Tiny robot shows off components expertise

Murata has shown the sophistication of its electronic components by building an ingenious tiny robot that can ride a bicycle perfectly.

Murata has shown the sophistication of its electronic components by building an ingenious tiny robot that can ride a bicycle perfectly.

Known as Murata Boy, the high-tech marvel weighs just 5kg and is 20cm tall.

He can travel at up to 76cm/s forward or backwards, and is controlled via a wireless computer link.

Unveiled at the recent Ceatec consumer electronics show in Tokyo, the robot uses many cutting edge Murata components.

These include a gyro sensor for precise positioning and navigation.

Other sensors detect Murata Boy's angle so that perfect balance is maintained.

An ultrasonic sensor enables obstacles to be avoided, and another makes corrections for uneven ground.

The robot's eyes are an onboard camera that captures images and transmits them to a PC.

Murata Boy also incorporates more common Murata components, such as monolithic ceramic capacitors for controlled electric supply and ceramic resonators to create a reference signal.

Thermistors detect temperature, and potentiometers compensate for circuit variance.

Murata components are already used in high-tech robots designed for entertainment and security applications.

The market is growing exponentially and, to serve it, Murata is ideally positioned - just like the perfectly balanced Murata Boy.

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