The Role of 3D-Technologies in Humanoid Robotics: A Systematic Review for 3D-Printing in Modern Social Robots

Abstract

The novelty of Three Dimensional (3D) technologies for modeling and printing robotics parts are increasingly popular. In order to use 3D technologies in designing modern social humanoid robots and to draw convincing concluding remarks for other researchers’ references, we need to critically incorporate various latest works available in the field of 3D printing and humanoid robotics. The basic principle behind 3D-printing is that it permits the creation of complex artefacts in the simplest possible way. Thus, the aim of this study is to critically evaluate the role of 3D-technologies for developing modern social robots in humanoid robotics. The research methodology is systematic review the relevant literatures on Web of Science and Scopus. Two large literature databases were screened to get the latest 3D print research and applications in modern social robots. As a result, 61 articles were analyzed, discussed and reviewed. We investigated and compared the use of 3D printing for various purposes such as humanoid robots, social robot models, hybrid robot projects and social robot auxiliaries. The finding leads to the design principles that contribute to the home-built 3D printed humanoid robot by adding all the dimensions together, following the principles of social robotics. Future research will revolve around these definitions for the applied role of 3D technology in modern social robotics and to develop a low-cost prototype of 3D printed humanoid robot, which will be reported in another paper.