Toyota Plans Human-Assistance Robot

Toyota unveiled two new robots–including one that plays the violin–and plans to develop a human-assistance robot early in the next decade.

Toyota unveiled on Thursday the latest two creations from its robot project, including one that can play the violin, and said it is targeting the early 2010s for the development of a viable human-assistance robot.

The two new machines are the Mobiro, a sort-of motorized wheel chair that can scoot people around their neighborhood and is able to cope with uneven surfaces, and the Violin-Playing Robot. Toyota has already developed a robot capable of playing the trumpet, so with a little extra effort the company could soon have an entire band.

Like the Segway transporter, the Mobiro runs on two wheels and manages to maintain its balance. This distinguishes it from other forms of motorized transport tested so far for human use. The Mobiro rider sits in a chair and manipulates the robot through controls in the chair’s arm rests. It’s can cope with 10 degree slopes and turn on the spot.

Perhaps more interestingly it will automatically move to its owner when called by a remote control and avoid objects and obstacles in its way while it does so. The Mobiro can also be used to carry cargo or other people and in this mode it automatically follows its owner or keeps a few steps ahead of them.

The 150-kilogram Mobiro has a 20-kilometer range and field tests will begin in the second half of 2008.

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