HOAP (Fujitsu)
P L Y O J U M P
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Fujitsu's new HOAP-3 is larger (about 3 feet tall, about 20 pounds, and
has a sophisticated onboard computer for handling sensor data and
controlling motion. Like earlier models, the HOAP-3 may be controlled via
wireless connection with PC software. The internal 1 GHz board runs
real-time Linux. Aimed at the research market, it has features allowing
research into hand-eye coordination, sensing, and motion. |
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A kid shakes the hand of the HOAP-3 at the 2005 International Robot
Exhibition in Tokyo November 30, 2005. |
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The HOAP 2 is a smaller robot similar to Sony's SDR series, more primitive
in appearance and movement (more body shaking) but physically agile enough
to perform sumo moves and the Chinese martial art called taijiquan .
Fujitsu is also producing a larger kiosk-bot |
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Another view of the HOAP, this time in a sumo wrestling
stance.
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HOAP-2 accurately simulates human movement and can control its balance and
perform difficult feats such as standing on its head and stamping on the
ground like a sumo wrestler. Fujitsu originally developed and manufactured
HOAP-2 for robot research purposes, and as of March 2004 plans to market
20 to 30 units to universities and companies. Expect to see versions in Robocup.
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Front view of a slightly earlier model of the HOAP showing upper leg
mechanisms similar to
larger Japanese robots.
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Click below for movies (MPG)
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Standing on its head |
Getting up from sitting position |
Writing its name on paper |
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In
2003 articulated fingers were added to the system, and the ability to
stand on its head was demonstrated. The new HOAP-2
is 50cm high with 25 DOF. It will go on sale ($50,000?) in July of 2003.
Unlike the Sony system, the HOAP-2 is tethered and relies on an external
Linux computer and external power supply - definitely less sophisticated.
Body design looks like a work in progress, doesn't appear to have sensors
on feet. Walks with a sway.
On the other hand, Fujitsu has been working on advanced,
neural-net style processing for robot motion, so this system may have
a dramatic breakout during the next few years.
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Movie of HOAP-2 being demonstrated at Robodex 2003.
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 "There is only one condition in which we can imagine
managers not needing subordinates, and masters not needing slaves. This
would be if every machine could work by itself, at the word of command or
by intelligent anticipation."
- Aristotle, from his justification of slavery in Politics |