Taking the legwork out of walking

A researcher in Japan has developed the world's first biped walking robot that is capable of carrying a person. Created by Atsuo Takanishi, an engineering professor at Tokyo's Waseda University, the WL-16RIII was demonstrated recently in Tokyo by a member of Takanishi's team who manoeuvred the robot down a set of stairs, illustrating its potential for disabled or infirm people.

WL-16RIII originated from the concept of a bipedal robot 'as a leg module sufficient for practical use'. A multi-purpose bipedal locomotor that is totally independent from what is loaded on the upper body enables users to have the upper part of the robot tailormade to fit their needs.

Since 2003 Takanishi's team has been developing the machine in conjunction with robot manufacturer tmsuk. The aim was to create a two-legged robot that can seamlessly integrate into a human environment and negotiate common, every-day obstacles such as stairs.