sci. Robot. 2018; 3: eaat5217Crossref Google Scholar The first underwater torch relay involving robots in the Olympic Games occurred on February 2, 2022.1Gao F. Li S. Gao Y. Qi C. Tian Q. Yang G.Z. Robots at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.Sci. Robot. 2022; 7eabq0785Crossref Scopus (6) Google Scholar Similarly, at the PyeongChang Winter Games, the first robotic torch runner was implemented on March 3, 2018.2Park H. Oh J.H. Robots for the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympic Games.Sci. Robot. 2018; 3: eaat5217Crossref Google Scholar Supported by the National Key R&D Program of China, five types of assistive robots were specially designed for use in the Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympics. These robots are human centered and can be deployed to help restore functionality to meet the needs of people with disabilities. One important concern was the accessible technologies that are needed for torchbearers. This event was similar to Cybathlon,3Yang G.Z. Riener R. Dario P. To integrate and to empower: Robots for rehabilitation and assistance.Sci. Robot. 2017; 2eaan5593Crossref Scopus (9) Google Scholar in which competitors with disabilities performed daily tasks with the support of the latest robotic technologies. Moreover, successful completion of these robot-assisted torch relays was highly anticipated in such an inspiring event, demonstrating the importance of addressing challenges such as device reliability and human-robot interaction (HRI). As Yang et al.3Yang G.Z. Riener R. Dario P. To integrate and to empower: Robots for rehabilitation and assistance.Sci. Robot. 2017; 2eaan5593Crossref Scopus (9) Google Scholar cautiously noted, “One big hurdle is whether research findings can be translated into safe, effective, and more importantly, accessible technologies that benefit the population at large.” Another important concern was the demonstration scenario. The trade-off between technical sophistication and public understanding should be considered. Implantable sensors or surgical operations were inappropriate, and care must be taken to avoid controversy in the Paralympics. Considering these issues, the research group proposed a series of robot-assisted torch relay demonstration scenarios, which were approved by the Beijing Winter Olympics Organizing Committee. The scenarios conformed to the Olympic spirit and included placing individuals with disabilities utilizing advanced robotic technologies as focal points in important events. The details of trAsBots I-V are presented in Figure 1. The torch relay occurred on March 2 and 4, 2022, and was reported by China Central Television (CCTV). The following links (I, II, III, and IV) are provided to access related videos. trAsBot I is a customized exoskeleton for individuals with complete spinal cord injury (SCI) that can facilitate walking. The structural configuration is inspired by humanoid robots, with four active degrees of freedom (DOFs) at the hip and knee joints and two passive DOFs at the ankle joints. The challenge in the control system involves compensating for lower-limb movements and establishing a stable gait pattern.4Weber D. Matsiko A. Assistive robotics should seamlessly integrate humans and robots.Sci. Robot. 2023; 8eadl0014Crossref Scopus (0) Google Scholar The trajectory was parameterized based on factors such as the stride length, speed, and profile shape. During 1