Hong Kong, as the largest toy exporter in the world, can benefit from network-based smart toys in the long run. The coherent set of technologies will seamlessly integrate the computeraided design, smart materials, learning algorithm, human interface, control strategy and network communication of the smart toys.
Four unique features are exhibited in smart toys:
(1) Personalized intelligent: the toys can learn the players’ intentions and skills as well as identify the players;
(2) Interactive: the toys allow the players to participate in competition interactively;
(3) Modular: the toys are designed as assemblies of modular parts so as to allow players to reconfigurate different toys with modular parts;
(4) Networked: the toys can allow multiple players from remote sites to join together for fun through computer networks.
The new technologies developed in this project will help the Hong Kong toy and related industries to maintain a leading position by providing the tools for designing and producing innovative lines of products more efficiently at lower costs.
(1) Engineering design: we are developing the system by integrating various micro-sensors, actuators and computing technologies based on a layered architecture. The low-level functions of the robots are abstracted into different simple behaviors to facilitate resources sharing.
(2) Micro-systems: Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) is the integration of mechanical elements, sensors,
actuators, and electronics on a common silicon substrate through the utilization of microfabrication technology. One of the key features of the smart toys is that it will always be on, wherever you go and whatever you do.
(3) Smart materials: smart materials can respond with a change in shape upon application of externally applied driving forces. We will use innovative materials such as the shape memory alloy for providing the joints with appropriate acutation and flexibility. The power required to drive these actuation is very low.
(4) Network: we will construct a distributed wearable robot management architecture based on JINI technology. The functions of the toys and networked machines are conceptualized as services.
(5) Artificial intelligence: we will capture the interaction between humans and smart toys using a fusion of visual information, touch sensing, motion sensing and physiological sensing. The intention of the player can be interpreted by observing his/her body motion in front of the visual perceptual interface.
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