Starting next decade, Toyota plans to begin using advanced robots and humanoids as assistants. This goes hand-in-hand with the Japanese automotive company's "Global Vision 2020" which outlines the aspiration to make robotics a core field of Toyota.
Closer to 2010, Toyota hopes to have robots helping out not only in factories, but acting also as personal aids in homes and hospitals.
The "mobility robots" have an astounding 17 joins in hands and arms and are designed to assist with domestic chores like house cleaning, as well as nursing and medical care. The "violin-playing robot" are 5 ft tall, two-legged robots which can play the stringed instruments, complete with vibrato.
In order to achieve their goal, Toyota said they would be by doubling the amount of engineers in the next three years.
Toyota Violin Playing Robot
Helpful Humanoids by 2010
Trend Themes
1. Advanced Robots and Humanoids as Assistants - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Development of advanced robots and humanoids to assist in various industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and household chores.
2. Robotics as a Core Field of Toyota - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integration of robotics as a core focus for Toyota, leading to advancements in automation, efficiency, and productivity in manufacturing and other sectors.
3. Personal Aids and Assistants in Homes and Hospitals - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creation of personal robot aids to support individuals in their day-to-day activities, improving quality of life and enhancing healthcare services.
Industry Implications
1. Manufacturing - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integration of advanced robotics in manufacturing processes for increased efficiency, precision, and automation.
2. Healthcare - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Application of robots and humanoids in healthcare settings to support patient care, surgery, and medical monitoring.
3. Household Chores and Cleaning - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Development of robots to assist with household chores and cleaning tasks, reducing the burden on individuals and improving efficiency.