Japanese automotive manufacturer Toyota has revealed an upgraded version of its T-HR3 humanoid robot at the 2019 International Robotic Exhibition in Tokyo.
The new model, which is human-controlled via use of a VR headset and , is now able to execute more difficult tasks than before, including walking in a more natural manner.
This builds on the first-generation T-HR3’s capabilities, which include flexible movements that mirror the actions of its remote human operator, and of sharing the force exerted by and on the robot with the operator using force feedback.
Tomohisa Moridaira, T-HR3 development team leader, said: “The biggest update was to add a new ‘Master Hand’ controller, which has allowed the development team to improve how the Master Maneuvering System executes more delicate tasks, down to the finger level.
“In addition, we’ve been able to save weight in the arms and legs of the Master Maneuvering System to make it easier to control the robot.”
According to Moridaira, the previous model couldn’t provide this level of feedback to each finger, however the latest version can execute and perform more delicate work, such as picking up a coin.
The updated T-HR3 also walks in a more natural manner than previously. “We would like users to give walking instructions as intuitively as possible, so we designed the robot to follow the instructions while keeping its balance,” said Moridaira.
Toyota is pursuing the development of humanoid robots to pre-empt and meet future demand for multi-jointed robots capable of safely accomplishing delicate tasks currently performed by humans.
“In that kind of scenario, it is vital that these robots possess redundant degrees of freedom,” added Moridaira. “So, for example, a robot arm that has many joints can continue to work even if a few of the joints stop working for some reason.
“In addition to make up for some malfunctions, having redundant degrees of freedom allows for greater diversity in how the robot can move, including allowing it to scoop up from under an object or to take it from the side.”
