Humaniod Robot's Task of Door Opening

It is still a challenge for Roboticsts to design humanoid robots to run, open doors and etc. Arisumi, researcher at Japan's National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) and one of the top centers for humanoid research, explains that opening doors for humanoid robots is a challenge. A large force is needed initially to open a door, especially for old western style doors that spring back. A motion to open the door requires a desired angle and precise support for the entire open action in one-follow through movement. Many other facts need to be considered such as upper body position, foot position, opening angle of the door, angular velocity of the door, impact velocity of the robot and etc. The research team developed a technique and computation for HRP-2 humanoid robot to open the door.

Reference: IEEE Spectrum

"Petman" Prototype

A machine that mimics walking of a human being, while balancing itself. It can also simulate human physiology within a protective suit for military tests.

Humanoid Robot Plays Soccer

Created by Hajime Sakamoto, Hajime 33 is the latest addition to Sakamoto’s fleet of humanoid robots. Powered by batteries, the robot is controlled with a PS3 controller, and it can walk and kick a ball. Hajime 33 weighs in at just 44 pounds while overlooking his creator at more than 6 feet 5 inches tall.

Reference: Wired

Robotic Butler

Intel Research's Personal Robotics project aims to develop useful robotic assistants for indoor, populated environments. The project is spread across the Pittsburgh and Seattle labs. Currently, Pittsburgh focuses on mid-range perception, motion planning, and manipulation research, while Seattle focuses on short-range sensing and perception, and human-robot interaction.

Reference: http://personalrobotics.intel-research.net/

Herb: A Home Exploring Robotic Butler

An autonomous mobile manipulator that performs useful manipulation tasks in the home

Manipulation Planning with Caging Grasps

Algorithm for performing constrained tasks such as opening doors and drawers by robots such as humanoid robots or mobile manipulators

High Speed Robotic Hand

Ishidawa Komuro Lab's high-speed robot hand movement, Impressive!

Reference: http://www.k2.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp/papers/fusion_movies-e.html