| Toshiba to Bring its New ApriAlpha Concept
Model Robot to ROBODEX 2003
20 March, 2003
simplified development of multi-functional robots
Tokyo--Toshiba Corporation today announced that it had developed a sophisticated home robot that could carry out multiple tasks around home. ApriAlpha integrates voice recognition and voice synthesis technologies that allow it to hold conversations with people, and image recognition technology that allows it to recognize people whose features are recorded to the robots memory. A newly developed Open Robot Controller with distributed object technology also allows ApriAlpha to be quickly and easily programmed to carry out new tasks.
Concept models of ApriAlpha will be featured at the ROBODEX 2003 Exhibition at Pacifico Yokohama from April 3, 2003, including a version with a direct methanol fuel cell, a supplementary power supply to recharge the main battery.
Broadband networks will soon move into home. Managed by home servers and linking personal computers, digital televisions and other networked home appliances, these powerful networks will support diverse functions and services.
Toshiba has developed ApriAlpha to function as a user-friendly interface between the equipment in a home network and the people who use it. This innovative approach positions ApriAlpha as a Robotic Information Home Appliance that allows users to effortlessly operate equipment connected to the home network.
Toshiba continues to develop ApriAlpha with an ultimate objective of achieving a life support partner, able to provide support and handle household chores and also help to provide care for the aged. Developing functionality will also allow ApriAlpha to perform light tasks.
The ApriAlpha concept model has the following capabilities:
1. Communication Functions
2. Transmission Functions
3. Movement Functions
The Advantages of ApriAlpha
Toshibas ApriAlpha is a sophisticated amalgamation of diverse technologies that Toshiba previously developed for industrial, space, and nuclear-facility-maintenance robots. It also has Toshibas advanced voice-recognition and voice-synthesis technologies for car navigation systems, and the image recognition technology used for security systems. Using these technologies significantly minimizes software development effort.
Even more important than its numerous built-in functions and capabilities is ApriAlphas integration of Open Robot Controller Architecture (ORCA) with HORB* distributed object technology, which allows simple additions of new functions and upgrades of present functions. This architecture is integrated into a newly developed controller that is completely independent of the CPU and OS, and that supports technologies essential for robots, including motion control, data transmission, image processing, audio processing, and processing of data from various sensors. ORCA allows manufacturers to quickly and easily integrate software developed by third parties into their systems, achieving efficient development of advanced robots in a relatively short period.
Toshiba expects ORCA to play a key role in advancing the use of robots in a variety of fields. Toshiba is negotiating with a number of other manufacturers, universities and research laboratories working on robot development to promote ORCA as a widely accepted controller standard.
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