Toyota has been working on building the most advanced robots in the world for several years now. In the beginning of the 2000s, the Toyota Partner Robot program was known for its humanoid robot band, which could play a variety of instruments- from the violin, to the drums, to the trumpet. Though this was certainly a fun project, it soon evolved into development that was a bit more practical.
At the 2013 International Robot Exhibition(IREX), Toyota was available to show off its latest robotic inventions, including a new compliant robot arm and projects called the Human Support Robot and the Winglet.
The Human Support Robot was developed with aid from the Japan Service Dog Association, which is designed to aid people with limited mobility. Toyota also worked with the Foundation for Yokohama Rehabilitation Service, which helps those with limb disabilities. The result? A semi-autonomous robot that will fetch objects it understands when its owner commands it to do so. It can also serve as a telepresence robot when a tablet is attached to its head.
We're not sure of the HSR's price-point (should it achieve mass production), but we do know that a spin-off from another company is retailing for about $35,000.
The new Winglet, for its part, is a personal motility vehicle that's more attractive than a Segway and is currently doing some testing on Japanese roadways.
For more about what the Toyota brand is up to, be sure to stay tuned here with our blog. We also invite you to swing by Lithia Toyota of Missoula, located in Missoula, MT, and check out the innovative new Toyota vehicles, such as the 2014 Toyota Camry, available now.
