Abstract:
In-Person Away Virtual Events, LLC (IPAVE) uses robotics to provide our clients, their family, and friends with an alternative way to host or include remote participants in social occasions (weddings, funerals, etc.). IPAVE provides a light-weight, nimble robotics unit, controlled by the remote participant, that holds a tablet for two-way communication. This robot and its functionality allows participants who are unable to attend an event in-person to attend remotely with a richer hybrid experience. This robot needs to be light-weight, low cost, and easily transported between events. It integrates with a tablet application that allows remote participants to interact with in person guests. Students on the IPAVE team will design and develop a virtual presence robot focusing on mobility and remote navigation control, with the majority of the components sourced within the United States.
You can see an example of a current IPAVE virtual presence robot here.
Impact:
The IPAVE business model relies on developing a fleet of robust, low-cost robotics units that can support a large geographic area of event locations, homes, and residential care facilities, including but not limited to nursing homes, senior and assisted living facilities, hospitals, and urgent care facilities. The robot is also useful for family consultations during medical appointments and companions for those undergoing chemotherapy and other infusion-related services.
Structure/Locomotion (2 Students)
Specific Skills: Electro-mechanical system design. Electric Motors, Transmissions, Drive Units.
Likely Majors: ME
Industrial Design (1-2 Students)
Specific Skills: Interest in the industrial design / aesthetic. Mechanical Design; Techniques for fast prototyping. Experimental Testing and Evaluation.
Likely Majors: ARTDES, ME
Basic Sensing/Navigation Battery Power System Design and Controls
(1-2 Students)
Specific Skills: Sensor / Navigation system design, battery technologies, power usage and basic controls
Likely Majors: ROB, EE, CE
App Development (2 Students)
Specific Skills: Android programming; App development; Must have completed EECS 281 or equivalent.
Likely Majors: CS or equivalent background
Sponsor and Executive Mentor
Linda Williams
Owner and Operator
The owner of In-Person Away Virtual Events, LLC, Linda F. Williams, has 30 plus years in Instructional Design, Adult Learning and Engagement, Facilitation, as well as Training and Development experience. She also holds a Master of Education degree in Instructional Design and Technology and a Certificate in Information Technology with a focus on Software Development.
Faculty Mentor
Shai Revzen
Assistant Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Shai’s research interests include the study of bio-inspired robotics and new methods and mechanisms for control. He has also been involved with the scientific study of animal and human locomotion based on nonlinear dynamical systems, and application to design of legged robotic vehicles and other devices.
Citizenship Requirements:
- This project is open to all students.
- International students on an F-1 will be required to declare part-time CPT during Winter 2023and Fall 2023 terms.
IP/NDA: Students will sign standard University of Michigan IP/NDA documents.
Summer Project Activities: No required summer activity will take place on the project. A modest summer stipend may be available for students wishing to work on the project over the summer.