2000 - 2009
The Age of Robots
Robots are used to perform surgery, clean homes, assist soldiers and in general labor. They explore Mars and the Egyptian Pyramids. Companies like Honda, Espon, Hitachi, Microsoft, LEGO and Toyota each become involved in robotics. The iRobot Roomba becomes the best-selling consumer robot in history.
2007
Developed at Waseda Universit, Twendy-One is a 5’ 245 lb. talking helper robot that can care for the handicapped. It’s strong enough to lift a person out of bed and can also make and deliver breakfast.
2007
TPR-ROBINA, a guide robot manufactured by Toyota begins working as a receptionist at the Toyota Kaikan Exhibition Hall.
2007
Toyota’s i-REAL, a personal mobility robot, is unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show.
2007
HRP-3 Promet Mk-II demonstrates its ability to walk on slippery surfaces, tighten screws, and operate in environments that are hazardous for humans at Kawada Industries headquarters.
2006
iRobot home robot sales exceed 2 million units.
2006
Matsushita Electric Industrial’s Activelink Co. and Kobe Gakuin University unveil a robotic suit that will help partially paralyzed people regain the use of their limbs.
2006
Stickybot, a robot that is modeled after a gecko and can climb vertically like Spiderman is created by biologist Robert J. Full and engineer Mark Cutkosky.
2006
Lego releases Lego MINDSTORMS NXT to replace the original Robotics Invention System.
2006
Hiroshi Ishiguro of Osaka University unveils Geminoid, an android which he designed to be a copy of himself. Prof. Ishiguro uses Geminoid as a platform to study robotic telepresence
2000
In October 2000, the United Nations estimated that there were 742,500 industrial robots in the world, with more than half of the robots being used in Japan.
2000
The da Vinci Surgical System made by Intuitive Surgical becomes the first robotic surgical system cleared by the FDA for general laparoscopic surgery.
2000
Honda debuts ASIMO, a new humanoid robot, the next generation of its series of humanoid robots.
2000
iRobot releases My Real Baby in partnership with Hasbro. My Real Baby is a robotic baby doll that responds in emotionally appropriate ways to her user. She can detect a wide array of interaction, including tickles, burps, hugs and more.
2001
In April 2001, the Canadarm2 was launched into orbit and attached to the International Space Station. The Canadarm2 is a larger, more capable version of the arm used by the Space Shuttle and is hailed as being “smarter.”
2001
The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Global Hawk made the first autonomous non-stop flight over the Pacific Ocean from Edwards Air Force Base in California to RAAF Base Edinburgh in Southern Australia. The flight was made in 22 hours.
2001
Sony releases the second generation of its Aibo robot dog.
2001
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clears the CyberKnife to treat tumors anywhere in the body.
2001
On September 11, 2001 iRobot provides iRobot PackBot robots to assist with search-and-rescue efforts following the attacks in New York City. The robots are able to help search-and-rescue personnel remain at a safe distance while the robots inspect dangerous buildings and other areas.
2001
Fujutsu develops a mini humanoid robot, HOAP-1 (Humanoid for Open Architecture Platform), for research and development in robotic technologies.
2001
PaPeRo, a robot with facial and speech recognition and the ability to dance and play games is introduced by NEC Corporation.
2001
Banryu (meaning “guard-dragon”) can provide home security and detect a “burnt scent” which is something that happens before a fire.
2001
Yasukawa Electric Corporation’s SmartPal V is introduced at the International Robot Exhibition. It can pick items off the floor, place them on a shelf and vacuum the carpet.
2002
Spring, 2002 iRobot PackBot is deployed to Afghanistan where is used by US warfighters for advanced recognizance against the Taliban. By 2003 PackBot will be in routine use across Afghanistan and Iraq for recognizance and explosive ordnance disposal work.
2002
iRobot introduces the iRobot Roomba® vacuuming robot, the first practical and affordable home robot.
2002
iRobot teams with National Geographic to explore the Great Pyramid of Giza. Shown live on global television, a specially designed robot explored a previously unknown shaft inside the pyramid, adding to our knowledge of this archeological wonder.
2003
On June 10 and July 7, NASA launches “Spirit” and “Opportunity,” its Mars Exploration Rovers to search for proof of past water on Mars.
2003
Ugobe, the company behind Pleo the autonomous dinosaur, is founded by Furby inventor Caleb Chung and Bob Christopher.
2003
Paro Therapeutic Robot is introduced, a robot baby seal intended for use in hospitals and extended care facilities where animals aren’t usually allowed. It reduces stress and improves socialization with both patients and caregivers.
2004
In 2004, Cornell University revealed a robot capable of self-replication; it was a set of cubes capable of attaching and detaching, the first robot capable of building copies of itself.
2004
Epson releases the smallest robot to date. Weighing 0.35 ounces and 2.8 inches high, the Micro Flying Robot is unveiled as the world's lightest and smallest robot helicopter. The company hopes it will be used as a "flying camera" during natural disasters. The prototype flies little more than a few meters but it is intended as to showcase what the company is capable of.
2004
A NASA artist imagines the Mars exploration rovers Spirit and Opportunity look like this on the Red Planet. Spirit landed in Gusev Crater on January 4, 2004. Opportunity landed on Meridiani Planum on January 25, 2004.
2004
All 15 teams competing in the DARPA Grand Challenge fail to complete the course, with no robot successfully navigating more than five percent of the 150 mile off road course, leaving the $1 million dollar prize unclaimed
2004
iRobot is selected to provide the Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle (SUGV) for the US Army’s Future Combat Systems Program. A smaller, lighter, faster version of PackBot, this robot will help soldiers stay safer.
2004
iRobot Roomba sales exceed 1 million units. Homes worldwide are being cleaned by robots.
2004
Japanese company Tmsuk designs the T-52 Enryu, a five-ton hydraulically operated robot that can make a path for rescue workers in the event of a catastrophe.
2005
In May iRobot releases iRobot Scooba® floor washing robot, the world’s first floor washing robot for homes.
2005
Five teams complete the DARPA Grand Challenge off-road course; Stanford University's Stanley won first place and the $2 million dollar prize.
2005
Honda reveals a new version of its ASIMO robot, updated with new behaviors and capabilities
2005
In November, iRobot begins trading on NASDAQ. PackBot is the first robot to ever ring the opening bell on Wall Street.
2005
Hitachi develops EMIEW (Excellent Mobility and Interactive Existence as Workmate), a robot that can move, avoid obstacles and has communication abilities.
2005
Actroid, a realistic female robot developed by Osaka University is demonstrated at Expo 2005 in Japan.
2005
Guardrobo D1 is manufactured by the Japanese alarm company Sohgo Security Services. It patrols buildings and is able to detect for humans, leaking water and fire, and has a fire extinguishing system.
2005
Guardrobo D1 is manufactured by the Japanese alarm company Sohgo Security Services. It patrols buildings and is able to detect for humans, leaking water and fire, and has a fire extinguishing system.
2005
Toyota debuts i-unit and i-foot at the World Expo 2005. i-unit is a single person car with the ability to put the driver in an upright or low position; i-foot is a two-legged personal mobility robot that can navigate stairs.
2005
Toyota debuts i-unit and i-foot at the World Expo 2005. i-unit is a single person car with the ability to put the driver in an upright or low position; i-foot is a two-legged personal mobility robot that can navigate stairs.
2005
Murata Boy, a bicycle riding robot is demonstrated at CEATEC Japan 2005. Developed by Murata Manufacturing, it can ride on a balance beam and balance while stopped.
2005
Murata Boy, a bicycle riding robot is demonstrated at CEATEC Japan 2005. Developed by Murata Manufacturing, it can ride on a balance beam and balance while stopped.
2005
Boston Dynamics’ creates BigDog, a robot that can carry up to 340 lbs. across all conditions, including snow, mud and warlike conditions.
2005
Boston Dynamics’ creates BigDog, a robot that can carry up to 340 lbs. across all conditions, including snow, mud and warlike conditions.
2007
iRobot releases the iRobot Create™ programmable robot designed for aspiring roboticists, students and developers.
2007
iRobot releases the iRobot Create™ programmable robot designed for aspiring roboticists, students and developers.
2007
In May, over 1000 iRobot PackBots have been delivered.
2007
In May, over 1000 iRobot PackBots have been delivered.
2007
Wakamaru, a communication robot with an independent personality, is displayed at the Tokyo Midtown Opening.
2007
Wakamaru, a communication robot with an independent personality, is displayed at the Tokyo Midtown Opening.
2007
In the 2007 DARPA Urban Grand Challenge, 11 teams competed in the final event. Over fifty vechicles, both manned and unmanned, simultaneously navigated a city-like course. “Boss” of Team Tartan (Carnegie Mellon University) won the competition and the $2 million prize.
2007
In the 2007 DARPA Urban Grand Challenge, 11 teams competed in the final event. Over fifty vechicles, both manned and unmanned, simultaneously navigated a city-like course. “Boss” of Team Tartan (Carnegie Mellon University) won the competition and the $2 million prize.
2008
Sebastian Thrun rides shotgun in Stanley, his driverless Volkswagen Touraeg; they win $2 million in a race across the Mojave Desert.
2008
Sebastian Thrun rides shotgun in Stanley, his driverless Volkswagen Touraeg; they win $2 million in a race across the Mojave Desert.
2008
October 2008 PackBot deliveries exceed 2000.
2008
October 2008 PackBot deliveries exceed 2000.
2008
Cyberdyne, a Japanese Robotics company, begins production of the Robot Suit HAL (Hybrid Assisted Limb), which allows the user to walk long distances and lift extra weight.
2008
Cyberdyne, a Japanese Robotics company, begins production of the Robot Suit HAL (Hybrid Assisted Limb), which allows the user to walk long distances and lift extra weight.
2009
More than 3 million iRobot Roomba® Vacuuming Robots have been sold worldwide, making it the best-selling consumer robot in history
2009
More than 3 million iRobot Roomba® Vacuuming Robots have been sold worldwide, making it the best-selling consumer robot in history