  Top Greetings from the Director
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Greetings from the Director  Recently, the robot technology has recorded dynamic development above all
in the entertainment field. However we have to regret the status of robot technology in the field of
practical use nowadays. In the elderly dominated society robot
technology in symbiosis with humankind and the nature should have been highly
required. We can point out a background
in which we all have taken it important to advance the high-functionality of
robots themselves. In the near future we
all think about living with robots in daily life. In this occasion we need to build a symbiosis
between humankind, robot and their environment, such as accommodation in its
structure and functions. The Waseda University has introduced the humanoid robot WABOT-1 in 1973,
and it was the very first in the world. Afterwards, we have kept our
leading position in robotics research.
Not only in the robotics research but also in the field of architecture
we have introduced different kinds of novel designs and innovative building
methods. In the field of the telecommunication, which is a backbone of different
kinds of modern and postmodern technologies,Waseda University has assured big success both in research and in education. As a good contribution in this field we can name the Global Information
and Telecommunication Institute, which is conducted through theWaseda University. Not only robotics engineers, architects or IT researchers but also fine artists take part in the WABOT-HOUSE project, and they try to design an optimal shape from robotic and architectural points of view. They are researching to realize the substantial symbiosis between humankind and robots. The Construction of WABOT-HOUSE Laboratory moves right along at the site
in Techno Plaza in Gifu. We have already completed two houses: the 1st
building in the Block B, which is planned as a space for symbiosis between
humans and robots, and the Block C, a space for robots. In the first floor of the 1st
building of the Block B, you will find a dining room/kitchen and a washroom,
which is supposed to introduce you a new lifestyle in the near future. Radio frequency ID (RFID) tags and indoor GPS
are some example of new technologies of structured environment for robots
there. Several enterprises participate
active in the project and thanks to their participation we are going to start
the experiment for robots supporting the human life. Soon we will complete the construction of
Block A, a space for humankind, and the 2nd building of the Block B,
which is supposed for several individual researches. By the way, there is a report written by the Japan Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Japan Robot Association. This
report suggests that the robotics industry shouldn’t aspire to an oligopoly market
with several huge companies, but better to keep competitive structure among
ventures as well as SME (small and medium-sized enterprises), and try to expand
herself as a component industry. To
realize this suggestion, we need some good system integrators who possess
know-how to coordinate these different components. The university education is under strong
expectations for satisfying them. In Gifu prefecture there are many SME, which have a good technical potential
in manufacture. We hope to launch a new robotics industry from Gifu through the active
collaboration with local enterprises.
We warmly invite
you to participate in the activities of WABOT-HOUSE Laboratory and to support
our mutual goals. |