Topics
Latest
AI
Amazon
Image Credits:University of Tokyo
Apps
Biotech & Health
clime
Image Credits:University of Tokyo
Cloud Computing
Commerce
Crypto
Enterprise
EVs
Fintech
fund raise
Gadgets
Gaming
Government & Policy
Hardware
Layoffs
Media & Entertainment
Meta
Microsoft
Privacy
Robotics
Security
Social
place
Startups
TikTok
Transportation
speculation
More from TechCrunch
Events
Startup Battlefield
StrictlyVC
newssheet
Podcasts
Videos
Partner Content
TechCrunch Brand Studio
Crunchboard
Contact Us
Is the samara to self-governing cars that do n’t run over pedestrian andcrash into telephone polesa humanoid robot behind the wheel ? A radical of researchers at the University of Tokyo think so , and they lay out their argument ina newly issue technical paperthis week .
The research worker , one of whom confer with for Toyota , developed and take a “ musculoskeletal humanoid”called Musashi to ram a small electric cable car through a test cartroad .
equip with two cameras fend in for human eye , Musashi can “ see ” the road in front of it as well as the views reflect in the motorcar ’s side mirrors . With its mechanically skillful hands , it can revolve the car ’s tonality , take out the handbrake and switch on the turn signal . And , thanks to its anti - slip “ feet , ” Musashi can urge on the accelerator or brake foot pedal .
Our newspaper presented at Robotics and Automation Magazine is now on arXiv and YouTube!Toward Autonomous Driving by Musculoskeletal Humanoids : A sketch of Developed Hardware and Learning - Based Softwarearxiv : https://t.co/1XwY5hiLjUyoutube : https://t.co / eu4H61TC77pic.twitter.com / JYM2a2xebH
After “ teaching ” Musashi how to use the car ’s steering wheel by feed it sore sensing element datum , the researchers managed to get the robot to turn a recession at an intersection while respecting traffic light signals , they take .
But there are caveats .
For one , Musashi only gingerly lifted its “ infantry ” off the brake pedal to rick the corner rather than tap the catalyst . This was the result of technical restriction and out of an abundance of circumspection , the researchers say — but , as a result , the good turn took about two minutes .
Musashididuse the particle accelerator in a separate experiment , the researcher say . But it had problem maintaining a consistent speeding , depending on the precipitousness of the road ’s incline .
Join us at TechCrunch Sessions: AI
Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI
So intelligibly there ’s some workplace to be done . Fortunately , the researchers say they ’re up for the challenge , with plan to spring up a next - gen robot and computer software . Maybe a few decades down the line , Musashi will be behind the wheel of your next Tokyo taxi .
