Skip to main content

Like a mechanical shadow, Toyota’s new robot mimics your movements in real time

T-HR3 video
As a company, Toyota may be best known for its cars, but it sure builds some nice robots, too. Its latest, third-generation humanoid robot, unveiled November 21, is capable of exactly mimicking its operator’s movements. According to Toyota, it could one day serve as a robot assistant in homes, hospitals, and disaster zones, on construction sites — even in outer space.

Called T-HR3, the 5-foot-1-inch robot is controlled via a proprietary Master Maneuvering System that allows it to be operated by a human user kitted out with special sensors that map their hand, arm, and foot movements. A head-mounted display allows them to see through the robot’s eyes. The robot is then able to replicate movements with impressive accuracy via its 29 articulated body parts. A cleverly designed chair, packing a 16 torque servo module, lets the user move the robot either forward or sideways while sitting still.

Recommended Videos

The T-HR3 is not just able to replicate motions, but can also approximate the force of a user’s actions — for instance, it can perform tasks such as gently lifting an inflatable balloon-like ball without damaging it. It can also display some impressive balance control, maintaining it’s balance even if it runs into another object.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

“The Partner Robot team members are committed to using the technology in T-HR3 to develop friendly and helpful robots that coexist with humans and assist them in their daily lives,” said Akifumi Tamaoki, general manager of Toyota’s Partner Robot Division, in a statement. “Looking ahead, the core technologies developed for this platform will help inform and advance future development of robots to provide ever-better mobility for all.”

Please enable Javascript to view this content

T-HR3 will be among the bots shown off at the upcoming International Robot Exhibition 2017 at Tokyo Big Sight from November 29 through December 2. And after that? Well, Toyota hasn’t announced specific plans to roll out T-HR3 in the real world, but we’re pretty attached to the idea of a telepresence space robot that could be operated from the Earth. But we’d probably settle for a Kickstarter campaign that lets us use one to pick up our stray socks, to be honest.

Luke Dormehl
Former Digital Trends Contributor
I'm a UK-based tech writer covering Cool Tech at Digital Trends. I've also written for Fast Company, Wired, the Guardian…
Hyundai Ioniq 5 sets world record for greatest altitude change
hyundai ioniq 5 world record altitude change mk02 detail kv

When the Guinness World Records (GWR) book was launched in 1955, the idea was to compile facts and figures that could finally settle often endless arguments in the U.K.’s many pubs.

It quickly evolved into a yearly compilation of world records, big and small, including last year's largest grilled cheese sandwich in the world.

Read more
Global EV sales expected to rise 30% in 2025, S&P Global says
ev sales up 30 percent 2025 byd sealion 7 1stbanner l

While trade wars, tariffs, and wavering subsidies are very much in the cards for the auto industry in 2025, global sales of electric vehicles (EVs) are still expected to rise substantially next year, according to S&P Global Mobility.

"2025 is shaping up to be ultra-challenging for the auto industry, as key regional demand factors limit demand potential and the new U.S. administration adds fresh uncertainty from day one," says Colin Couchman, executive director of global light vehicle forecasting for S&P Global Mobility.

Read more
Faraday Future could unveil lowest-priced EV yet at CES 2025
Faraday Future FF 91

Given existing tariffs and what’s in store from the Trump administration, you’d be forgiven for thinking the global race toward lower electric vehicle (EV) prices will not reach U.S. shores in 2025.

After all, Chinese manufacturers, who sell the least expensive EVs globally, have shelved plans to enter the U.S. market after 100% tariffs were imposed on China-made EVs in September.

Read more