Tokyo Researchers Teach Humanoid Robot to Drive

Researchers from the University of Tokyo have taught a humanoid robot named Musashi to operate a small electric vehicle. 

The robot is equipped with two cameras in place of human eyes. It can analyze the road ahead and reflections in the side mirrors, turn the car key and steering wheel with mechanical hands, use the parking brake, and activate the turn signal. Its feet press the pedals.

Musashi has been trained to recognize traffic signals, enabling it to navigate intersections while obeying traffic laws. 

However, challenges remain. During a turn, Musashi removed its foot from the brake pedal but, due to technical limitations and excessive caution, did not press the accelerator. Consequently, the maneuver took over a minute. 

In another experiment, the robot used the gas pedal but encountered difficulties maintaining a stable speed. 

Researchers acknowledge there is still work to be done. They plan to develop the next generation of the robot and its software. 

In April, Mentee Robotics unveiled the Menteebot android with AI.

In December 2023, Tesla introduced an improved model of a humanoid robot.