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Tag: Walks

  • Walk Me: Toyota Unveils a Chair that Walks Like a Robot

    Walk Me: Toyota Unveils a Chair that Walks Like a Robot

    Toyota is showcasing its four-legged “Walk Me” robotic chair, designed for independent mobility, at the Japan Mobility Show 2025 in Tokyo from October 30 to November 9. For now, it remains a concept design rather than a market-ready product.
    Image Credits:Toyota

    Toyota is showcasing its four-legged “Walk Me” robotic chair, designed for independent mobility, at the Japan Mobility Show 2025 in Tokyo from October 30 to November 9. For now, it remains a concept design rather than a market-ready product.

    Design and Mechanical Structure of the “Walk Me” Robot Chair

    The “Walk Me” has a rear-opening, fabric-covered seat on a spherical base that houses its electronics and actuators for four flexible, jointed legs, each likely with at least four degrees of freedom.

    The robot’s legs can lift, bend, and move independently to create a walking motion. When not in use, they fold beneath the chair to form a stable base that does not require power. In this state, the piece simply appears as a vibrant, stylish item of furniture.

    The chair is operated using a small joystick or buttons built into two side handles that also function as handholds.Its motion isn’t always smooth, especially on stairs, but it can walk, climb, and handle uneven surfaces on its own.

    Remote Control and Assisted Mobility Features

    It can be remotely controlled and may have partial autonomy, allowing users to call it to their location for transport. This makes the robotic chair especially useful for people with limited mobility who struggle to walk.

    The “Walk Me” is mainly designed for indoor use and may not be suitable for long distances, though Toyota has not confirmed this. The company also shows it guiding a user to a vehicle, lifting and tilting slightly to assist with getting in.

    Read the original article on: Heise

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  • Scientists Developed a Robotic Hand that Detaches and Walks on its Own

    Scientists Developed a Robotic Hand that Detaches and Walks on its Own

    Researchers have created a robotic hand that can separate from its arm and independently move to access objects beyond the robot’s reach.
    Image Credits: (Xiao Gao/Reprodução)

    Researchers have created a robotic hand that can separate from its arm and independently move to access objects beyond the robot’s reach.

    Unlike traditional human-like hands, the new design uses a symmetrical structure to grip objects from multiple angles.

    The device comes in two variants, with five or six identical fingers evenly arranged around a 16-centimeter circular base. This layout removes the need for…

    Autonomous Movement Inspired by Pop Culture

    The hand can detach from the arm and move on its fingers, like “Thing” from The Addams Family.

    Researchers have shown that the device can replicate 33 different human handprint patterns and securely grasp everyday items like cardboard tubes, balls, pens, and cans of varying weight.

    The study suggests users can apply the technology in situations where standard robotic arms struggle to reach, including tight industrial spaces, confined areas, or complex operations.

    Potential Applications in Service and Exploration Robotics

    The team also notes that the concept could be applied to service robots and exploration platforms that require both movement and object-handling capabilities.

    Read the original article on: Veja.

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