Toyota Motor Corporation revealed the T-HR3, the third generation of humanoid robots of the company. The last robotic platform, designed and developed by Robot Division (the division of robots associated to Toyota) explores new technologies to safely administrate the physical interactions between robots and their surroundings, as well a new remote maneuvering system that mimics the user’s movements towards the robot.

T-HR3 reflects the extended exploration of Toyota for advanced technologies that may help satisfy individual needs for mobility. T-HR3 represents an evolution of humanoid robots, created to reproduce the precise position of articulations by using pre-programed movements in a platform. Humanoids can help humans in different situations, including at home, in healthcare facilities, construction work, areas affected by natural disasters, and even the outer space.

“The robotics team is committed to the use of the T-HR3 technology to develop friendly and useful robots that may coexist with humans and help them in their daily lives. Looking into de future, the technologies designed by this platform will help to move forward into the development of new robots that may provide greater mobility for everyone”, said Akifumi Tamaoki, Manager General, of Robot Division.

The T-HR3 is controlled from a master system of maneuvers, which enables de entire body of the robot to work using portable controls that constantly map the movements of its articulations, while the screen enables the user to simultaneously see from the robot’s perspective.

The master arms of the system provide the user a full range of movement of the articulations that the master foot allow the user to, from his own place, walk on the chair to move the robot forward (or to the sides). The prevention technology, included in the T-HR3, works automatically to make sure that the robot and the user do not interrupt the movements of others.

On the T-HR3 and on the “Master Maneuvering System” the engines, reduction gears and sensors are all connected to every union. These different modules directly communicate the movements of the operator to the 29 parts of the T-HR3’s body, together with the 16 control systems of the Master Maneuvering System, to provide a smooth and synchronized experience.

Since the 1980’s Toyota has been developing industrial robots to improve its production processes. Partner Robot is based on the experience and ideas of Toyota, on automotive technologies, to develop new mobility solutions that support doctors, patients, the elderly and the disabled.

T-HR3 was presented during the recent International Robot Exhibition 2017, held in Tokyo Big Sight, which ended on December 2^nd.