The Japanese automotive behemoth, Toyota, has reportedly unveiled a new humanoid robot at the International Robot Exhibition on Wednesday. The third-generation humanoid robot of the firm, christened as T-HR3, is controlled by a wearable system that enables the users to maneuver it by moving their own limbs.
For the record, the International Robot Exhibition, organized every two years in Tokyo since 1973, is the largest robot trade fair across the globe in the electronics and media industry. The event witnesses a massive participation from a plethora of companies from Japan and across the globe to showcase their latest robots developed with cutting-edge technology.
It is noteworthy to mention that in the recent times, the electronics and media industry has been characterized by a huge number of humanoid prototype launches, courtesy the expeditious technological advancements, specifically in artificial intelligence.
Reportedly, T-HR3 has been equipped with 32 joints with each joint consisting of a torque sensor that makes it adept at mimicking the movements of its user in real-time. Furthermore, the robot comes with a head-mounted display that assists the user to see from the black-and-white model’s perspective, which weighs 75 kilograms and stands 5.1 feet tall.
As per sources, the existing robots in the humanoid robot market are said to be bereft of the abilities exhibited by T-HR3. Apparently, the latest robot is said to possess unique abilities such as balancing itself on one-leg, sense the levels of tension when it holds objects, and detect the amount of force it should deploy while holding objects.
Speaking at the event, Toyota’s Partner Robot Division Chief, Akifumi Tamaoki was quoted stating that the robot can be mainly utilized in workplaces, disaster response services, outer space, and especially to provide elderly care and life support.
Meanwhile, with the rapid growth of elderly population coupled with stringent immigration controls, Japan is witnessing a massive labor shortfall. As a consequence, the major players partaking in the humanoid robot market seem keen to develop advanced robots capable of aiding Japan’s geriatric populace, claim experts.