Care-O-bot I (1998) by Fraunhofer IPA, Stuttgart. The Care-O-bot could navigate autonomously and safely in indoor environments, communicate with people, and act as a guide. The first video shows an application scenario designed in 1997 which still serves as a benchmark for the development of different Care-O-bot prototypes. The second video shows Care-O-bot I operating as a guide at the 2001 FESTO anniversary exhibition. It could escort visitors to different destinations selected from Care-O-bot's interactive touch screen.
"The first Care-O-bot® prototype was built by Fraunhofer IPA in 1998. It consisted of a mobile platform with a moveable interactive touchscreen which enabled intuitive communication with the human user. Care-O-bot® I was already able to navigate safely and reliably in public environments and could thus execute simple transportation tasks. In addition the robot operated successfully as a trade fair and exhibition guide on several occasions and provided the basis for the development of the three museum robots in Berlin."
