Motoman superannuates you

Think you're good at sorting packages? Try going head to head with Motoman. It can sort about a thousand packages an hour - better than most humans. I bet the hapless worker in the background of this photo envies its chops.

In a tie-up between robot producer Yaskawa Electric and distribution machinery maker Hokusho Co., Yaskawa's Motoman DA-10 humanoid robot has been put to work at a Hokusho factory to demonstrate its package-sorting abilities.

Motoman has seven-axis arms and can perform simultaneous tasks like toting objects and tightening bolts. I've seen the DA-10 at a robotics trade show in Tokyo - the head is just a cosmetic accessory added for fun. In fact Yaskawa staff dolled up their humanoid pals with scarves, much the bemusement of onlookers. Here, Motoman is demonstrating its article-handling functions - it can work in close proximity to people and step in when they're not around. It sorts packages by reading their bar codes. But this strikes me as pretty old-school compared to new automated distribution technologies like RFID. I think Motoman should run for office instead.

Via Pink Tentacle