Humanoid Robots

Science fiction books and movies have focused on innovations in robotics as an element of the future.  The future is today in many ways with humanoid robots hitting the market as companions, workers, and assistants.  As humanoid robots evolve from the lab to local streets, consumers will need to become better educated about the benefits of these robots.  There are many unique and different types of robots currently in existence today.

Traits of Humanoid Robots

The term “humanoid” in the humanoid robot designation makes the traits of these products easy to determine.  A humanoid robot features bipedal function with two legs able to roll, step or move in another fashion to simulate walking.  The overall structure of a humanoid robot resembles the body of a human complete with a rounded head, shoulders, legs, and hands.  The most important distinction between a humanoid and simple robot is the ability to interact with actual humans.  Different types of robots have been programmed in recent years to sing, speak and learn from humans in a fashion similar to human interaction.  The road block to progress in humanoid robot development lies in creating intuition and complex thought processes in future generations of robots.  

History of Humanoid Robots

Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan has figured heavily in the history of humanoid robots.  University scientists created Wabot-1 in 1973, a humanoid robot that could speak Japanese and create accurate measurements of lab spaces.  The second-generation Wabot-2 took interfacing with humans to the next level by demonstrating the ability to learn music.  Wabot-2 was able to read sheet music and play music on an electric organ in Waseda University demonstrations in 1984.  

The university’s scientists and researchers took humanoid robots to a new point in 1985 with the WASUBOT.  This humanoid robot built off the musical talents of Wabot-2 by playing with the NHK Symphony.  The Wabian robot produced in 1995 was able to use bipedal motion to walk, swing its arms and perform basic human movements.  Waseda University researchers also created the Hadaly-2 in 1997, a humanoid robot that interacted with its developers and used arm and shoulder motions to mimic body language.  

Researchers at private firms like Honda Motor Company and public facilities at Osaka University have furthered robotic development alongside Waseda University.  Honda has been developing bipedal robots since 1986 when it unveiled seven robots labeled E0 to E6.  These robots have given way to the eleventh-generation Honda robot ASIMO® that stands as the next generation of humanoid robots.  The Actroid robot created at Osaka University in 2003 featured silicone-based covering that was meant to simulate human skin.
 

Types of Robots

Honda ASIMO®

The Honda ASIMO® (http://asimo.honda.com/) stands for Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility and represents the best effort to create a humanoid robot to date.  Honda’s efforts to create humanoid robots since 1986 have led to the ASIMO, a 119-pound machine that stands about 51 inches tall.  While the Honda ASIMO® is not available for sale, lease or rental, the robot has been used by Honda Motor Company© to show its capabilities as a leader in robotics.  The Honda ASIMO® lives up to its boast as “the world’s most advanced humanoid robot” on a number of counts.  

The Honda ASIMO® is one of many different types of robots that replicate human motion with a maximum walking speed of 1.7 miles per hour and a running speed of 3.4 miles per hour.  The robot’s lithium-ion battery pack allows an hour of continuous operation before recharging is required.  In order to make the most out of its movements, the Honda ASIMO® features sensors in the wrists and feet to avoid bumping into walls and humans.  This humanoid robot can be allowed to run on its own or under control from an operator with the help of a wireless control board.  

Honda© is touting its latest humanoid robot as a solution to unfulfilled positions in factories and hospitals.  The Honda ASIMO® has been shown pushing carts, carrying trays and lifting light objects from one point to another point in the same room.  The robot’s 34 degrees of freedom allow independent motion of hands, feet, the neck, and other parts to ensure a full range of motion.  If the Honda ASIMO® does hit the market in the near future, thousands of units could be used to free up humans for more important functions.  

Aldebaran Robotics© and Project Nao®

Paris-based Aldebaran Robotics© (http://www.aldebaran-robotics.com/eng/) has been developing its Nao® humanoid robot since 2005: another of many different types of robots.  The Nao® stands at a mere 22 inches but replicates the motion and basic functions of a human after years of development.  Aldebaran Robotics© has promised delivery of its signature robot to the general public by the end of 2009 with more than a hundred Nao® units in laboratories and universities worldwide as of summer 2008.  

The researchers at Aldebaran Robotics© went to lengths to replicate human senses when creating the Nao®.  The company’s Choreographe software as well as its innovative hardware allows each robot to synthesize and recognize human voices.  Adlebaran Robotics© designed the Nao® with prehensile hands and 23 degrees of freedom to simulate human movement.  

The ultimate goal of Project Nao® is not confined to the helper robot functions of the Honda ASIMO®.  The audio and visual features of the Nao® can be connected to a user’s entertainment center to amplify movies, CDs and other media.  The internal video camera, hands, and easy movement of the Nao®might make the robot an effective home security tool.  Families may be able to use the Nao® as a companion for children, allowing kids to play with their robotic friends and learn languages through programmable voice lessons.  

Kawada Industries Promet®

Kawada Industries Inc © (http://www.kawada.co.jp/global/ams/hrp_2.html) is perhaps the furthest along of the robotic developers to getting a product on the market with its Promet® humanoid robot.  The Promet® stands at five feet tall and 127 pounds, a substantial physical specimen that can stand shoulder to shoulder with young adults.  Kawada Industries Inc. © has eschewed proprietary operational software in favor of an open applications architecture.  This openness to outside programming means that the Promet® can be programmed to perform any number of functions based on user requirements.  The Promet® features CCD stereo cameras, a compact power system and a NiMH battery that makes this product a different type of robot.  Kawada Industries Inc.© has indicated that it will rent out the Promet as a platform for research and development to commercial clients.