Kirobo Mini now available while Toyota-Humanoid Robot 3 is unveiled Toyota Press November 23, 2017 09:16

Toyota continues to make huge strides in living up to its new slogan ‘Start your impossible’ with two new assistive products aimed at improving quality of life.

Kirobi Mini, the 10-centimeter miniature communication partner and robot, has now been made available by Toyota for purchase across all dealers in Japan.

It tilts its head towards the person speaking and is capable of engaging in casual conversation complete with head and hand movements. It also has the ability to get data from connected cars and communicate to the driver that the vehicle needs fuel.

To enhance social interaction, users of the Kirobo Mini can share their experiences on the official communication website ‘With Kirobo Mini Friend Park’.

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Meanwhile, Toyota just unveiled its third-generation T-HR3 further the automaker’s exploration of new technologies ‘for safely managing physical interactions between robots and their surroundings, as well as a new remote maneuvering system that mirrors user movements to the robot.’

The T-HR3 has 29 body parts, Torque Servo Modules on each joint to control force of contact and 16 master control systems to ensure smooth movement.

As a tool assist humans in a variety of settings, such as the home, medical facilities, construction sites, disaster-stricken areas and even outer space, the T-HR3 uses a Master Maneuvering System through wearable controls that map hand, arm and foot movements, plus a head-mounted display that allows the user to see what the robot is seeing.

It stays upright by using Whole-body Coordination and Balance Control and in order to prevent disruption of movement both from the T-HR3 and the user, a Self-interference Prevention Technology has been installed.

The user gets information about the environment and surroundings via force feedback.

“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. Looking ahead, the core technologies developed for this platform will help inform and advance future development of robots to provide ever-better mobility for all,” said Akifumi Tamaoki, general manager, Partner Robot Division.