RoboticXO is an interactive robotic installation built using a collaborative robotic arm (cobot) with inbuilt force–torque sensors, designed to play tic-tac-toe against a human on a physical board. The project demonstrates how safe, compliant robotics and deterministic decision-making can be integrated into a real-world human–robot interaction system.
At its core, RoboticXO combines perception, game logic, and precise robotic motion into a single synchronized loop. The robot detects human moves in real time, validates the game state, calculates the optimal response, and physically executes its move with controlled force and smooth motion. The choice of a simple, universally understood game allows the focus to remain on system intelligence, safety, and interaction quality rather than visual complexity.
The collaborative robotic arm is a key design element. Its native force–torque sensing enables compliant motion during piece pickup and placement, ensuring gentle contact with the board and immediate response to unexpected resistance or human interference. This makes the system inherently safe for close-range operation without external safety barriers, making it suitable for public demonstrations, exhibitions, and educational environments.
Game intelligence is implemented using deterministic rule-based logic and decision trees. The robot continuously evaluates the board state, prioritizes winning moves, blocks opponent wins, and selects optimal draw-preserving strategies when necessary. Every detected move is validated to prevent illegal actions such as overwriting occupied cells or playing out of turn, ensuring robust and predictable gameplay.
Motion planning is tightly coupled with sensor feedback. Once a move is selected, the cobot follows a smooth, collision-free trajectory tuned for human-friendly speeds. Force–torque data is monitored throughout execution to regulate applied pressure and halt or adapt motion if abnormal forces are detected, preserving both safety and system reliability.
RoboticXO is designed for direct, face-to-face interaction. The robot’s deliberate movements, predictable timing, and force-aware behavior help build user trust and make the experience intuitive even for first-time users. Optional visual or audio cues can be integrated to indicate turn changes, move confirmation, or game outcomes.
The system follows a modular architecture with clearly separated perception, game logic, motion planning, and robot control layers. This allows easy extension of the platform, such as upgrading the perception system, introducing adaptive or learning-based strategies, or integrating external displays and analytics.
RoboticXO serves as a strong demonstration of collaborative robotics, applied AI, and human–robot interaction. It is well suited for STEM education, technology exhibitions, innovation labs, and corporate showcases where complex robotics concepts need to be communicated through a simple, engaging, and tangible experience.
Key Highlights
- Collaborative robotic arm with inbuilt force–torque sensing
- Safe, compliant human–robot interaction
- Real-time game state detection and validation
- Deterministic decision-making and optimal gameplay logic
- Precision motion planning with force-aware execution
- Modular, extensible system architecture
This project illustrates how thoughtful system design can turn a simple game into a compelling demonstration of modern robotics—where intelligence, safety, and physical interaction coexist naturally.