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AIST:Research Highlights, Toward a Society where Humanoid Robots do Heavy Labor in place of Humans

Information Technology and Human Factors

Toward a Society where Humanoid Robots do Heavy Labor in place of Humans

KANEHIRO Fumio, KANEKO Kenji, SAKAGUCHI Takeshi
Intelligent Systems Research Institute

Hard labor type humanoid robot HRP-5P

The humanoid robot prototype HRP-5P was developed with a robust body and advanced intelligence to work autonomously and provide an alternative source of heavy labor.

HRP-5P appearance (left) and HRP-5P carrying an approx. 13 kg panel (right)

Development of a robot that can do the heavy labor performed by humans

AIST has collaborated with several private-sector companies to develop the HRP series, and has worked to develop technologies for practical application. Previously developed HRP series robots include HRP-2, which had capabilities such as bipedal walking, HRP-3, which was capable of tightening bolts by remote control, and a revised version of HRP-2, which could walk on rough terrain, turn valves, and perform other tasks semi-autonomously. However, physical abilities were still insufficient for heavy labor such as gypsum board installation, and robot intelligence functions were also insufficient for autonomous execution of tasks performed by humans.

Autonomous performance of tasks at a mock-up of housing construction sites

This research integrated (1) increased degrees of freedom of joints, (2) increased movable range of joints, (3) increased joint output, (4) continuous 3D measurement, (5) AI-based work object detection, and (6) virtual test technology using a robot simulator. These technologies enabled autonomous gypsum board installation in which HRP-5P independently handles and carries large, heavy objects at a mock-up of housing construction sites.

Buildings, residences and airplanes... the future of HPR-5P

Use of HPR-5P as a R&D platform in collaboration between industry and academia will be promoted with the objective of providing an alternate source of labor for various tasks at building and housing construction sites and in assembly of large structures such as airplanes and ships.

Photo: KANEHIRO Fumio, KANEKO Kenji, SAKAGUCHI Takeshi

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