Study on face robot for active human interface-mechanisms of face robot and expression of 6 basic facial expressions

In order to develop an active human interface (AHI) that realizes heart-to-heart communication between intelligent machine and human being, we have been undertaking the investigation of the method for improving the sensitivity of “KANSEI” communication between intelligent machine and human being. This paper deals with the mechanical aspects of “Face Robot” that produces facial expressions in order to express the artificial emotions as in human being. We select the flexible microactuator (FMA) driven by air pressure for the sake of moving the control points of face robot corresponding to action units (AUs), and then we design and construct a 3 dimensional human-face-like robot. Then we undertake recognition test by showing the face images of 6 basic facial expressions expressed on the face robot, and the results show us that the correct recognition ratio accomplishes 83.3% for 6 basic facial expressions. This high ratio indicates the possibility of the face robot as a “KANSEI” communication media between intelligent machine and human being