Fujitsu Introduces Humanoid Robot In Miniature

Tokyo's Fujitsu Automation Ltd. and Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd. have jointly developed a miniature humanoid robot named HOAP-1, designed for wide application in research and development of robotic technologies. HOAP is an acronym for humanoid for open architecture platform. The robot weighs 6 kg and stands 48 cm tall. Accompanied by simulation software, HOAP-1 can be used for developing motion-control algorithms in such areas as two-legged walking, as well as for research on human-to-robot communication interfaces. The basic simulation software and user-developed programs are designed to run on RT-Linux on an operating command PC, which communicates with the robot through a USB interface. Fujitsu Automation hopes to sell 100 of the units in three years.