Sharp’s RoBoHoN humanoid robot family has been expanded with the release of three new models for the Japanese market, comprising two walking LTE/3G and WiFi robots, as well as the new RoBoHoN Lite. Here we take a look at what each robot offers the adventurous user.
RoBoHoN is a humanoid-shaped robot that was originally developed in collaboration with Tomotaka Takahashi, Project Associate Professor at the University of Tokyo’s Research Centre for Advanced Science and Technology and CEO of robot development company Robo Garage Co. Ltd.
Still only available in Japan, these new family members continue the Sharp adventure in robotics with a host of new features and ways to connect.
Two of the new robots, RoBoHoN SR-03M-Y (LTE / 3G model) and RoBoHoN SR-04M-Y (WiFi model), offer the full walking experience of the original model, while the third robot is a new seated version, RoBoHoN Lite SR-05M-Y, which connects to the home and internet via WiFi. Other than the lack of the walking feature, this model offers the full functionality of all RoBoHoN units.
RoBoHoN can be used in a variety of situations. In the home, it can be used to entertain and educate younger family members, as well as add essential security and home functionality via AIoT applications.
For example, you can make the most of the new "Answering Machine" application, which comes with a host of call and forwarding features, such as emailing the owner contact details should they be away from the home. It is also possible to check the real-time video being shot by RoBoHoN from your smartphone to keep an eye on your home. There is also an app that allows you to check whether your child has returned home while you are out.
Business users can make full use of RoBoHoN in corporate environments, using the "facility information" and "reception" applications.
The facility guide application allows visitors, whether that is in an office, a retail store, showroom, museum or other public space, to walk along with RoBoHoN and have the robot automatically explain features and exhibits as he comes into close proximity to them.
The reception application, as the name suggests, offers a hospitable welcome, along with guidance and other reception work at the front of house of your business. In this way, RoBoHoN is adding to the overall effective of your reception. In addition to Japanese, it also supports English, Chinese and Korean.
RoBoHoN has a range of built-in functions, such as "Telephone” (SR-03M-Y only), "Mail" "Camera" and "Alarm". In addition to being able to tell you the weather forecast, we have a variety of applications that make use of RoBoHoN 's voice function, such as the "reminder" function, which can inform of pre-set appointments, such as meetings, family occasions, or similar events.
Meet the new RoBoHoN family
With so much on offer, the three new models are aimed are different user types. Here we take a look in a little more detail at each version:
RoBoHoN SR-03M-Y (3G/LTE)
RoBoHoN SR-03M-Y is the most fully-rounded in terms of features coming with Bluetooth, WiFi and 3G/LTE built-in, so is capable of operating just about anywhere you need him to.
He measures 19.8cm and weighs in at 395g. It is powered by a Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 430 Octa core processor, offering up 4 x 1.4GHz and 4 x 1.1 GHz processing cores. This is backed by 16GB of ROM and 2GB of RAM and runs the Android 8.1 operating system.
RoBoHoN SR-03M-Y has the ability to walk and is powered by 13 servomotors. The 1,700 mAh allows for up to one day’s use, but as with your smartphone, that time is dependent upon usage.
The sensor in RoBoHoN is made up of nine axes, based on three acceleration axes, three geomagnetism axes, and three gyro axes. Additionally, there is an illuminance sensor.
RoBoHoN SR-04M-Y (WiFi)
RoBoHoN SR-04M-Y measures 19.8cm and weighs in at 395g. It is powered by a Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 430 Octa core processor, offering up 4 x 1.4GHz and 4 x 1.1 GHz processing cores. This is backed by 16GB of ROM and 2GB of RAM and runs the Android 8.1 operating system.
RoBoHoN SR-04M-Y has the ability to walk and is powered by 13 servomotors. The 1,700 mAh allows for up to one day’s use, but as with your smartphone, that time is dependent upon usage. Fitted with WiFi and Bluetooth he can be used in the home or office and can take advantage of all IoT applications.
The sensor in RoBoHoN is made up of nine axes, based on three acceleration axes, three geomagnetism axes, and three gyro axes. Additionally, there is an illuminance sensor.
RoBoHoN Lite SR-05M-Y (WiFi)
RoBoHoN Lite SR-05M-Y stands out from the other robots by virtue of not being able to stand. The sedentary robot measures 14.8 cm (sitting height) and weighs in at 360g.
In all other respects, SR-05M-Y operates in the same way as the other two robots. To this end, you’ll find WiFi and Bluetooth access for connecting to home and office networks.
As RoBoHoN Lite SR-05M-Y lacks mobility, the number of servomotors has been reduced to seven, making this also the most affordable robot in the range.
While mobility may be reduced, it comes equipped with the full array of nine sensors, comprising three acceleration axes, three geomagnetism axes, and three gyro axes. Additionally, there is an illuminance sensor.
