Future undertaking delves into the realm of communication, focusing on the individual named "Tommy"
In a significant step towards the future of robotics, Toyota's latest project, the Tommy Project, has been exploring the possibilities of communication between people and robots since June 2023. The project, aimed at enhancing interactions between humans and machines, is part of Toyota's broader vision to integrate robots into everyday life and social environments.
The Tommy Project's latest creation, Keparan, was unveiled at Miraikan, located in Tokyo's Odaiba, Koto City, in November 2023. Keparan, with its 34 motorized joints, dances smoothly and recognises people and objects, changing its expressions to entertain visitors. This advanced partner robot, designed for entertainment purposes, is unlike the Olympic and Paralympic characters created by Toyota earlier.
Keparan's ability to recognise people and objects sets it apart from traditional robots. Its design includes the ability to change its expressions to entertain visitors, a feature that adds a new dimension to human-robot interaction. The robot's unveiling at Miraikan showcases Toyota's continued investment in robotics technology.
During a discussion at Miraikan, Chief Executive Director Chieko Asakawa and Toyota Frontier Research Center President Nobuhiko Koga shared insights about the future of robots. Chairman Akio Toyoda expressed his view that robots made by Toyota could one day become companions.
The Tommy Project's context within Toyota's research and development ecosystem suggests it is part of ongoing efforts to improve human-robot interaction. This includes the DexWrist, a robotic wrist designed to make movements more human-like and intuitive, indirectly supporting better human-robot interaction through improved robot dexterity and responsiveness.
The episode featuring the discussion between Asakawa and Koga is featured in this week's Toyota Times News. The Tommy Project's goal is to advance human-robot communication by fostering innovative interactions through robots, likely building on Toyota's technological innovations and experiments in robotics intended for intuitive, human-like cooperation.
Yuta Tomikawa, who visited a kindergarten in Aichi Prefecture as part of his exploration of the cutting edge of robot development, was also present during Keparan's unveiling. Devices were attached to Tomikawa's arms and head during his visit, although the purpose of these devices was not disclosed.
As the Tommy Project continues to evolve, it promises to revolutionise the way humans and robots interact, potentially paving the way for a future where robots become more than just tools, but companions and entertainers in our daily lives.
The Tommy Project's latest creation, Keparan, vividly demonstrates Toyota's investment in artificial-intelligence technology, as it recognises people and objects, and changes its expressions for entertainment. Furthermore, the project's focus on human-robot interaction is evident in its pursuit of advancements in technology, such as the DexWrist, which aims to make robots more intuitive and human-like.
