Fujitsu Automation has announced their "HOAP-3" humanoid robot. It looks to be pretty compact with a 60cm height. Additions to this version include image recognition and some various sensors. I also didn't realize the thing has a Pentium M processor and runs Linux, and Fujitsu Automation even publicizes the internal interface info...this thing would be a homebrew delight!

Fujitsu Automation announced o­n the 5th that they have begun accepting orders for the "HOAP-3" small humanoid robot, developed in cooperation with Fujitsu Labs. It is Open Price.

HOAP-3 is the successor to the "HOAP-1" announced in 2001, and the "HOAP-2" announced in 2003. While the HOAP-2 improved upon the HOAP-1 in the area of movement capabilities, the HOAP-3 takes those same capabilities from the HOAP-2 and has been improved upon in external recognition and communication functionality.

The size of the unit is slightly larger than the HOAP-2; it stands about 60cm tall and weighs some 8.8kg. Since a camera, microphone, speaker, expression LED, audio recognition function, voice synthesis function, and image recognition function have been added, the unit is suitable for studies involving human communication, or hand-eye coordination research. A distance sensor, grip sensor, acceleration sensor, and so forth have been added, and all of these can be controlled from a PC using wired or wireless LAN.

The controlling OS is RT-Linux, and the CPU is a Pentium M 1.1GHz. Like the previous models in the HOAP series, the internal interface information of the hardware/software for the unit will be released, making self-programming possible. Also, simulation software for pre-confirmation of control programs is included.

Inspired by:
http://www.itmedia.co.jp/lifestyle/articles/0507/05/news016.html

Press Release:
http://www.automation.fujitsu.com/group/fja/release/2005/0705/