It’s amazing how whenever I search for “Android” on Google or Yahoo! the first link that comes up is Google’s Android. It almost seems that the original humanoid term has been outdated. So here’s a post on the top three updates on “Androids”.

“An android is a robot designed to resemble a human, usually both in appearance and behavior.” -Wiki

“Thus far, androids have largely remained within the domain of science fiction, frequently seen in film and television. However, some humanoid robots now exist. The word droid, a robot in the Star Wars universe, is derived from this meaning.” -Wiki

1. New Asimo humanoid

The Robotics Institute of CMU: ASIMO’s Fancy Footwork

A humanoid robot is a robot with its overall appearance based on that of the human body. In general humanoid robots have a torso with a head, two arms and two legs, although some forms of humanoid robots may model only part of the body, for example, from the waist up. Some humanoid robots may also have a ‘face’, with ‘eyes’ and ‘mouth’. Androids are humanoid robots built to resemble a male human, and Gynoids are humanoid robots built to resemble a human female.

Source: New Asimo

2. Pal Technology of the UAE

United Arab Emirates has announced a very sophisticated new humanoid called REEM-A. It stands 1.45 m tall, weighs 41 Kg. and has 30 DOF (Degrees of Freedom). ” REEM-B is the evolution of the first humanoid created by Pal Technology Robotics, the REEM-A. The first prototype was designed to play chess with the Hydra chess engine and to be used as development platform. With REEM-B, Pal Technology comes astonishingly close to its final goal; to create a humanoid service robot that will be able to help humans in the future with sophisticated tasks. Our robot can walk dynamically, recognize and grasp objects, lift heavy weights and go around by itself inside any building complex, avoiding obstacles.” Source : Pal Technology

3. Actroid DER2 fembot loves Hello Kitty

Kokoro and Osaka University have developed a new life-like android called Actroid DER2. This android looks very human and talks and moves its head, arms, hands, and body. The android is available for rental now at the rate of $3,500 for 5 days. Actroid DER2 is an upgraded version of Kokoro’s previous fembot, Actroid DER, who has made quite a name for herself by providing services at a number of events, including the 2005 World Expo. Compared to the previous model, DER2 has thinner arms and a wider repertoire of expressions. The smoothness of her movement has also been improved, making it now even more likely for the uninitiated to confuse her with an actual human being.

Source: Kokoro Android Projects