The module “Robot companions for assisted living” aims to provide students with basic knowledge on design principles and methodologies, grounded in the scientific studies, for developing cooperative robots that can effectively negotiate natural environments, better interact with human beings and provide services and support in a variety of real-world, real-life activities.This module presents: 1) hardware architectures, 2) actuators, 3) control strategies, 4) sensors, 5) power supply solutions, 6) human-robot interfaces and 7) communication protocols of service, rehabilitation and assistive robots. Hands-on activities on developing biomechanical models, programming wearable sensors and analysing data recoreded by robotic devices are part of this module.

The assessment criteria of knowledge of the module “Robot companions for assisted living” is based both on the oral exam and workproject.

As regards the oral exam the student has to demonstrate a detailed knowledge of topics presented and discussed during the module.

As regards the workproject the student has to demonstrate to be able to design solutions, models and prototypes for service, rehabilitation and assistive robotics.

At the end of the module “Robot companions for assisted living” the student will:

- have a detailed knowledge on main robotic devices available in the field of service, rehabilitation and assistive robotics;

- have a theoretical knowledge on main control schemes for a safe and reliable human-robot interaction;

- be able to analyse data gathered by robotic devices (Matlab);

- be able to program wearable inertial magnetic units;

- be able to develop a simulation model for kinematic and dynamic simulations (Simulink);

- be able to develop a basic biomechanicl model (OpenSim environment)

During classes and during final exam of the module “Robot companions for assisted living” questions, exercises and workprojects requiring the use of skills acquired during the module will be proposed to the students.

Module “Robot companions for assisted living”

The student will be able to:

• design simple service, rehabilitation and assistive robots;
• understand main short- and medium-term technical and scientific challenges for developing innovative robot companions for assisting persons during activities of daily living.

The assessment criteria of behaviors of the module “Robot companions for assisted living” is based on the discussion during the oral exam and on the outcomes of a workproject.