D.A.M.E. Project
Inspiration

Our inspiration: TARS.
Problem Statement and Solution
In today's society, there is a growing demand for interactive and intelligent companions that extend beyond virtual assistants like Siri or Alexa. While these AI systems have made significant strides in voice recognition and response, they lack a physical presence that can engage users on a more personal and tangible level. Existing robotic companions in the market are often limited by high costs, simplistic interactions, or lack of adaptability, leaving a gap for a more accessible and emotionally engaging solution. This underscores the need for a small, versatile robot that can serve as a personable AI companion, offering both functional assistance and meaningful interactions.
Our project aims to address this need by designing and creating a compact robot inspired by TARS from the movie Interstellar. This robot will function as an AI companion, capable of understanding and responding to user inputs through speech and visuals, thereby providing a more immersive interactive experience. By integrating advanced robotics with AI technologies, we intend to develop a companion that is not only capable of assisting with everyday tasks but also of forming a personal connection with the user. This endeavor will contribute to the field of personal robotics by making sophisticated AI companionship more accessible and by pushing the boundaries of human-robot interaction.
To develop a compact AI companion robot inspired by TARS from Interstellar, the proposed solution integrates mobility, artificial intelligence, voice recognition, display capabilities, motor control, speech synthesis, and remote control functionality. The robot aims to interact with users through speech, visual displays, and physical movements, providing a multifaceted user experience.
Movement
User Interface
University of Notre Dame
Electrical Engineering Senior Design 2025