Archive for Toyota
December 17, 2007 at 2:41 pm · Filed under Smart Tech, Safety, Robot, Sentient Tech, Transportation, RIKEN, Toyota
In an effort to accelerate the development of next-generation automobiles and robots, Toyota is turning to some of Japan’s top neuroscientists. According to a December 14 announcement, the automaker has teamed up with the Institute of Physical and Chemical Research (RIKEN) in a 20-year project aimed at researching the human brain and developing neurotechnology-based auto safety systems, sophisticated robots, and machinery that users can operate with their minds.
Read the full post (341 words, 1 image)
Original post by Edo
December 6, 2007 at 5:07 pm · Filed under Robot, Transportation, Video, Music, Toyota
On December 6, several months after Toyota’s DJ Robot ditched its entertainment career for a job as a receptionist and renamed itself “Robina,” the auto giant unveiled a new, musically-inclined Partner Robot that can play violin. A total of 17 computer-controlled joints in its flexible arms and agile fingers allow the robot to hold the violin and correctly press the strings against the fingerboard with its left hand, while gently drawing the bow across the strings with its right hand. In a recital held at a Toyota showroom in Tokyo, the 152-centimeter (5-ft) tall humanoid entertained guests with a slightly robotic but technically adept rendition of “Pomp and Circumstance.”
Read the full post (303 words, 1 image)
Original post by Edo
August 22, 2007 at 11:16 am · Filed under World Expo 2005, Robot, Attraction, Toyota, Nagoya
Toyota’s new guide robot, formerly known as ‘DJ Robot’, has officially been named TPR-Robina, according to an August 22 Toyota press release. Photos reveal a slightly more professional look (no more scowling eyes) to go along with the droid’s improved ability to avoid obstacles and operate autonomously, while agile, jointed fingers enable TPR-Robina to grasp writing utensils and sign autographs. Further, in addition to being able to communicate using words and gestures, the 60-kg, 1.2-meter tall robot has an image recognition system that allows it to read visitors’ name tags so that it can tailor its directions accordingly. TPR-Robina will begin working as a receptionist and guide at the Toyota Kaikan Exhibition Hall on August 27.
Read the full post (124 words, 1 image)
Original post by Edo
August 14, 2007 at 2:31 pm · Filed under World Expo 2005, Robot, Attraction, Toyota, Nagoya
Toyota’s “DJ Robot,” a two-wheeled android belonging to a band of robot musicians that entertained visitors at the 2005 Aichi World Expo, has ditched its entertainment career for a job as a receptionist. DJ Robot’s departure from the band comes as Toyota gears up for its debut of a new robot violinist this autumn.
Read the full post (556 words, 1 image)
Original post by Edo
July 6, 2007 at 11:31 am · Filed under Tokyo, Art, Video, Music, Toyota
These videos by Ne-o feature unique spatial-temporal visual tricks spiced with dark humor and slices of mundane-but-fantastic Tokyo scenery.
Futureshock — “Late at Night”: Music video with some great night scenery, featuring an unlikely cast of nocturnal characters doing a crazy body-popping dance.
Humanity: Man merges with machine in this Toyota CM for an automobile with a very human touch. This film won the 2006 Cannes Silver Lion.
Salaryman 6: A salaryman trapped in a routine, day-to-day existence loses his memory. The film is shot in ultra-widescreen format to capture the drama of the futuristic Tokyo cityscape, and while some of the cinematic beauty may shine through on your paltry YouTube window, this film was clearly meant for the big screen.
B3: A weird trip through a deserted underground parking garage, created from still photos using 3D composting and morphing techniques.
[Link: Ne-o]
Original post by Edo
February 7, 2007 at 2:03 pm · Filed under Environment, Tokyo, Transportation, Energy, Toyota
On February 6, Nippon Oil (ENEOS), Toyota Motors, Hino Motors and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government announced the launch of a joint project aimed at putting bio hydrofined diesel (also known as BHD, or second-generation biodiesel) into practical use. In 2007, the city will begin trial operation of city buses that run on a 10% BHD-diesel blend.
Produced through a process of hydrogenating vegetable oil and animal fats, BHD is more resistant to oxidation than conventional biodiesel known as fatty acid methyl ester (also known as FAME, or first-generation biodiesel), allowing for higher concentrations in diesel blends. While FAME concentrations in diesel blends are limited to 5%, BHD concentrations can reach 10%. The new fuel complies with Tokyo’s latest emission control regulations.
Furthermore, the BHD production process allows for the raw materials — vegetable oil, animal fat and used cooking oil — to be processed together. In FAME production, each type of raw material must be processed separately.
Before deciding whether or not to put BHD into practical use, the group will study the overall effectiveness of the fuel as a means of fighting global warming, as well as the feasibility of establishing a fuel production and supply system. The proposed move toward BHD is the first stage in the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s project to cut carbon emissions to 25% of 2000 levels by 2020.
[Sources: Nikkei BP, Corism]
Original post by Edo
.jpg)