Tokyo, Japan — (press release excerpt) — Fujitsu Automation Limited and Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd. today announced that they have jointly developed a new miniature humanoid robot, named HOAP-1 (Humanoid for Open Architecture Platform), 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.

Major Features

• Height: 48 cm
  
• Weight: 6 kg
  
• Joint Mobility: 20 DOF (Degrees of Freedom)
  
• Operating Command PC: Comes standard with poser, viewer, and basic simulation software.
  
• OS: RT-Linux
  
• Direct Interface and Robot's Internal Network: USB 1.0 (12Mbps)
  
• Control cycle: 1ms
  
• Power: DC24V x 6.2A (150W)
  
• Price: Open
  
• Sales Target: 100 robots within 3 years
  
• Manufacturer and Seller: Fujitsu Automation Limited

About Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd.

Founded in 1968 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Fujitsu Limited, Fujitsu Laboratories Limited is one of the premier research centers in the world. With a global network of laboratories in Japan, China, the United States and Europe, the organization conducts a wide range of basic and applied research in the areas of Multimedia, Personal Systems, Networks, Peripherals, Advanced Materials and Electronic Devices.

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