Are robots key to Japan’s New Economy? – Tech News – CNET.com

By Reuters

April 2, 2002, 8:45 AM PT

By the end of the decade, the people who disarm bombs and search for survivors after a disaster may no longer need to put their lives on the line. A machine, possibly made in Japan, may be able to handle the dangerous stuff.

That is one goal of the Japanese government’s $37.7 million Humanoid Robotics Project (HRP), which aims to market within a few years robots that can operate power shovels, assist construction workers and care for the elderly.

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Daily Yomiuri On-Line

We, robots

Tony Lee Daily Yomiuri Staff Writer

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For most people, this is the very stuff of science fiction, but for 26 robot companies and research centers strutting their stuff at Robodex 2002, robots are the new wave. Some hope to get in on the ground floor of young markets, or perhaps create new ones. Others are more idealistic, motivated by a vision of a future partnership between human and humanoid.

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Robodex: Humanoid robots strut their stuff

Thursday 28 March 2002

Robodex 2002, the world’s only exhibition devoted to entertainment robots, begins today in Tokyo.

This year’s Robodex not only focuses on robots for entertainment, but robots that can co-exist and work in a human society. These include robots that educate kids, assist people who need medical support and can stand watch and guard the inside of a building at night.

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KYODO NEWS

Sanyo unveils security robots

Mar. 25 OSAKA, Japan

Sanyo's Robot Guard


Sanyo Electric Co. unveils two models of a prototype security robot March 25. The robots, jointly developed with venture business Tmsuk Inc., have a built-in sound sensor enabling users to control their moves via mobile phone and a built-in camera to capture images of their surroundings.

Japan’s Sanyo creates robot guard-dog 25 March 2002 1903 hrs (SST) 1103 hrs (GMT)

Japanese consumer electronics maker Sanyo Electric has created a robot guard-dog that can challenge burglars and take pictures of them with a camera fitted in its nose.

It has been refered to as a utility robot.

“Our robot is connected to a third-generation mobile phone. You can see your house on your mobile phone screen via the robot and ensure home safety,” said a Sanyo spokesman.

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Robot Guard Dog Unveiled

Last Updated: 12:38 UK, Tuesday March 26, 2002

Robot Guard

A prototype of a robot guard dog, which could revolutionise security in homes or offices, has been unveiled in Japan.

The four-legged robot can roam through buildings under the command of a security control centre or homewowner, to check the building is secure.

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Prototype “SDR-4X” : Main Specifications

CPU: 64 bit RISC processor (x2)

Main Recording Device: 64MB DRAM (x2)

Operating System: Aperios (Sony’s original real time OS)

Robot Control Architecture: OPEN-R

Control Program Supplying media: 16MB Memory Stick

Joint Degrees of FreedomNeck: 4 degrees of freedom, Body: 2 degrees of freedom, Arms: 5 degrees of freedom (x2), Legs: 6 degrees of freedom (x2); total 28 degrees of freedom 5 fingers on each hand

Internal SensorsDistance DetectionInfrared Distance Sensor: head x1, hands x2, total 3

Acceleration DetectionTrunk: X, Y, Z/3 axes, Legs: X, Y/2 axes

Angular Rate DetectionTrunk: X, Y, Z/3 axes

Foot Sole Sensor: Power Sensor (each leg: 4 x 2 = total 8)

Thermo Sensor: External (x4), Internal (x2)

Touch Sensor: HeadPressure Sensitive Rubber

Handle: Sheet Switch

Hands: Sheet Switch X2

Shoulders: Tact Switch X2

Image Input: 110,000 pixels 1/5 inch CCD color camera (x2)

Sound Input: Microphone (x7)

Sound Output: Speaker

Input/Output: PC Card Slot (Type II) (x1)

Memory Stick Slot (x1)

DisplayEye LED: 4096 color (RGB 16 gradation combination)

Ear LED: 1 color 16 gradation

Power LED: 2 colors (3 colors in simultaneous lighting) Performance/Charging Condition Display

Walking Speed: Approximately 6m/minute max (irregular surface)Pace: 10cm, Walking Cycle: 1.0 second/step

Approximately 20m/minute max (flat, smooth surface)Pace: 6.5cm, Walking Cycle: 0.20 second/step

Irregular Surface Walking Ability: Irregularity degree: 10mm irregular surface on non-slip condition

Tilt degree: Up to approx. 10 degrees tilted surface on non-slip condition

Weight: Approximately 6.5Kg with battery and memory

Dimensions (height x width x depth): Approximately 580 x 260 x 190mm