Robots are an innovative product that is the systematical combination of science, technology, and other fields. Moreover, robots have such a distinctive look that catches people’s attention. Thus, it is an interesting idea to have robots teach children about various mechanical systems, science, and technology that they have.

Therefore, the National Science Museum, which is an agency that develops and manages science-related museums in Thailand, thinks it is important to share scientific and technological knowledge to children through robots. Thus, they planned to create a permanent exhibition on robots titled “ROBOT Machine Intelligence Exhibition”, which will show the internal structure of the robot, the operation of various mechanisms, control systems, and the robot’s accuracy and intelligence.

The Institute of Field Robotics (FIBO) was assigned to design and build robots that will act as media for visitors to learn about science and technology. The research team has designed and built five robots in this project.

1) A humanoid robot is a robot that shows the internal structure of the robot. It looks like a human and moves as postures that were pre-programmed.

2) A receptionist robot is a robot who presents the robot exhibition to the public and moves in a controlled direction to interact with visitors.

3) An automatic robotic arm is a robot that demonstrates a system with high precision. The robot will automatically throw the basketball into the hoop at the target position

4) A hand-controlled robotic arm is a robot that shows intelligent systems. The robot can play the OX game with participants. The robot will pick up the block and place it on the board automatically while alternating with the task of placing a block in the desired spot by the command of participants.

5) Rescue robot is a robot that has cameras and sensors installed to demonstrate the operation of control systems and a variety of sensors.

Institute of Field Robotics (FIBO) uses the robotic technology ” Robotic Mapping ” for more efficient depth measurements. The project focuses on the development of remote controlling and tracking systems for an unmanned surface vehicle to help collect data and develop data processing systems (such as 3D images of the riverbank, water area, and buildings on the edge of the land) which will lead to more accurate data and offer more convenience to operating workers. The development will reduce the cost of importing technology from abroad and in the future, those systems can be adapted for a variety of tasks, for example, using 3D simulation for construction and land to determine flood levels, surveying coastal water areas for resource development, and identifying the wildfire area.

Hydro and Agro Informatics Institute (Public Organization) or HAII wants to continue developing unmanned aerial vehicles that FIBO has designed to help with high angle surveying. The project will focus on research and development to improve the efficiency of UAV such as longer flight duration and more wind-force resistance.  Also, the project implemented various devices to increase efficiency when operating missions. FIBO has developed 2 UAVs.

Vehicle 1: It is designed and developed for long-distance flights. The team focuses on testing propulsion and control systems suitable for the vehicle, especially to save energy and the UAV can fly longer.

Vehicle 2: It is designed and developed for mapping. The team focuses on the development of an image recording system and system for support of takeoff and landing (which uses shorter distances than regular takeoff and landing).

Faculty of Environment, Kasetsart University, wants to examine the dust concentration in the air to collect in-depth data for meteorological purposes by using compact dust collectors that collect dust samples from different heights. Institute of Field Robotics (FIBO) was assigned to design and construct the aircraft to collect dust samples in different layers of Earth’s atmosphere. Four aircraft were constructed to take dust collectors to designated heights and return them to the ground. Each flight operates for 10 minutes. The aircraft can identify the heights during the operation and can change heights during each operation.

Institute of Field Robotics (FIBO) developed and built a public relations robot for Bank of Thailand. The robot can greet visitors, demonstrate methods for examining suspect counterfeit banknotes, and interact with visitors by using a simple artificial intelligence technology. This robot is a semi-humanoid with the upper part resembling a human and acting like humans while the lower part of the robot is a base with three wheels. The robot has a steering system that allows it to move conveniently over obstacles, rough areas, and outdoors. The robot learns and remembers actions such as how to pick a banknote, how to demonstrate simple methods for examining suspect counterfeit banknotes, how to speak in Thai sentences, and how to show a lesson through a screen on its body.

Thai Oil Co., Ltd. sees the importance of automation as an effective solution for the maintenance of manufacturing processes. Pipeline transportation system is very crucial for the company but in-pipe inspection is very difficult for workers. Thus, the company assigned the Institute of Field Robotics (FIBO) to research the possibility of automation and develop the in-pipe inspection robot to be used instead of workers to reduce risks, mistakes, and difficulties while increasing efficiency and manufacturing volumes.

Geo-science and Petroleum Engineering Research Department, Institute of Technology and Research, PTT Public Company Limited, wanted to develop tools/equipment and increase the efficiency of underwater structure inspection and exploration. Thus, the Institute of Field Robotics (FIBO) was assigned to research and develop the prototype of Hybrid Remotely Operated Underwater Vehicle for Structural Inspection Tasks to inspect and examine underwater structures. The project aims to reduce the cost of hiring suppliers and improve the efficiency of maintenance, inspection, and exploration.

Today, the survey and inspection of areas with landmines are still going on. Officers need to spend a great amount of time to inspect many areas with great risks. Thus, the Institute of Field Robotics (FIBO) proposes “Mine and Bomb Detection and Disposal Robot”. The inspection and disposal of suspected bombs will be safer. The risk to officers disarming explosives will be reduced. Institute of Field Robotics (FIBO) was assigned by the Engineer Department, Fort Bhanurangsi, to develop a robot for mine and bomb detection and disposal that can search areas for landmines or bombs to reduce the risk to officers and the public.