"Fujitsu Automation Limited and Fujitsu Laboratories
Ltd. today announced that they have jointly developed a new
miniature humanoid robot, named HOAP-1(*1), designed for wide
application in research and development of robotic technologies.
Fujitsu Automation will begin domestic sales of the robot from
today and hopes to sell 100 units within three years. Details on
the new robot will be announced at the Robotics Society of Japan
meeting to be held September 18 at Tokyo University.
Weighing 6kg and standing 48cm tall, the light and compact
HOAP-1 and accompanying simulation software can be used for
developing motion control algorithms in such areas as two-legged
walking, as well as in research on human-to-robot communication
interfaces. Fujitsu is disclosing the internal interface
architecture of HOAP-1 to allow users to freely develop their own
programs. The robot's basic simulation software enables virtual
trial-runs of their control programs prior to actual
implementation. The wide range of use and safe and efficient
program development environment make HOAP-1 an ideal tool for
research and development work in robotics.
The basic simulation software and user-developed programs are
designed to run on RT-Linux on an operating command PC, which
communicates with the the robot through a USB interface. The
robot's internal sensors and actuators (motors) also use USB
interface and can be easily expanded according to needs."
