Interactive Robotics in Medicine and Care

Blossom is an open-source robot that you can build yourself based on online instructions. Detailed information on the materials used, the composition of individual components and instructions for crocheting an outer casing are freely available.

Based on these instructions by Michael Suguitan and Guy Hoffman, we have built our own model of Blossom. The robot is around 30 cm high and was mainly manufactured using a 3D printer. Exceptions are his wooden rabbit ears and the self-crocheted shell. With its 5 built-in motors, it has quite a lot of freedom of movement and expressionism for a stationary robot, which is also achieved by its elastic inner life and thus more dynamic and less "robotic" movements. Due to the use of more familiar and "warmer" materials such as wood and wool instead of steel and metal, Blossom appears somewhat more approachable and is therefore particularly appealing to children. The aim of the DIY robot is, in addition to being able to build a robot with comparatively little technical know-how, to provide a platform for the development of social skills in children with autism, for example.