Myon

Frackenpohl Poulheim has created the humanoid robot "Myon", which was developed as part of the European research project ALEAR in the laboratory for neurorobotics at the Humboldt University in Berlin. Myon represents the M-series, which consists of five identical robots, which are based on a new and exciting modular concept.

Bayer MaterialScience could be won as another partner for the development of the external appearance of "Myon".

Already at a very early stage of the development process of the robot we could work together with the laboratory for neurorobotics. Thus as the first step in a multi-day workshop we determined together with the scientists the character of "Myon”. Once this objective was formulated we had to find the corresponding proportions for the shape and to communicate with the constructors. “This has a decisive influence on the effect the robot has on the observer,” says Andre Poulheim, who together with Thorsten Frackenpohl wanted to implement this project in their own studio even without any compensation. “Robots can easily appear slightly threatening, if for example the shoulders are too broad. Myon, however, should appear friendly and in analogy to his body size, which corresponds to an eight year old child, he should radiate no risk,” says Poulheim.

In addition to the creative-symbolic design features, the casing of the robot also needs to fulfill technical and practical functions. In case “Myon” tumbles, the skin protects the sensitive inner workings from damage. Together with Bayer MaterialScience we succeeded in developing a material specifically for this utilization which meets the creative as well as the technical requirements.

The transparent outer layer made of Makrolon provides the desired effect of depth and glass fiber reinforced polycarbonate creates the necessary stability.