The Story
In late 2017, Samsung was exploring the possibility of entering the robotics business as an outgrowth of its robotic vacuum cleaner line. However, the leading consensus was that it would be impossible for Samsung to achieve this quickly while managing the product development goals for the consumer market. A disruption was needed, and we decided to step into the fray.
From a strategic perspective, industrial robots were expensive to own and operate but capable, and personal robots were more akin to animated smart assistants. Overcoming these limitations required a leap in both physical design and AI.
The physical and mechanical systems were co-designed to create a cost-effective yet approachable and silent robot. Like an F1 car, where the engine carries the vehicle’s forces, the motors and gearboxes in our design not only move the robot but also provide structural rigidity. This led to a robust yet cost-effective design with mass production in mind. At the same time, we ensured that the design harkened to a human form with joints that did not protrude and hidden sensors throughout to provide visibility where needed.
The state-of-the-art perception systems include cameras on the lateral rail and the gripper. The body can sense contact anywhere to stop the robot, not only in case of a collision but also simply when it touches a human body. A voice interface connects with the planning system to accept commands, while a visual identification and mapping system tracks tools, items on the counter, and more. Lastly, the adaptive path planner can adjust to different sizes of containers and cookware to provide versatility.
Public appearances and beyond
Bot Chef premiered to the public at IFA 2019 in Berlin and at the ensuing CES 2020. The public feedback strongly contributed to the impetus to create a Samsung Robotics Business Unit to investigate the possibilities of advanced consumer robots thoroughly, and as demonstrated in 2021, it drove the design and direction of Samsung robots in the ensuing years.
