NICO
Neuro-Inspired COmpanion.
An open-source Robot for multi-modal research.
“Interdisciplinary research, drawing from robotics, artificial intelligence, neuroscience, psychology, and cognitive science, is a cornerstone to advance the state-of-the-art in multimodal human-robot interaction and neuro-cognitive modelling.
For this purpose, we introduce NICO (Neuro-Inspired COmpanion), an Open Source humanoid designed by the Knowledge Technology group in the University of Hamburg.
NICO is a developmental robot that fills a gap between necessary sensing and interaction capabilities and flexible design. This combination makes it a novel neuro-cognitive research platform for embodied sensorimotor computational and cognitive models in the context of multimodal interaction. “
(Photo Credit and Text (adapted): University of Hamburg, Knowledge Technology Group)
A contributor to the Open Source NICO project, Seed Robotics offers NICO as a fully assembled solution, ready to start your research.
If you wish to accessall the benefits of NICO and you don’t have the time or don’t want to build it yourself, Seed Robotics will build one to your specs.
1 year Warranty and Lifetime Support are included included.
Facial Expression capability
NICO includes LED matrixes in its eyebrows and mouth capable of displaying a number of expressions from happiness to anger and surprise.
The open source code can be extended with user designed expressions.
Two 4K High Resolution Cameras in the Eyes
State of the art cameras and lenses which are capable of up to 60fps at 4K resolution (lower resolutions at higher frame rates also possible)
Professional Stereo Sound Capture System
Two microphones (one in each ear), allow for precise Stereo sound capture directly to your computer.
RH4D Manipulators
Enable advanced grasping and sensing for exploration and learning scenarios.
Additionally, they complete NICO in its “humanoid” look, and can be leveraged in Human Robot Interface (Social) research as well.
Alternatively, NICO can be fitted with the Seed Robotics RH5D/RH7D Child size hands.
There are dozens of videos of NICO doing amazing things.
For starters, check out the official Youtube page from the University of Hamburg
Python open source Framework
An open source framework in Python is readily available for NICO along with simulation models for V-Rep.
By relying on Python researchers gain access to a number of valuable tools and frameworks.
USB Interface on all modules
All modules of NICO (sound, vision, motor control, …) come with convenient USB interfaces.
The USB interfaces make it easy to change computers quickly and universally support a wide variety of systems.
Mechanical features
10 Degrees of Freedom in the Torso (Head and Arms)
22 Additional degrees of Freedom in the Hands
(under actuated, 8 motors).
Open Source Repositories
CAD:
https://github.com/knowledgetechnologyuhh/NICO-cad
Software:
https://github.com/knowledgetechnologyuhh/NICO-software
e-Manual
NICO Robots supplied by Seed Robotics are sold Pre-assembled and tested. A quick setup is required after unpacking.
Check our e-Manual Page for information on Assembly & Quick Start with NICO