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 Technology News | June 2008 
Abu Dhabi Firm Introduces Prototype Humanoid Robot
 Amir Ben-Artzi - EETimes
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| | Pal Technology Ltd. has launched a prototype humanoid service robot codenamed Reem B. | | |
Netanya, Israel — Pal Technology Ltd. (Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates) has launched a prototype humanoid service robot codenamed Reem B.
Reem B, which weighs 60kg, is the evolution of the humanoid robot Reem A, and according to the company it is able to map and self localize itself, both elements that set it apart from Reem A. Pal Technology said that although both robots can perform face recognition, object recognition, voice recognition and walking, Reem B can also converse with humans, walk dynamically, recognize and grasp objects, accept voice commands, and even remind humans of appointments.
The development team, which is based in Barcelona, Spain, has worked on the robot for four years. Pal stressed that Reem B can navigate a room and steer around obstacles, and that it is equipped with infrared lasers on its feet, allowing it to find its way and autonomously generate a computerized real-time map of its environment.
Reem B is also able to carry a payload of up 15kg, the developers said. In addition, the 1.47 meter tall robot has a fingered hand with 12 motors, and is able to maneuver up and down stairs, with added sensors to help it avoid obstacles. Reem B has a battery that lasts 120 minutes, longer than other humanoid robots Pal claimed.
"Pal Technology's ultimate goal is to create a truly useful humanoid service robot that will be able to help humans in the future with sophisticated tasks," said Basar Shueb, general manager of Pal Technology. "Reem B is clearly aligned with this vision, not only representing the next generation of humanoid robotics, but a robot designed to assist people and not replace them."
During a launch event held at Reem Island, Abu Dhabi, Pal Technology presented Abu Dhabi University with a scholarship program for postgraduate students from the Computer Science and Robotics department. As part of this program, students will be given the opportunity to work at Pal Technology on further improving Reem B and to assist with Pal Technology's future research and development plans.
Pal Technology was established in 2000 as a subsidiary of the Pal Group of Companies in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Pal Technology is engaged in the research and development of products and technologies in the fields of microelectronics, mechatronics, artificial intelligence, multitasking computer programming and different prospects of renewable energy.
Photos and videos of Reem B could be seen at: www.pal-robotics.com/media.html when this story was first posted. |
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