A
child-sized android with flexible joints and soft skin developed by the
Japan Science and Technology Agency was unveiled Friday at Osaka University,
where the agency's research and development team is based. The 1.3-meter-tall,
33 kilogram humanoid robot CB2 (Child-Robot with Biomimetic Body) has optical,
auditory and tactile sensors. Apparently it emulates "the physical ability
of a 1- or 2-year-old toddler, can turn over and stand up with assistance," has
51 compressed air-powered actuators, and has 200 tactile sensors in its "skin."