JAPAN: World's high-tech makers show off their futuristic products at a Tokyo electronics show

High-tech makers from across the world showed off the latest line-up of their futuristic products at an international high-tech expo near Tokyo. More than 800 companies from 27 countries exhibited their cutting-edge IT and electronics items at CEATEC (pronounced SEE-Tech) Japan 2006 expo, which opened Tuesday (October 3). One of of such items was a 5-kilogram bicycle riding robot, the Murata Boy which was created by Japanese robot firm Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. The robot can reach speeds of 30 inches per second and balance while proceeding on a thin pathway which was sloped and in part twisted. "By developing this technology further, this robot could be able to carry heavy loads and run on high and narrow place like a dangerous construction site instead of people." said one of the developer Tomonari Watanabe. Toshiba showed off its latest motion capture technology. CG models on live screens moved in unison with human model who kept moving from side to side. It does not use any markers or sensors which need to attach to a person to capture human motions. Since it does not need much time to do it, the company said the technology could be used as a wide variety of applications not only as entertainment purpose but also security and surveillance purposes. "By this markerless Motion capture technology, you will be able to try on new clothes without actually doing it. You can see it in your CG body just by standing in front of the camera." said software developer Ryuzo Ogata. Organizer is expecting that the total number of visitors will surpass 200,000, setting a new record.

ITN Source | October 6, 2006

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