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ROBO SPACE
New Japanese lightweight robot on wheels can talk

Combo photo shows Japanese electronics giant Hitachi unveiling the company's new humanoid robot "EMIEW 2" (Excellent Mobility and Interactive Existence as Workmate) equipped with the world's first convertible legs, which enable them to convert four-weels, two wheels and two feet to clear maximum three centimeters gaps at the company's laboratory at Hitachinaka city in Ibaraki prefecture, 21 November 2007. (L-R) four-wheel, two-wheel and legs version of the robot which measures 80cm tall and weighs 13kg. Photo courtesy AFP.
by Staff Writers
 Hitachinaka, Japan (AFP) Nov 21, 2007
 Japanese engineering giant Hitachi Ltd. on Wednesday unveiled a new lightweight robot that can converse while easily scooting around people.

In a first for a humanoid, the robot has convertible legs, allowing it to walk on two legs or roll about on either two or four wheels, Hitachi said.

In a demonstration near Tokyo, Hitachi showed how the robot, clad in a red jacket and cap, could be used to bring drinks or paperwork or guide guests at an office.

Standing 80 centimeters (31.5 inches) tall and weighing just 13 kilogrammes (29 pounds), the "EMIEW 2" robot demonstrates a step towards production of machines that can live with and support humans, a company statement said.

Sensors on the machine enable the robot to learn the locations of objects and open spaces in an office while recognising moving people.

The robot can also serve as a receptionist or after-hour security monitor, Hitachi said.

Hitachi is one of a number of Japanese companies which has been trying to develop humanoids to compensate for a future labour shortage in Japan, whose population is rapidly ageing but which rejects large-scale immigration.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. earlier this year started renting out humanoid robots which can recognise about 10,000 words necessary for daily life and can work the front desks of offices and hospitals.

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