Visitor Information and Dancing Jigs – Made Possible with Reliable Connections
Weidmüller's PCB terminals and connectors are connecting signals and power for the 37 EXPO robots currently on the job in Shanghai. They allow the robot to remain constantly "approachable" and react appropriately to the wishes of visitors.
The EXPO 2010 World's Fair has been open to visitors throughout the world from May to October 2010. With a theme of "Better City, Better Life", 242 exhibitors from 192 nations and 50 international organizations were displaying the many sides of urban development. The 5.28-square-kilometre EXPO grounds were host to a multitude of presentations – and so it was essential that visitors have quick access to plenty of orientation aids. Special assistance was provided to EXPO visitors by the Haibao robots. Thirty-seven robots were on duty throughout the fair grounds and Shanghai's two international airports. The 1.55-meter-tall robots had been designed in the likeness of EXPO mascot Haibao – a friendly little man in the shape of the Chinese character for the word "person".
The robots carried a touch screen that could offer helpful information in six languages to visitors concerning the EXPO and various transportation options. Visitors could use the camera installed on the head of the robot to photograph themselves. The robot could also record and see the actions of people and react accordingly. They were capable of giving a verbal greeting in six languages, were equipped with an intelligent "handshake system", and could even perform a short friendly jig and sing a song.
Reliably connecting power and signals
These robots were designed by Zhejiang University and SUPCON Ltd., a leading provider of products, systems, solutions and services for industrial automation in China. The robots were in need of reliable components during the six-month EXPO to help them connect their power and signal transmissions.
The constricted space available on the robot's circuit board presented a key challenge for the connectors. Weidmüller designed the optimal solution for a compact, high-pole connection: the BCF/SC 3.81 PCB connector. The female plug is extremely flat with a height of only 7.9 mm. Yet it can connect with wires up to 1.5 mm² including ferrule and plastic collar.
Prepared wires can be connected very quickly with the PUSH IN connection so that they are then held reliably even in vibrating conditions. The wire connection method was also the key reason why SUPCON decided to go with the LSF-SMT 3.81 PCB terminals.
Weidmüller's LUP 10.16/90 PCB terminals were also being used for the robots. These terminals have a maintenance-free, clamping-yoke connection. This provided EXPO organisers with the assurance that the moving Haibao robots would function smoothly. Outfitted from Weidmüller, the Haibao robots have offered their support and kept international EXPO visitors entertained during the EXPO 2010.
