A decade from now, a man suddenly collapses on the street. An ambulance is called but will take time to arrive. In the meantime, a robot stationed nearby rushes to the scene to provide emergency care, controlled by an expert operator sitting dozens of kilometers away.
This is Honda Motor’s vision for its humanoid “avatar robot,” a project intended to “expand the range of human ability virtually without the constraints of time and place.”
With a headset and gloves, the operator would be able to essentially see, hear and feel objects through the robot. This would let specialists respond to emergencies or work in disaster zones without needing to be physically present, or fix equipment remotely. The automaker aims to launch a technology demo in fiscal 2023, with an eye toward practical use in the 2030s.
The project represents a new direction for the creator of the trailblazing Asimo bipedal robot, with greater emphasis on useful features as more competition enters the picture. Tesla unveiled a prototype humanoid robot of its own in September, just a year after announcing the project, and aims to put it on the market in three to five years.
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Honda’s new humanoid-robot push aims for practical use
Nikkei – Nov 28
A decade from now, a man suddenly collapses on the street. An ambulance is called but will take time to arrive. In the meantime, a robot stationed nearby rushes to the scene to provide emergency care, controlled by an expert operator sitting dozens of kilometers away.
Why Japan’s internet is weirdly designed
Answer in Progress – Nov 26
In 2013, an article suggested that Japanese web design looks different from the rest of the world. In this video, Sabrina uses an AI to figure out if that is true and, if yes, why.
Japan approves its first homemade oral COVID drug
Nikkei – Nov 23
Japan’s health ministry on Tuesday granted emergency use of a COVID-19 drug developed by Shionogi, making it the country’s first domestically produced oral medicine for patients with mild symptoms. The drug is expected to be available for use in early December.
Japan’s 1st moon lander probe in jeopardy after launch
Nikkei – Nov 19
The Japanese spacecraft intended as the country’s first lunar lander has been plagued by communications problems since soon after its launch on Wednesday as part of NASA’s Artemis 1, putting the unmanned mission in jeopardy.
M5.0 quake hits North of Tokyo
NHK – Nov 09
A magnitude 5.0 earthquake has rocked Ibaraki Prefecture, north of Tokyo. It hit at around 5:40 pm on Wednesday.
Honda develops AI self-driving technology
NHK – Nov 03
Honda Motor says it is developing an AI self-driving system that uses cameras to help the vehicle better recognize its surroundings. This is the company’s latest step toward putting autonomous driving technology into commercial use.
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