Platinum Vehicle, Mobility and Transportation Design · 2021
CanguRo Mobility Robot
- A' Design Award 2021 Platinum Winner in Vehicle, Mobility and Transportation Design
- Awarded April 15, 2021
- CLIENT: Shunji Yamanaka and Future Robotics Technology Center (fuRo)
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 2,466,115
- Verification code EF83C7EE61 · Verify this award
About CanguRo Mobility Robot
With CanguRo, a new relationship between machines and humans in the era of artificial intelligence has been created. Blessed with advanced robotics and AI technologies, this three-wheeled robot is an independent yet friendly partner, capable of self-driving and following human walk via smartphone commands. Besides, when it transforms, CanguRo becomes a personal transporter providing an actual ride. Its concept is to offer the joy of moving and to activate people’s daily lives.
Drawing upon the rich tradition of human-machine collaboration that has distinguished mobility design since the earliest personal transportation innovations, this work by Shunji Yamanaka and the future robotics laboratory represents a significant contribution to the evolving discourse on autonomous personal mobility. The CanguRo Mobility Robot embodies a design philosophy wherein technological capability serves human need through forms that invite emotional connection rather than inspire technological intimidation, its zoomorphic silhouette suggesting a companionable presence that extends beyond mere functional conveyance. The formal achievement lies in the seamless integration of transformable mechanical systems within an organic sculptural envelope, where articulated joints and structural members resolve into a unified gestalt that reads simultaneously as vehicle, robot, and creature. Technically, the work demonstrates exceptional command of surface hierarchy, employing material differentiation to communicate functional zones while maintaining visual cohesion through consistent geometric language and carefully orchestrated chromatic relationships. The iridescent visor element and illuminated wheel rim suggest perceptive capability and technological sophistication without overwhelming the approachable character of the overall form, while the warm amber accent light at the central articulation point introduces a subtle anthropomorphic warmth to the otherwise cool metallic palette. Thematically, this design appears to explore the territory between tool and companion, suggesting a future wherein personal mobility devices possess sufficient autonomy and character to function as supportive presences rather than passive instruments. The sweeping curves and crouching stance evoke animal preparedness for motion, perhaps referencing the namesake kangaroo's capacity for both powerful locomotion and attentive stillness. One might contemplate how this work invites reconsideration of our relationship with technological objects, suggesting that the boundaries between transportation device, robotic assistant, and designed companion may productively dissolve when form and function achieve such harmonious integration.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- With CanguRo, we hope to forge a new relationship between machines and humans in the era of artificial intelligence (AI). Blessed with advanced robotics and AI technologies, this three-wheeled robot is an independent yet friendly partner, capable of autonomously coming to you via smartphone commands, avoiding obstacles and following your walk. When it transforms, furthermore, CanguRo is ready to give us an actual ride, being not just a vehicle but a trustworthy creature like a horse.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- This three-wheeled mobility robot has 750 mm in length (in the vehicle mode), 440 mm of width and 64 kg of mass, and is driven by two front wheels (12 inch) and steered by one rear wheel (10 inch). With a laser sensor installed, it can move to a specified destination autonomously and follow a walking human. It can also transform to a personal transporter, featured by active lean balancing, bilaterally weight-controlled handle, body-sonic status communication and automatic braking.
- Tags
- Mobility Robot, Autonomous Mobile Robot, Partner Robot, Personal Vehicle, Transporter, Artificial Intelligence
- Production Technology
- Essential to a machine intelligence for autonomous navigation is a technology, called SLAM, for localization and map building. Our original software package is successfully implemented with navigation and obstacle-detecting functions. Another importance is on the enhancement of the sense of unity. All the elements that make up this robot, including its figure, structure and various control systems combining familiarity and functionality, are fully designed for this objective.
- Design Challenge
- Enhancing a sense of unity between the rider and the robot is our challenge. For this purpose, several new ideas are implemented. For example, CanguRo uses tactically placed force sensors to find rider's intentions and changes its posture for stable turns. It also has a unique communication system of heartbeat-like body sonic and bilaterally weight-controlled handle. Footrests are located at swing forks closely to in-wheel drive units, allowing us to feel CanguRo's drive force through our legs.
- Project Duration
- This mobility robot was designed and developed in Japan and exhibited at several museums including Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York, 2019 and the Design Museum in London, 2020.
- Operation Flow
- The operation of CanguRo is rather easy. While surroundings are mapped automatically, you can choose either of the autonomous robot or the transporter operation. At a shopping mall, for example, you can summon CanguRo by a smartphone and start shopping while leaving your baggage on the following CanguRo. If you feel tired, you can ride CanguRo in the transporter mode as well. These functionalities of CanguRo have a great potential to change our daily lives and expand the range of our activities.
- Research
- As a new class of partner robots, an actual working model, CanguRo, capable of self-driving, following a walking human as well as transforming to a personal vehicle, has been designed and developed. The primary concept is to promote a sense of unity between the robot and us and to offer the joy of moving, leading to encouragement of going outside and being active in our daily lives. Through its presentations to the society, we continue to evaluate the social value of such a mobility robot.
- Inspiration
- Since old days, horses have been our faithful and reliable partners. They have not only been a means of our transportation, but also lived with us and helped our lives in many ways through carrying loads or going along for hunting. This design project was inspired by the realization of their importance as our close friends. Focusing on their roles in our lives, we have attempted and succeeded to create such a partner using today's civilization technologies.
- Image Credits
- Photo by Yusuke Nishibe
- Patents
- Future Robotics Technology Center (fuRo)
Colors of CanguRo Mobility Robot
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Advanced Robotics and Mobility Development Services
We specialize in cutting-edge robotics research, creating intelligent mobility solutions and autonomous systems. Our expertise spans from disaster response robots to consumer products, combining AI technology with innovative mechanical design.
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