33 votes

Japan introduces enormous humanoid robot to maintain train lines

12 comments

  1. chocobean
    Link
    Hey man, I'm always up for big giant robots from Japan. In this case they've chosen a format that makes the population feel like is friendly, efficient and safe. Excellent PR.

    Hey man, I'm always up for big giant robots from Japan. In this case they've chosen a format that makes the population feel like is friendly, efficient and safe. Excellent PR.

    13 votes
  2. [6]
    MimicSquid
    Link
    It's a crane with tool attachments. Is it just a "robot" in order to get clicks for the article? I mean, it's nice to have a system to make rail maintenance easier, but what makes it a robot?

    It's a crane with tool attachments. Is it just a "robot" in order to get clicks for the article? I mean, it's nice to have a system to make rail maintenance easier, but what makes it a robot?

    9 votes
    1. [3]
      drannex
      (edited )
      Link Parent
      Roboticist here, I would certainly classify it as an Industrial robot, and not just a crane. It's remotely driven (VR), has articulated joints, and features a more anatomical design (not...

      Roboticist here, I would certainly classify it as an Industrial robot, and not just a crane.

      It's remotely driven (VR), has articulated joints, and features a more anatomical design (not necessarily a requirement, but helps make the case),

      This photo is certainly a better look at it.

      I'm not particularly sure why today all the news is focused on it, I was seeing reports of the development two or three years ago on it.

      Edit: I see, they are putting them into production next month. This article from 2022 said

      The prototype is still a one-off experimental project, but if testing is successful, JR West hopes to have it integrated into work by 2024.

      Happy to see that they are on track!

      38 votes
      1. GravySleeve
        Link Parent
        ....train robot...."on track"......I see you.

        ....train robot...."on track"......I see you.

        11 votes
      2. MimicSquid
        Link Parent
        Hey, thanks for the expert opinion!

        Hey, thanks for the expert opinion!

        1 vote
    2. [2]
      skybrian
      (edited )
      Link Parent
      Well yeah, but it looks like a giant robot puppet, so I think it would be fun to see it in operation.

      Well yeah, but it looks like a giant robot puppet, so I think it would be fun to see it in operation.

      3 votes
  3. [4]
    Comment deleted by author
    Link
    1. [3]
      Noox
      Link Parent
      Hah, appreciate the tag, I hadn't seen this one - that's awesome

      Hah, appreciate the tag, I hadn't seen this one - that's awesome

      2 votes
      1. [2]
        GravySleeve
        Link Parent
        Lol, I actually commented on the wrong post. XD

        Lol, I actually commented on the wrong post. XD

        1 vote
  4. Dr_Amazing
    Link
    "Humanoid" might be a bit of a stretch.

    "Humanoid" might be a bit of a stretch.