WHAT: Humanoid Running Robot



WHY: The supply chain of the future just got a lot lonelier. Humanoid robots developed by Honda and Toyota walk, run, and remain balanced despite heavy loads or outside interference. Part of a larger line of so-called “partner robots,” these autonomous machines can “man” almost every physical logistics site from factory floors to distribution centers. Only the end customer need be a human being-for now.



HOW: New stabilizing technology for robots derives from the Japanese carmakers’ advanced automobile driving controls. Small, lightweight, low-cost, high-precision sensors detect tilt in real-time, maintaining balance even if burdened or pushed. Meanwhile, a “wire operation system” places the robots’ power sources on the torso, moving arms and legs with hidden wires to reduce weight and boost arm and leg limberness and speed. Different types of robots with distinct areas of expertise mount, roll, walk, and even run. Robots that can carry objects the length of a football field in under 60 seconds stand a little over four feet and weigh about 110 pounds.



CAVEATS: Today’s robots move only over flat surfaces, and can recover only from small external forces.



QUOTE: Toyota: “Partner robots…have human characteristics, such as being agile, warm and kind and also intelligent enough to skillfully operate a variety of devices in the areas of personal assistance, care for the elderly, manufacturing, and mobility.”



MORE INFORMATION: Honda ASIMO (http://asimo.honda.com/)

Toyota Partner Robot (http://www.toyota.co.jp/en/special/robot/)