S. Korean researchers develop human-like dancing robot

By Lee Joon-seung
SEOUL, Oct. 13 (Yonhap) -- South Korean researchers on Monday said that they have developed a robot that can dance to music and learn to mimic human motion.

The Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) team led by You Bum-jae said
the "Mahru" robot can move both upper and lower body parts freely, and
automatically stabilize itself while walking on its legs.
The robot is the first South Korean-developed machine that can walk on its legs.
The chief researcher said that the robot is programed to follow various human
movements through an advanced motion capture system, and designed to cope with
any interference or obstacles while moving its hands. The robot can also dance to
two pop tunes, requiring the movement of arms and legs.
"Because the robot can be operated via a real-time control network, simultaneous
movement control of these robots can be carried out," You said.
The KIST researcher, in addition, said a variant Mahru-M robot has been developed
that posses sensors in its head that can differentiate faces and objects and
deliver things to humans on request. This robot uses a tricycle wheel system to
move about.
The state-run laboratory said that Mahru series opens new horizons in robotics
because these machines may be developed to do everyday chores like wash dishes,
open doors and make deliveries.