Kobe City: “Kobeport(oo),” an autonomous mobile robot built by students of Kobe National College of Technology

Press Release (July 12, 2023)
Port Planning Division, Port and Harbor Bureau and Kobe City National College of Technology
The Port and Harbor Bureau and Kobe City National College of Technology (Kobe National College of Technology) are jointly conducting research and development on robots to “utilize IoT and robots for inspection and maintenance of port facilities,” “conduct various activities at places for citizens to relax” and “improve technical skills and knowledge of students of Kobe National College of Technology. The Kobe National College of Technology is jointly conducting research and development on robots for the following purposes.
An autonomous mobile robot connected to a water sprinkler unit (mist curtain) will deliver coolness to visitors to the Minato Festival.

1. About the autonomous mobile robot “Kobeport(oo)n”
・The autonomous mobile robot was created by students of Kobe National College of Technology. The robot itself detects surrounding terrain and obstacles and automatically moves along a specified route.
Overall length 860mm, width 740mm, height 910mm, main body weight 37.5kg]
・This robot is characterized by its ability to respond to various tasks and requirements by replacing the unit to be towed. Even large units weighing more than 100 kg at maximum can be towed.

2. Noteworthy points
・Pulling a large-capacity trash can and a water sprinkler unit (mist curtain), the unit makes a circuit around the venue, contributing to beautification activities and countermeasures against abnormally high temperatures in the event venue.
The system also has a sound and light notification function to ensure smooth and safe movement even in crowded venues.
Students of Kobe National College of Technology will explain the fun and difficulty of robot making and how “Kobeport(oo)n” works.

Robot Making: Kobe National College of Technology Robotics https://sites.google.com/g.kobe-kosen.ac.jp/kobe-kosen-robotics/home

3. The 22nd “Kobe Love Port, Minato Festival”
〇Date: July 16 (Sunday) and 17 (Monday, national holiday), 11:00 – 20:00
〇Place: Meriken Park (2-2 Hashiba-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe City)