Researchers speculate on the concept of placing a robot in the driver’s seat rather than fully automating the car itself. A team at the University of Tokyo has adopted this novel approach to autonomous driving, developing a robot capable of operating a car and conducting tests on a real-world track. Their findings are detailed in a paper published on the arXiv preprint server.
Traditionally, efforts in autonomous vehicle development have focused on making the vehicle itself autonomous, with humans positioned in the passenger or rear seats. This approach involves integrating numerous sensors and substantial processing power, yielding varied outcomes.
In contrast, the research team explored whether a simpler and more economical solution could involve training a robot to drive a standard vehicle. To explore this possibility, they engineered Musashi, a robot designed to emulate human drivers. Musashi features a “musculoskeletal humanoid” structure comprising two arms, two legs equipped with feet and hands, and a torso complete with a neck and head.
The robot is equipped with movable eyes, each equipped with high-resolution cameras. Its jointed arms possess hands with five digits, while its feet incorporate “grippiness” to ensure precise control over the gas pedal and brake. Powered by a computer and specialized software for training, Musashi functions as the cognitive core when operating the vehicle.
Following construction, the research team installed Musashi in a compact electric car and conducted extensive test drives. Beyond merely navigating the track, the robot underwent evaluations on its capability to detect and respond to obstacles, including humans in its path.
Initial test results have shown promise, though the researchers caution that Musashi is far from being road-ready for public use.
