Japanese Robotics Research Team Develops 'Humanoid' Equipment Operator
In cooperation with Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the research and development team comprises a partnership between Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Tokyu Construction Co. and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST). In March, they wrapped a five-year, $38.2-million laboratory study resulting in seven robots, one of which was tested in December on a mini excavator. Researchers are planning a second phase to conduct trials for future equipment-driving robots in the field.
"There have been many attempts to robotize industrial vehicles," says Kazuhito Yokoi, senior research analyst at AIST. "We believe that teledriving a vehicle, such as a backhoe, in dirty or dangerous environments will be one of the most promising application areas for humanoid robots in the future."