By Yasuaki Kobayashi / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writer
Japan's Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry plans to provide about 10 billion yen in funding for an artificial intelligence-driven robot development project being pursued by entities including Honda Motor Co., according to sources.
Honda is developing robotic hands by leveraging technology cultivated through its bipedal robot Asimo, which was unveiled in 2000. The hands can make movements that are said to be at the world's highest level.
The ministry aims to support the development of the dexterous robotic hands so that Japan can surpass the United States and China to lead the field of AI robotics.
To develop the hands, data on tactile sensation is considered crucial. Honda plans to collaborate with Japanese research institute Riken to develop sensors and AI capable of instantly processing tactile and other information. By adopting their work in physical AI research and development initiatives, the ministry intends provide the work with a boost.
Robotic hands have to balance delicate movements with strength, making them the most challenging robotic component to develop, the sources said, adding that overseas competitors are also facing difficulties.
Honda's robotic hands can turn small screws and grasp parts of various shapes, and the company said that "overseas competitors will not be able to immediately catch up with the technology."
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This article is from The Yomiuri Shimbun. Neither Dow Jones Newswires, MarketWatch, Barron's nor The Wall Street Journal were involved in the creation of this content.
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