LAVER LABS

AMBIDEX is a dual-arm robot created through a research collaboration with Korea Tech. When it was first unveiled in 2017, it drew attention from roboticists and media around the world with its innovative force transfer mechanism that satisfies both robustness and safety. The exterior design at that time emphasized the unique driving characteristics of AMBIDEX and its futuristic image.

Arm X (Head + Torso + Waist)

The biggest improvement to AMBIDEX is the addition of various parts. We have added a sensor head and the torso and the waist to greatly expand the range of movement. Compared to the previous arm-centered version, the overall impression and balance has completely changed.

Simply put, you can also say that it now looks more similar to humans. However, making robots look like people is not the design we pursue at NAVER LABS. Robots must ultimately coexist naturally with humans while having its own identity. For that reason, we wanted to emphasize the unique impression of a high-performance robot, rather than simply imitating humans.

Derived from Flexible Movement

We got the basic idea from the robot’s dynamic movement. The innovation of AMBIDEX lies in its flexible movement and safe interaction. Several visual motifs were obtained by observing the movement of AMBIDEX. After numerous sketches and 3D modeling tests, we designed visual experience to make AMBIDEX's movements look smoother and more flexible.

We intended to emphasize the feeling of smooth volume for the torso[MOU3]  design. However, flexible and smooth design can sometimes feel be monotonous or dull. Since this could deter the dynamic image of AMBIDEX, we appropriately applied details such as clean-cut edges or basic shapes. As a whole, we ensured that all lines were naturally connected to give the impression of seamless lines.

Unifying the color of the metal frame with soft black and applying strong color contrast have reduced the visual volume and gives a sharper image to the robot. We also reduced the visual complexity by using the black areas to hide sensor and bolted parts.

Minimal Design, Maximum Perfection

It is also important to note that AMBIDEX is a robot platform for research purposes. In other words, research efficiency should not be sacrificed simply for external image. Rather than over-applying design elements, we focused on reducing them. For various experiments or PoCs, we must also improve ease of assembly and movement. Considering the robot’s movement, we minimized the cover configuration, focused on the details of the parting line for cover separation, preserved the wiring while reinterpreting it as a design element, and maximized the overall visual balance and unity while showing the basic structure.

AMBIDEX started from the unique characteristics of human arms and was developed in a completely different way from existing robot arms. We wanted a design that can 100% demonstrate the functions of this robot, and at the same time, takes its 200% potential into account. This is because it is an excellent research platform that is constantly being upgraded. That being said, AMBIDEX’s design is not future-oriented, but future-progressive.