PopupBot, a Robotic Pop-up Space for Children: Origami-based Transformable Robotic Playhouse Recognizing Children's Intention

To help people use their limited space efficiently, we propose an origami-based transformable robotic space called “PopupBot.” Specifically, we developed a robotic playhouse for children. A large origami structure with a bellows pattern is controlled by a servo motor and transforms into various types of furniture. For natural child-robotic space interaction, PopupBot perceives the child's intention for the space through speech recognition and provides appropriate space by inferring the space type matching the intention. We expect the PopupBot to provide a new space for people who suffer from staying in limited space especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic.