Humanoid Robot Prototype Developed for Harsh Environments

 Tokyo, September 8, 2005 – Kawada Industries, Inc. announced today that Kawada Industries, Japan's National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) and Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. have jointly developed a humanoid robot prototype, the HRP-3P, designed to operate in harsh and dangerous environments. In this project, Kawada Industries assumed leadership of the hardware development, while the Humanoid Research Group of AIST's Intelligent Systems Research Institute developed the software and Kawasaki developed remote control technology.

 The HRP-3P is 160 cm high and weighs 65 kg, including batteries. Its 36 degrees of freedom (the number of movable joints), including two in its waist, allow the robot to carry out more complicated tasks. Its dustproof, water-resistant features enable it to work in inclement conditions. The coordination between legs and arms has been improved, and the robot can now walk on slippery surfaces. Kawasaki developed autonomous/remote hybrid control technology that has resulted in improved working capabilities, as well as a new remote-control cockpit.

 The project was part of the Key Technology Research Promotion Program sponsored by Japan's New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).