Toyota’s robot technology takes an important step into the future with the debut of its third generation humanoid robot, T-HR3.
This versatile machine can potentially provide safe assistance in environments ranging from the home and hospitals to disaster zones and even outer space.
The new machine reflects Toyota’s broad-based research into how advanced technologies can be used to help meet people’s individual mobility needs. It marks an evolution of the previous generation humanoid robots, which were engineered to play musical instruments to test the precise positioning of joints and operation of pre-programmed movements, to a platform with multiple capabilities that can be used to help people or provide assistance in a wide range of situations.
“The Partner Robot team members are committed to using the technology in T-HR3 to develop friendly and helpful robots that coexist with humans and assist them in their daily lives,” said Akifumi Tamaoki, General Manager, Partner Robot Division. “Looking ahead, the core technologies developed for this platform will help inform and advance the future development of robots to provide ever-better mobility for all.”
Motors, reduction gears and torque sensors (collectively called the Torque Servo Module) are connected to each joint in both the T-HR3 and the Master Manoeuvring System. These communicate the operator’s movements directly to the robot’s 29 body parts and the 16 control systems in the Master Manoeuvring System for a smooth, synchronised user experience. These modules have been developed in collaboration with Tamagawa Seiki Co Ltd and the NIDEC COPAL ELECTRONICS Corporation. This technology advances Toyota’s research into safe robotics by measuring the force exerted by and on T-HR3 as it interacts with its environment, then conveying the information to the operator through force feedback.
Since the 1980s, Toyota has been developing industrial robots to enhance its manufacturing processes. The Partner Robot Division has used insights gained from that experience and built on Toyota’s expertise in automotive technologies to develop new mobility solutions that support doctors, carers and patients, the elderly and people with disabilities.
T-HR3 will be featured at the International Robot Exhibition 2017, taking place in Tokyo from 29 November to 2 December.