EMIEW2 is actually Hitachi’s second-generation EMIEW humanoid robot. They developed EMIEW in 2005 followed by the EMIEW2 in 2007 with the objective of creating a robot that can coexist with humans and serve in such environments as offices or hospitals as part of the Project for the Practical Application of Next-Generation Robots organized by NEDO (New Energy and Industrial Development Organization). This time Hitachi unveiled the new, more improved version of the EMIEW2.

The first one was 1.3 mt tall and weighed a 70 kg while EMIEW2 (2007) stood 80 cm high and weighed just 13kg. The new version is also 80cm high, moves at the average human walking speed of 6km/h just as its precedent but 1 kg heavier. The improvements include better recognition of voice commands thanks to the the 14-channel microphone system positioned within its head and smooth moving on uneven surfaces and handling bumps up to 1.5cm high thanks to the new “active suspension system”.

P.S. In case you would be interested to follow the progress by comparing with the very first EMIEW, you can refer to our past news EMIEW at Sheraton (includes video).