Meet Japan’s Future AI Taxi Driver, Musashi

The concept of autonomous vehicles has recently sparked significant interest. Leading corporations have dedicated substantial resources to the research and development of self-driving technologies.

A team of students from the University of Tokyo has proposed a more detailed and economical approach: employing humanoid robots to operate vehicles autonomously.

The researchers utilized Musashi, a humanoid robot engineered to replicate human physicality. Musashi is capable of sitting in a car seat and controlling the accelerator and brake pedals.

According to the students, Musashi’s adaptability, varying stiffness, and an array of sensors allow it to steer with both arms and detect pedestrians in the side mirror. The outcomes of their study were published in the journal arXiv.

Created in 2019, Musashi is categorized as a “musculoskeletal humanoid” created to serve as a platform for developing control systems. Its architecture closely resembles human anatomy and mechanics, featuring a joint and muscle arrangement inspired by the human body.

This humanoid robot is equipped with 74 muscles and 39 joints, excluding the hand. Its musculoskeletal framework consists of joint modules, muscle modules, and robust Dyneema fibers.

Researchers have observed that Musashi’s musculature is organized in opposing pairs surrounding its joints. The robot’s modular design incorporates precise joint and muscle components, each outfitted with integrated sensors. The nonlinear elastic unit (NEU) employs rubber to provide increased flexibility.

Each of Musashi’s portable eyes is equipped with a high-resolution camera qualified for panning and tilting, allowing it to capture various angles, including direct views and quick side mirror checks.

The robot’s five-fingered hands, located at the ends of articulated arms, adeptly steer the wheel using advanced learning software and sensor feedback.

Musashi’s hands are responsible for operating the handbrake, ignition key, and turn signals, while its feet manage the brake and accelerator pedals. Both the hands and feet are fitted with sophisticated sensors to assess force and flexibility.

The research team has combined a Wi-Fi router and an Intel NUC PC within the car to oversee the recognition module and servo power supply.

In tests conducted with a Toyota COMS electric car, Musashi was able to execute a two-minute turn at a moderate speed simply by releasing the brake pedal, without the need to engage the accelerator.

Additionally, it successfully navigated a junction by detecting and responding to traffic signals.

In a different evaluation, Musashi tried to utilize the accelerator but struggled to keep a consistent speed while ascending a hill.

Alongside driving reviews, the robot was also tried on its capacity to identify and respond to obstacles, including pedestrians in its route.

Further development is necessary. Fortunately, the research team is prepared to tackle this challenge, by creating a sophisticated robot and software. It is possible that one day, Musashi could serve as your taxi driver in Tokyo!

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