The Future of Japanese Robotics

The Japanese has always been a keen bunch for the world of robotics. They are so engrossed in the robotics industry that they constantly introduce new kinds of hi-tech robots to the global market, while the rest of the world is struggling to keep up. In fact, robots are already taken for granted in some Japanese factories, as there are robots everywhere. Robots greet you when you enter facilities. Robots make sushi. Robots clean the floors. They wash your hands. They serve tea. They plant rice and tend paddies. In Japan, humans and robots interact socially as they routinely live side by side.

Financial statistics on robotics

The robotics revolution is extremely important for the Japanese. With approximately 25% of the population at age 65 and older, the country is banking heavily on robots to replenish the lack of manpower and care for the elderly. For almost a decade now, the Japanese government has funded a plethora of science projects involving the creation, design, and research of robots. These include a $50 million injection for the first phase of a humanoid robotics project, and an annual $10 million from 2006 to 2010 to develop key robotics technologies. Further, the government estimates the robotics industry will experience a very lofty rise from $5 billion in 2006 to $26 billion in 2010, and nearly $70 billion by 2025.

Robots are humans’ friends

Remember Tamagotchi, the handheld device that allows you to raise and take care of a virtual pet? That particular invention exemplifies how the Japanese view the existence or the need for robots. Unlike us westerners who portray robots as merciless and violent killing machines in the movies and in general science fiction, the Japanese have long seen robots as friendly helpers and catalysts in industrial dealings, as they work faster and more precise. The Japanese are also more accepting of robotics because unlike Roman Catholicism or Islam, their native Shinto religion does not view it as immoral. To the Japanese, the idea of a robot with feelings and mental capacity is not as threatening as it might be in other cultures.

Robot revolution

Other than the Japanese, a lot of people are anticipating the robot revolution, where robots would walk the streets, talk like human beings, and work like horses. That revolution has been going on quietly for quite some time now in Japan. With over 400,000 robots working at factories in 2005, Japan is undoubtedly an industrial robot powerhouse. In fact, the country’s leading financial experts believe that due to high supply and stable demand, the cost of machinery is already going down while labor costs are steadily rising. This means that robots would have to replace low-cost workers soon, thereby greatly boosting productivity. Further, Japan’s Trade Ministry recently announced its request for 1 million industrial robots to be installed all over the country by 2025. Each robot is said to be capable of replacing 10 low-cost employees. This means the guaranteed 1 million-robot army of workers will eventually represent 10 million human workers. In Japan, that is about 20% of the current work force. Indeed, robots are the cornerstone of Japan’s global competitiveness. GP

Honda Unveils Latest Asimo Robot at La’s Consumer Electronics Show

In California: Honda, the world’s creator of the first ever ASIMO robot has one again made another breakthrough with their humanoid creation. Honda’s latest ASIMO was presented at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The new ASIMO has been upgraded and was given a streamlined of new design. Honda’s ASIMO is now more agile and is capable of quick movements – such as running nearly 4mph. Aside from the ability to run, the humanoid robot was also provided with artificial intelligence capabilities to further enhance human interaction.

Jeffrey Smith, American Honda Assistant Vice President was the one tasked of presenting the ASIMO during its North American Debut at the CES. And here is what he has to say about the ASIMO:

“For the first time in North America, we’re demonstrating this newest iteration of Honda’s remarkable humanoid robotics technology. ASIMO now has a revolutionary ability to run and maneuver at unprecedented speeds… Honda continues to further the development of humanoid robotics technology, believing that one day ASIMO will be a helper to people in need.”

“The new ASIMO can much better interact with and carry out commands given by people and can more effectively perform numerous new tasks including moving carts and carrying objects. The primary advancements of the newest ASIMO include:

Enhanced human Interaction- By providing ASIMO with the ability to recognize the surrounding environment through its visual sensors, floor surface sensor, ultrasonic sensor, and by an IC Tele-interaction Communication Card1, ASIMO can more autonomously interact with people. Through the coordinated use of its eye cameras in the head and the force (kinesthetic) sensors on its wrists, ASIMO can give and receive an object such as a tray. And by using these force sensors, ASIMO can hold the hand of the person and move in sync with them.

Carrying objects using a cart- ASIMO is now capable of handling a cart freely while maintaining an appropriate distance from the cart by adjusting the force of its right and left arms to push a cart using the force sensors on its wrists. Even when the movement of the cart is disturbed, ASIMO can continue maneuvering by taking flexible actions such as slowing down or changing directions.

Running- Through proactive control of ASIMO’s posture while both feet are off the ground, ASIMO can run at nearly 4 mph. In addition, running in a circular pattern at a high speed was achieved by tilting the center of gravity of ASIMO’s body inside of the circle to maintain balance with the amount of centrifugal force experienced.

The main objective of Honda in pursuing the development of the ASIMO robot is to one day create a robot that would have ability to assist those whose mobility are restricted and to replace those who are working in environments that are harmful to humans.

Facts on Honda

Honda is one of the leading producers in the world of various types of mobility products such as automobiles, motorcycles and ATVs, power products; top-of-the-line auto parts products like Civic tie rod end, marine engines, personal watercraft, and light jet. Honda has started its North American operations in the year 1959 with the American Honda Motor Co., Inc. as its first overseas subsidiary.

At present Honda is employing 35,000 associates and operates 13 major manufacturing plants. A great number of Honda products are designed and developed at Honda’s US R&D centers in Ohio, LA and North Carolina. Honda spends $16 billion annually for parts and materials for its North American operations.