A company called Aldebaran Robotics, based in Paris, is swiftly becoming a formidable innovator in the world of Robotics 2.0. Founded in 2005 by Bruno Maisonnier, Aldebaran is now comprised of 50 individuals—driven by the single minded goal: “To create and deliver affordable, autonomous, and easily programmable humanoid robots.” The mainstay of Aldebaran is Project Nao, launched in early 2005 and which, according to the website, “aims to make available to the public, at an affordable price, a humanoid robot with mechanical, electronic, and cognitive features, based on those of the prototype.”
Nao stands 23 inches tall, weighs approximately 10 pounds, and is equipped with some of the latest state of the art humanoid technology: voice synthesis and recognition, two-camera eyes, sonar and sound localization features, embedded CPU with Wi-Fi, Linux-based OS, prehensive hands, 25 degrees of freedom, and the ability to express emotions. Additionally, Nao is designed to be easily programmable through Aldebaran’s proprietary user-friendly behavior editor, Choregraph, which enables the user to work with Nao by programming C++ modules, or using Python or Urbi script languages.
More descriptive features of Nao are provided in the following quote:
“Designed for entertainment purposes, Nao will be able to interact with its owner, with evolving behaviors and functionalities. Additionally, the user will be able to teach Nao new behaviors using a computer with Wi-Fi connectivity. The behaviours creating software is designed to fit any users level: from graphical block editing for beginners to code for more skilled users. The possible behaviors are limited only by your imagination!
With a conviction that design is key to successful adoption in a home environment, we have partnered with a Parisian design school, particularly with designers Thomas Knoll and Erik Arlen. The robot’s hull will include customizable features, allowing each to have a unique appearance.
Nao is based on a Linux platform and scripted with Urbi, an easy-to-learn programming language, with the option of a graphic interface for beginners or code commands for experts.”
The success of Aldebaran’s approach to robotics is becoming apparent through a significantly growing number of channels. The Nao Robot was selected as the preferred platform for this year’s U.S. Robocup Championship, as 16 teams were supplied with a simplified version of the robot. And earlier this year, the company picked up $5 million Euros ($6.8 million U.S. dollars) in venture capital funding to help commercialize the humanoid robot. The current target market for Nao is university research labs involved in developing the next generation of software and hardware for robotics.
While the focus of Aldebaran is, of course, on building a humanoid robot the company does not appear to engage just in the mechanics of construction for its own sake, but also focuses on the subjective elements of what it means to construct a robotics building culture. Whether it’s related to a distinctly French ethos or not, Aldebaran is a company that unavoidably strives to bring a cosmopolitan blend to the business of building robots by combining not just the necessary techno-scientific components of a sophisticated venture but also the aesthetics and entrepreneurial/collaborative spirit that the company sees as vital to competing in today’s complex globalized, socio-economic climate. This culture is perhaps not unrelated to the meaning of the company name: Aldebaran comes from the Zodiac and is one of the brightest stars in the night sky, and because of its position in the constellation Taurus, is often referred to as the “Bull’s Eye.”
Mr. Maisonnier advances this multidisciplinary and cross-promotional approach to robots based on his own background as an IT professional as well as a banking executive in several countries. During an early interview late in 2006 Maisonnier indicated that “the managers of Aldebaran Robotics have a strong international business experience and are convinced that mixing cultures and experience is one key factor of success to improve the final results.” His own strategy and approach to building a robotics company from the ground up was not crafted overnight however, but evolved over a period of many years during which he met with research strategists and tested the market, built prototypes, evaluated various technologies, in addition to serving as the CEO of several companies in different multicultural contexts.
The last couple of years has indeed proven out the intelligence of Mr. Maisonnier’s vision as Aldebaran has successfully expanded its employee and intern base, developed and tested a successful humanoid prototype, gained venture capital, had its Nao Robot selected by the International RoboCup committee as the new official robot platform of the RoboCup Standard League, and is preparing soon to introduce this same humanoid robot to the commercial market. As the only humanoid robot company in France, it seems that Aldebaran, in fact, will strategically put the country on the map as one of the top four global humanoid robotics markets, led primarily by Japan and Korea, and China.
“Kudos” to the French company, Aldebaran, for demonstrating an innovative and exciting approach in developing a humanoid robot—Nao is inscribed not only with the latest advancements in mechatronics and programming, but also represents a breakthrough in the study of humanoid aesthetics, design, and appearance. All of this is a potentially good lesson for the U.S.—so used to imbibing a distinct sense of technological superiority—since there exists a decided lack of attention on the humanoid robotics market and it’s explosive growth potential. While this sense of apathy is bound to end eventually as socio-cultural, informational, and educational channels in the U.S. increasingly open up discussion on humanoids, one can only speculate as to how and when this country actually will get on board with humanoids. For now, however, it appears that Aldebaran’s star will continue to shine brightly as a key contributor to the development of Robotics 2.0 and the commercialization of humanoids.
Tags: Aldebaran Robotics, consumer robotics, future of robotics, human robot interaction, humanoid robotics
Wow, what a find man. And go Nao.
I think we are aware that replicating body parts for an android(possible in future) is possible now, but the most important part is the brain, the A.I., something that will revolutionize Robots for ever.
BTW, have you read “i, Robot” or seen the movie? It really fascinates me, all the talk about the positronic brain and all.