10. Baseball Robots
The hottest couple in Japan right now just may be two baseball-playing robots. Unveiled by University of Tokyo researchers in July 2009, the robotic pitcher and batter can play against each other almost perfectly. The pitcher releases a strike-zone pitch 90% of the time, but at only 24 m.p.h.; the batter hits the ball almost every time. Researchers hope to bump the pitching speed up to 93 m.p.h. and throw in some curveballs and sliders soon.
9. Violinist Robot
Toyota Motor Corporation’s robotic violinist, introduced in 2007, is a 5-ft.-tall (1.5 m) humanoid with an uncanny ability to play the violin. The robot uses its arms, along with their 17 computer-controlled joints and agile fingers, to hold the instrument and press its delicate strings. The robot violinist is the latest addition to Toyota’s ensemble of musical robots, which can play the trumpet, trombone and other instruments.
8. CES 07, Honda ASIMO
At 4 ft. 3 in. (1.3 m) and weighing 115 lb. (52 kg), ASIMO could be a young child. But as far as robots go, ASIMO is all grown up. Honda Motor Co.’s ASIMO is possibly the world’s most advanced humanoid robot. ASIMO â operated by its human master either from a workstation or by remote control â was first unveiled in 2000, the latest in a collection of humanoid prototypes that Honda has been developing since the 1950s. There are over 100 ASIMO units in existence today, selling at just under $1 million apiece.
7. Sony, AIBO
AIBO, Sony’s robotic dog that can cock its head quizzically and roll over on command, was first introduced to the world in a blitz of publicity in 1999. Despite its initial popularity, AIBO got the boot in 2006: at about $2,000 a pop, the robotic dog just couldn’t compete with its flesh-and-blood counterpart and never managed to make it to the mass market. Better luck next time, Sony.
6. RI-Man
Japan â a country with almost a quarter of its population over the age of 65 â boasts the world’s longest lifespan, and robotics researchers are furiously inventing new products to cater to this demographic. Introduced in 2006, RI-MAN is the world’s first robot designed for lifting and carrying humans. (Although, as the current prototype can carry objects only up to 77 lb., or 35 kg, it’s got a ways to go.) Developed by RIKEN’s Bio-Mimetic Control Research Center, RI-MAN can also see, hear and smell â functions that could be helpful in signaling emergencies in elder clients’ homes.
5. HRP-4C
Watch out, Gisele: there’s a new fashion phenom in town. Top model HRP-4C, another robotic humanoid, made her catwalk debut at a Tokyo fashion show in early 2009. At just over 5 ft. (1.5 m) tall and 95 lb. (43 kg), HRP-4C is modeled after a typical Japanese female frame. Developed by Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, HRP-4C boasts 42 motion motors programmed to mimic the movements of real fashion models, as exhibited in her latest show for Japanese designer Yumi Katsura, to the beats of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean.” Walk it, girl!
4. Paro
When you’re feeling down, why not turn to Paro, the cuddly, furry robotic baby seal? Paro, developed by Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, is modeled after a Canadian harp seal, recordings of which provide the crying noises that Paro makes while it blinks adorably at you under its long robotic eyelashes. The robot responds to petting by moving its tail and opening and closing its eyes. First exhibited to the public in 2001, Paro is said to have a calming effect on people and is intended for patients of hospitals and nursing homes. The furry invention is reportedly already in use in nursing facilities in Japan and Denmark.
3. Chef Motoman
Look out, Chef Morimoto: Chef Motoman SDA-10 is on the job. Motoman is a dual-arm robotic chef developed by Yaskawa Electric Corporation in 2007, ready to whip up some Japanese savory pancakes for anyone who asks. At 4½ ft. (1.4 m) tall and weighing about 480 lb. (220 kg), Motoman can work next to humans and even communicate with diners, reports say. Its newest model, the SDA-10, is programmed for a wider range of tasks behind the kitchen counter, on the factory floor and playing in a band.
2. CB-2
In June 2007, researchers from Osaka University’s Graduate School of Engineering creeped the world out with their introduction of CB2, short for “Child-Robot with Biomimetic Body.” Measuring 4 ft. 3 (130 cm) long and weighing 73 lb. (33 kg), CB2 is designed to mimic the motions of a toddler. It responds to sounds and reacts to people by wiggling, changing facial expressions and making mechanical gurgling sounds. Thankfully, this one is still in the labs.
1. Sony’s QRIO
A dance ensemble made up of robots? That’s right. Sony’s QRIO — “Quest for cuRIOsity” — robots combined artificial intelligence and dynamic technologies to move, gather information and dance. At 2 ft. (0.6 m) tall and 16 lb. (7 kg) apiece, QRIO was developed to be a humanoid entertainment robot. Sadly, the dancers were given the pink slip three years after being introduced in 2003.