University of Tokyo Researchers Develop Humanoid Robot to Drive Autonomous Cars

[Dr Laura]

A group of researchers at the University of Tokyo propose that a humanoid robot could be the key to safer autonomous cars. They developed a "musculoskeletal humanoid" named Musashi to drive a small electric car on a test track. Musashi uses cameras to "see" and mechanical hands and feet to operate the car's controls. It can rotate the key, use the handbrake, switch on the turn signal, and press the accelerator or brake pedal.

Musashi successfully navigated a turn at an intersection by recognizing traffic signals, though it only lifted its foot off the brake pedal rather than using the accelerator, resulting in a slow two-minute turn. In another test, Musashi used the accelerator but struggled to maintain consistent speed on inclines.

Despite these challenges, the researchers plan to develop an advanced version of Musashi, aiming for future improvements. They hope that in a few decades, such a robot might be driving taxis in Tokyo.