EMPIRE GROUP BUILDS SCALED MODEL OF TOYOTA RESEARCH INSTITUTE’S PUNYO ROBOT
One of our clients, the Toyota Research Institute (TRI), created their Punyo robot to assist in users' personal and domestic tasks, such as carrying groceries, moving furniture, or assisting the elderly. The name Punyo indicates chubby, cute resilience in Japanese. This AI-learning, interactive humanoid robot consists of a head, arms, and sweatered torso, as well as a metal skeleton, cameras, and tactile sensors. Punyo is capable of full-body manipulation, lifting or bodily moving heavy, bulky, or unwieldy objects.
TRI was interested in making a commemorative figure of this impressive robot. In this case study, we'll explore how Empire Group produced a scaled model of the Punyo robot by leveraging our capabilities and experience in prototyping and short-run manufacturing.
Project Overview
Empire Group was tasked with fabricating a 9-inch model — scaled down from Punyo's 3-foot height — to commemorate TRI's soft robot. The product would serve as a memento and highlight Punyo's key elements and features.
We began by collaborating with the TRI team to gain an in-depth understanding of their unique project requirements, end-result expectations and goals, as well as any budget constraints. We visited the client's facility, took notes, and "met" Punyo. After some problem-solving, we utilized our in-house technology to design the necessary prototyping method for this specific project. Ultimately, our team was able to create a scaled model of Punyo that was both accurate and visually appealing, and as a result of this project, we've developed a continuing relationship with the institute.
Capabilities Used
Backed by Empire Group's 25 years of experience offering full-service capabilities from design and prototyping to manufacturing and installation, our team collaborated with multiple TRI contributors. Using Solid Works, we manipulated the existing database, and then our team utilized several of our core capabilities to complete this project:
Prototyping: Specializing in rapid and high-fidelity prototypes, our skilled team developed and produced the scaled model to look just like the original.
3D Printing: We leveraged our extensive stereolithography (SLA) and multi-jet fusion(MJF) 3D printing experience to provide an exceptionally detailed model through additive manufacturing.
Laser Cutting: We laser-cut parts for the robot model with precision, drawing on our fabrication expertise.
Engineering: Keeping the client's budget in mind, we worked closely with TRI to reverse-engineer the Punyo robot based on our consultations.
Finishing and Painting: For a custom paint job, we utilized acrylic paint to provide the robot model with a realistic, high-quality finish.
Assembly: Our team combined the 3D-printed components, sewn soft goods, and miniaturized aluminum rails into a completed assembly.
We achieved full articulation of the arms — which we made with tubes to replicate Punyo's electronic arm components — and SLA-printed the detailed robot head. This project evidenced our ability to take a concept and, with minimal instruction, generate a detailed prototype for clients' projects that meet or exceed their expectations.
Custom Design & Prototype Solutions From Empire Group
Empire Group is an industry leader in full-service prototyping and small-batch production in the Mid-Atlantic region, delivering exceptional solutions for clients in diverse industries. The commemorative 9-inch Punyo robot figure was an opportunity for our innovative team to demonstrate our expertise in intricate and accurate prototyping. According to the client, we succeeded in capturing the essence of Punyo in a high-quality model:
"These models are beautiful. Thank you for the love and attention to detail. And thank you, Adam, for walking me through it and appreciating the details of the model with me. Punyo means a lot to us, and you did it right."
— Tech Lead and Senior Manager, Toyota Research Institute
Committed to quality craftsmanship, high-tech production, superior customer service, and continual improvement, Empire Group is your trusted onshore partner for high-value projects. Contact us to learn how our expert team can support your next project with customized solutions, or request a quote today to get started.
Team Spotlight
We'd like to thank all of the Empire Group team members who brought the Punyo robot commemorative model to life. Our dedicated project leads, engineers, 3D technicians, painters, soft goods specialists, and more worked hard to support and serve another satisfied client.