Most humanoid robots pick things up with their hands – but that’s not how we humans do it, particularly when we’re carrying something bulky. We use our chests, hips and arms as well – and that’s the idea behind Toyota’s new soft robot.
Punyo, as it’s called, is a torso-up humanoid research platform. First and foremost, it’s adorably Japanese, with a cute and approachable looking face and a cuddly, husky look reminiscent of the Baymax robot from Disney’s Big Hero 6. Adding to the cuddle factor, he appears to be wearing a big, cosy-looking sweater.
And indeed, this “sweater” is highly hug-focused. It’s made using grippy materials that provide a squishy, compliant layer over Punyo’s hard metal skeleton, and the fabric is loaded with tactile sensors that allow it to feel exactly what it’s hugging, be it a person or an item that it’s carrying.
Leave a reply