HUMANOID ROBOT

Waseda University established the Humanoid Robotics Institute in April 2000 to promote research that aims to construct a new relationship between humans and machines in an advanced information society. As researchers, we expect that in sometime in this century robots will provide housework assistance for the elderly, a well as entertainment and other functions to improve the quality of life for humans. To make possible this symbiosis between humankind, robot, and the environment, we need to build accommodations into a house's structure and functions.


THE WASEDA: Humanoid Robot Project has developed different types of robots for different needs. Models include (from left) WABOT-1 from 1978, Wendy from 1999, and WABOT-2 from 1984. Hadaly-2 from 1997 is pictured at left.

The Waseda University WABOT-HOUSE (WAseda roBOT HOUSE) project, directed by Shigeki Sugano, was established to facilitate this research. The special test facilities for this project were created in Gifu Prefecture. In 2001 Waseda University established the WABOT-HOUSE Laboratory, located in Techno Plaza R&D site in Kagamigahara City, in the middle of an industrial region. Gifu Prefecture initiated the project with the expectation that the robotics industry can provide a significant economic boost to the region. The Japanese government took the step to designate Kagamigahara City a special robotics zone.

As a part of this project, the Waseda University team developed not only a robotic component, but also design theories of environment space, construction, and social systems for human-robot symbiosis. These theories were implemented in the structures and functions of houses and facilities to allow an integration of robot technology with various environments. Fine artists joined with robotics engineers, architects, and IT researchers to take part in the WABOT-HOUSE project. Together, these experts are trying to design an optimal system from both robotic and architectural points of view to realize truly practical symbiosis between human and robots.

As part of a system to enable the robots to navigate their environment, a GPS and pseudolite solution combined with other technologies is being investigated