DOCOMO and Toyota Conduct Successful Remote Control of T-HR3 Humanoid Robot Using 5G

Nov 30, 2018 11:08 JST

Source: NTT DOCOMO

TOKYO, Nov 30, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - NTT DOCOMO, INC. and Toyota Motor Corporation have successfully controlled the Toyota-developed T-HR3(1) humanoid robot in trials using fifth-generation mobile communications(2) (5G) under a test environment with control from a remote location (a distance of approximately 10 kilometers) using 5G in an area between two points.

Toyota developed the T-HR3 with the aim of creating a partner robot that can safely support human activities in a variety of circumstances, such as homes and healthcare institutions. By employing Torque Servo Modules that control torque (power) and a Master Maneuvering System that allows the robot's entire body to be operated at will, the operator can feel external forces exerted on the T-HR3 and prompt it to move in the same manner as them.

To ensure it achieves gentle, smooth movement, minimizing communication delays during control signal exchange between the T-HR3 and the Master Maneuvering System is essential. Until now, T-HR3 experiments have been conducted on a wired connection, with relatively few communication delays. This time, with an eye toward improved use in practical environments, the T-HR3 was successfully controlled wirelessly, using low-latency 5G communication technology developed by DOCOMO.

DOCOMO and Toyota plan to demonstrate the technology between Tokyo Big Sight and Tokyo Skytree as part of the DOCOMO Open House 20183, which will be held at Tokyo Big Sight over two days starting on December 6, 2018.

DOCOMO and Toyota aim to continue conducting trials based on diverse scenarios of robot use, and intend to research and develop technologies and services with the aim of realizing 5G services in 2020 and, subsequently, a prosperous society of mobility.

(1) More details on Toyota's T-HR3: https://newsroom.toyota.co.jp/en/corporate/19841525.html
(2) NTT DOCOMO is aiming to offer 5G pre-services in September 2019, with plans to roll out full-scale commercialized 5G services in spring 2020.
(3) More details on DOCOMO Open House 2018: http://docomo-rd-openhouse.jp/eng/

About Toyota

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) is the global mobility company that introduced the Prius hybrid-electric car in 1997 and the first mass-produced fuel cell sedan, Mirai, in 2014. Headquartered in Toyota City, Japan, Toyota has been making cars since 1937. Today, Toyota proudly employs 370,000 employees in communities around the world. Together, they build around 10 million vehicles per year in 27 countries and regions, from mainstream cars and premium vehicles to mini-vehicles and commercial trucks, and sell them in more than 170 countries and regions under the brands Toyota, Lexus, Daihatsu and Hino. For more information, please visit New windowhttps://www.toyota-global.com/.

Contact:

Public Affairs Division
Global Communications Department
Toyota Motor Corporation
Tel: +81-3-3817-9926

NTT DOCOMO
International PR
Public Relations Department
Tel: +81-3-5156-1366    
Fax: +81-3-5501-3408
URL: www.nttdocomo.com
Contact: https://nes.nttdocomo.co.jp/PINQ01/showinquiry.do

Source: NTT DOCOMO
Sectors: Automotive, Wireless, Apps