Japanese scientists have developed a new humanoid robot that can move naturally by itself utilising embedded neural network.
Japanese scientists have developed a new humanoid robot that can move naturally by itself utilising embedded neural network. According to a report by Engadget, the robot, dubbed 'Alter', has a human-like face, and is powered by 42 pneumatic actuators and a central pattern generator (CPG).
The report further explained that CPG features a neural network that replicates neurons that assist the 'eerie' robot create movement patterns of its own, triggered by sensors that can detect proximity, temperature and humidity.
Though the inclusion of humidity sensor stays blurred, it must be a mechanism to free-flowing movement. Users who saw this robot reportedly felt that the robot was alive even though the setup suggested otherwise.
If the proximity sensors detect people around, the robot’s body reacts. These sensors operate like the robot’s version of skin.
While there have been numerous humanoid robots developed in the past, this particular one is an attempt to build a self-movable robot. With a neural network in place, the movement of the robot is flexible in contrast to other humanoid robots. The robot adjusts and changes arm movement, head and posture as the system thinks fit.
All this is possible due to the neural network behind the scene, offering multiple movement modes, toggling between longer movement and more random 'chaos' mode. All the aforementioned sensors act like the robot's skin, helping identify an environment and reacting accordingly.
Currently, the makers of the robot want to put it up for public display and are figuring out new ways to make it better. The underlining aspect of this robot is its tendency to move by itself without any interference, which is a significant step forward in the field of robotics.
