Fujitsu updates HOAP robot series

Fujitsu has updated its HOAP (Humanoid for Open Architecture Platform) robot series with HOAP-3, a two-foot-tall Linux powered bot that the company says responds to voice commands and has 28 joints for fluid movements. The Pentium-M powered bot can also be tethered by USB or remote-controlled over WiFi. Fujitsu hopes to sell about 100 HOAPs over the next three years. Presumably some of them will end up doing more than just acting as glorified crossing guards.

[Via Akihabara News]

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

Does HOAP float?

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

Only 100?

These things must be REALLY expensive.

I expect it probably sinks like a rock by design, leading into a wonderful opportunity for iCrap-like accessories... HOAP Mini-sub, HOAP Hydroplane Outriggers, HOAP Neoprene Skin Suit and such.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

#2 HOAP robots are designed as R&D platforms aimed at researchers and corporates interested in robotics studies.
I don't know the machine's price, tho. Nothing to compare to Asimo's rental costs anyway; previous HOAP versions were more like $10000 i'd say.

Now, for the individual interested in their own robotics R&D program, Kondo has a sub $2000 platform that is approximately equivalent to the early HOAP-1 version : http://www.kondo-robot.com/

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

"remote-controlled over WiFi" "crossing guards"

I can't wait to see people hack into these things and control them by WiFi to totally stop traffic or get little kids hit! Hey its gona happen. Haven't you see Terminator?