Japanese Robot can pick up and drill in drywall by itself

A Japanese robot that can pick up and drill in a drywall all by itself could provide a glimpse into the future of construction.

The smart robot, HRP-5P, uses object detection and motion planning to perform its construction tasks – albeit very slowly.

It can use small hooks to grab the board, carry it across the room and then drill it in the desired spot.

Tokyo-based developers from Japan’s Advanced Industrial Science and Technology Institute (AIST) say the robot could replace workers assembling ships and aircraft who are often carrying out dangerous work.

They want to use HRP-5P as a development platform for collaboration between industry and academia.

The robot is 182cm (5″10) tall, weighs 101kg (15.9 stone) and can lift things that are ‘rug-sized’, according to its developers.

Researchers said that ‘it is expected that research and development for practical use of humanoid robots in building construction sites and assembly of large structures such as aircraft and ships will be accelerated’, writes Tech Crunch.

The robot relies on sensors to take 3D measurements of their surroundings in real-time.

It also relies on augmented reality markers so it knows what object it is picking up.

The robot – which walks using baby steps and moves cautiously – is set to go on show at the World Robot Expo 2018 later this month.

‘It is expected that many industries such as the construction industry will fall into serious manual shortages in the future, and it is urgent to solve this problem by robot technology,’ according to developers.