ROBO_JAPAN 2008 took place from Oct 11 to 13, 2008, at Pacifico Yokohama in Yokohama City, Japan, showcasing more than 100 robots, partner robots in particular, and the services they provide.
The event was participated by 29 companies, seven universities and technical schools as well as seven other groups. They introduced robots intended for the fields such as lifestyle support, entertainment, nursing care, security and education (Fig 1~3).
Tomy Co Ltd unveiled "ROBO-Q," a two-legged robot equipped with infrared sensors (Fig 4). The robot emits infrared rays to detect and pass around obstacles as well as to detect and chase objects in front of it. It can also be remotely controlled using a controller.
The robot can be switched between the "artificial intelligence mode" and "remote control mode" by the controller. In the artificial intelligence mode, infrared rays are transmitted from both sides of the face and reflected back to the head. The robot can detect an area within 1-2cm in radius and 45° to both sides.
The main body is 3.4cm tall and mounted with a battery, computer, driving part and infrared sensor. The hardest part of downsizing the robot was "parts layout," according to Akihiro Honkawa, who belongs to the Boys Toy Team in the Boys Group, which is part of the Character Products Division at Tomy.
The team taught the robot to walk through repeated trial and error because it can't walk if it loses its balance. The driving system employed a solenoid, which is inexpensive and suitable for downsizing because of its simple structure.
Tomy has already commercialized the Choro-Q "Q-Steer," which can be remotely controlled by infrared rays, as well as its train version, "Q-train." ROBO-Q was developed based on the Q-Steer. Its price was kept down to ¥3,675 (approx US$36) so that they can be enjoyed by parents and children.
There is room for improvement in the way it walks and reacts, but the specifications are nearly finalized. It is scheduled for release in November 2008.
Futaba Denshi Kogyo KK exhibited a new motor for reference. The brushless servo motor, "RS405CB," has a torque two times higher than existing products of the equivalent size (Fig 5). The output torque (at 9.6V) is 3.92N·m. It is dimensioned 40.5 x 21.0 x 41.8mm, while the weight is 67g.
Denso Wave Inc demonstrated a horizontal-multi-joint robot employed in a crane game machine (Fig 6). Players capture sweets by controlling the robot by using the controller on the game machine. The company appeals that the robot can be easily connected to peripheral equipment through a PC if "ORiON2," middleware the company released in 2007, is used.
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