US Patent 11396102 Robots, methods, computer programs and computer-readable media

A robot comprises a first part and a second part moveable relative to the first part. The robot operates in an audio output mode in which the first and second parts are in a first configuration relative to each other and in which the robot outputs audio from an array of speakers using an audio output technique. The robot operates in a user interaction mode in which the first and second parts are in a second, different configuration relative to each other and in which the robot interacts with a user. The robot is configured to change from the audio output mode to the user interaction mode in response to the robot detecting a trigger event. Changing from the audio output mode to the user interaction mode comprises causing the first part to lift up relative to the second part.