Whenever I watch cartoons like Transformers (I just can’t wait for the movie to be released - even it it’s a turkey, I know I’ll still enjoy it. I wonder when will they make a big screen adaptation of Thundercats or G-Force?), it just tickles the imagination as to whether we will ever see a day when robots help us humans out in dangerous and dirty situations. The release of the HRP-3 Promet Mk-II is certainly a step in the right direction, as it was especially designed to be a blue collar android worker.

The HRP-3 Promet Mk-II is truly one tough nut, since it is said that he won’t shun heavy loads even while walking through heavy rains, carrying out disaster relief operations, and working in environments where the conditions are less than suitable for us humans to be in. In fact, he had already demonstrated his blue collar skills at the Kawada Industries headquarters in the Tochigi prefecture earlier today, much to the delight of many. Not only is the HRP-3 Promet Mk-II capable of tackling tricky slippery surfaces, he is also well equipped to carry out ordinary household tasks such as tightening up loose screws via its electric screwdriver.

The HRP-3 Promet Mk-II stands tall at 1.6 meters, weighs a mere 68 kilograms, and has been affectionately referred to as “Ma-kun”. Apparently, Ma-kun is a reality today thanks to the joint efforts of Kawada Industries, Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), where the vision of developing a humanoid robot equipped with enough skills to enter the workforce was realized. Word has it that the latest version of the HRP comes with tougher hardware, making him a prime candidate to work in adverse environments, while improvements in its balance and body parts make it all the more agile. The Ma-kun cost some $3.3 million to develop.

Source: Pink Tentacle