A communication robot includes: an operation part; and a communication arbitration unit configured to exhibit one of a robot mode for autonomously operating the operation part by applying a first operational criterion and an avatar mode for operating the operation part based on an operation instruction sent from a remote operator by applying a second operational criterion to arbitrate communication with a service user, in which the communication arbitration unit operates, when it is intended to exhibit the avatar mode in accordance with an operation request from the remote operator, the operation part in the robot mode and asks the service user whether to allow the mode to be switched to the avatar mode.

The invention relates to a mobile security basic control device (15) of a robot (1), comprising a hand-held housing (16), an emergency stop switching means (17) arranged at the housing (16), a communication device (18) for establishing a link in terms of control between the mobile security basic control device (15) and a robot controller (12) of the robot (1), and further comprising a holder (19) connected to the housing (16), which is designed to mount the mobile security basic control device (15) on a mobile terminal (20). Said mobile terminal has a terminal control system (21) and a multi-touchscreen (22), which is designed to transmit inputs to the terminal control system (21) via the multi-touchscreen (22). The mobile security basic control device (15) comprises a coding device (25) which, in a state where the mobile security basic control device (15) is mounted on the mobile terminal (20) by means of the holder (19), is designed to automatically transmit at least one identification code identifying the mobile security basic control device (15) to the terminal control system (21) via the multi-touchscreen (22).

A robot system includes: a robot; a plurality of operation terminals that receive an input of a password for acquiring operation authority of the robot and an operation input for operating the robot from a user; and a robot controller communicable with the operation terminals. The robot controller drives, in a controlled manner, the robot according to operation from a single operation terminal among the operation terminals. The robot controller includes a password storage unit that stores a password for granting operation authority of the robot to the operation terminal. The robot controller further includes an operation authority grant processing unit that grants operation authority of the robot to a single operation terminal to which a proper predetermined password stored in the password storage unit is first input in a state in which operation authority of the robot is not granted to any operation terminal.

A detection method of a user of an apparatus is provided in which the apparatus is coupled to a charge variation sensor having a control unit and an electrode to detect an electric/electrostatic charge variation of the user. The detection method includes acquiring, through the electrode, a charge variation signal indicative of the presence of the user. A filtered signal is generated by filtering the charge variation signal. A feature signal is generated as a function of the filtered signal. A movement signal indicative of a movement of the user is generated as a function of the feature signal. A presence signal indicative of the presence of the user is generated as a function of the movement signal.

A method of scheduling a robotic device enables the device to run autonomously based on previously loaded scheduling information. The method consists of a communication device, such as a hand-held remote device, that can directly control the robotic device, or load scheduling information into the robotic device such that it will carry out a defined task at the desired time without the need for further external control. The communication device can also be configured to load a scheduling application program into an existing robotic device, such that the robotic device can receive and implement scheduling information from a user.

Various embodiments that pertain to network functions are described. A network can be an ad hoc network that function with peer-to-peer communications. The network can be physically decentralized, yet logically centralized. Various functions can be practiced within this network environment. In one example, a provider can provide an authorization to a robot by way of a peer-to-peer communication. The robot can validate the authorization and practice what is authorized in response to the authorization being validated. This authorization can be to perform a function autonomously for a defined length of time.

A method of scheduling a robotic device enables the device to run autonomously based on previously loaded scheduling information. The method consists of a communication device, such as a hand-held remote device, that can directly control the robotic device, or load scheduling information into the robotic device such that it will carry out a defined task at the desired time without the need for further external control. The communication device can also be configured to load a scheduling application program into an existing robotic device, such that the robotic device can receive and implement scheduling information from a user.

A portable manipulation command input device, including a sub-console panel attachable to and removable from an automatic lathe apparatus main unit, and includes an input unit to receive input of a manipulation command to the automatic lathe apparatus main unit, a display unit to display information on the automatic lathe apparatus main unit, and a radio communication unit to communicate with the automatic lathe apparatus main unit. The sub-console panel includes a detection unit and a control unit formed with the automatic lathe apparatus main unit. The detection unit includes a radio ID tag and a radio ID reader detecting the sub-console panel being placed within a predetermined range of the automatic lathe apparatus main unit. Depending on a detection result by the detection unit, the control unit allows or restricts manipulations of the automatic lathe apparatus main unit, and allows display of the information even when restricting the manipulations.

A method of scheduling a robotic device enables the device to run autonomously based on previously loaded scheduling information. The method consists of a communication device, such as a hand-held remote device, that can directly control the robotic device, or load scheduling information into the robotic device such that it will carry out a defined task at the desired time without the need for farther external control. The communication device can also be configured to load a scheduling application program into an existing robotic device, such that the robotic device can receive and implement scheduling information from a user.

A mobile security basic control device (15) of a robot (1), has a hand-held housing (16), an emergency stop switching means (17) arranged at the housing (16), a communication device (18) for establishing a link in terms of control between the mobile security basic control device (15) and a robot controller (12) of the robot (1). A holder (19) is connected to the housing (16), which is designed to mount the mobile security basic control device (15) on a mobile terminal (20). The mobile terminal has a terminal control system (21) and a multi-touchscreen (22), which is designed to transmit inputs to the terminal control system (21) via the multi-touchscreen (22). The mobile security basic control device (15) comprises a coding device (25) which, in a state where the mobile security basic control device (15) is mounted on the mobile terminal (20) by means of the holder (19), is designed to automatically transmit at least one identification code identifying the mobile security basic control device (15) to the terminal control system (21) via the multi-touchscreen (22).