The main objectives of iCub Tech Facility are to continue the development of the humanoid robotic platforms iCub and R1 and to provide support to Research Lines (icub@iit) and to external labs using our robots.
We are a multidisciplinary team (around 30 members) composed of engineers, software developers, and technicians. We adopt Agile Scrum methodology: every 12 weeks, we share the results of our accomplished activities with the icub@iit community and then plan for the next program increment period.
We take a 360-degree approach to robotics including mechanical and electronic design, power sources, sensor development (e.g., tactile, cameras), control, leveraging advanced and fast prototyping design methodologies (e.g., model-based system engineering), and integrating new technologies provided by other IIT Units (e.g., Smart Materials).
iCub Tech Facility is also a technology provider partner in many European Projects, Sponsored Research Agreements, and Joint Labs.
More than 50 iCub humanoids have been delivered to best-in-class robotics labs worldwide (EU, UK, USA, Canada, China, Korea, Japan, Chile, and Singapore).
iCub3, the evolution of iCub, has been used in the ANA Avatar XPrize competition, qualifying for the Finals in Los Angeles where it performed best among the bipedal humanoid robots.
We developed a new humanoid called ergoCub (https://ergocub.eu/) specifically designed in shape, size, power, and mass distribution to work in partnership with human operators in warehouse environments. The final goal is to help workers accomplish heavy tasks while reducing the risk of injuries. INAIL sponsors the project.
