The China Science and Technology University for National Defense announced in Changsha on November 29 that it has produced the nation's first hominine robot, which has a human-like appearance and is able to walk and talk like a human.
This robot was independently created by Chinese scientists, said the university located in the capital city of South China's Hunan Province, claiming that it signifies China's accession to the advanced international levels of robot technology.
The robot named "Pioneer" is 1.4 meters tall, and weighs 20 kilograms. It has a human-like head, eyes, neck, body, arms and feet, and is equipped with basic language skills.
Compared with the first robot produced in 1990 by the university, "Pioneer" can walk faster. It can take two steps per second instead of one step every six seconds, like its predecessor.
Many technological breakthroughs have been made in producing the new robot, scientists said, noting that they involved neural networks, physiological optical systems, hand coordination skills and finger-control abilities.
Hominine robots are expected to replace humans working under hazardous conditions with radioactive material, heavy dust, powder or poison. These robots can also help amputatee's or paralyzed patients to live normal lives.
(People's Daily 11/29/2000)
