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Waseda Flutist Robot No.4 Refined VI

Built by Waseda University · Japan

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The Waseda Flutist Robot No.4 Refined VI is a Research robot developed by Waseda University (Japan), launched 2011.

Robo Index

B

Weak evidence

4 of 10 signals present

Recomputed nightly from public data. Missing data is skipped, never zero-filled — and rankings are never for sale.

Weighted factors

average of the 4 scored · blanks don't count

Commercial maturity20%25/100
Deployment footprint18%unknown
Proven track record12%unknown
Spec completeness12%57/100
Company financial health12%unknown
Company maturity8%100/100
Manufacturer portfolio6%51/100
Media mentions (trailing 12 months)6%unknown
Independent recognition4%unknown
Market momentum2%unknown
Specs not manufacturer-verified

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Overview

The Waseda Flutist is a robot that can play the flute just like a human can. It has lungs, a mouth, and a tongue that are closely modeled on human organs, and it's technically proficient, albeit robotic. The robot performs a duet with a professional flutist. The Waseda Flutist was created by Atsuo Takanishi, Jorge Solis, and colleagues at Waseda University, in Tokyo. The Flutist robot is essentially made up of two acrylic cylinders and bellows for the lungs, a vibrato mechanism to imitate human vocal cords, an artificial tongue and lips made of a thermoplastic rubber called Septon, two CCD cameras for the eyes, and flexible arms and fingers that can open and close. Together, these 'organs' have 41 degrees of freedom and are driven by complex mechanical systems of motorized levers and pulleys under the control of actuators and a computer.

Flagship features

  • Built by the Humanoid Robotics Institute at Waseda University
  • Has featured in many academic presentations and events
  • Utilizes MIDI technology for control
  • Part of a series of flutist robots aimed at artistic applications

Buyer decision signals

Viability

est. 2000

KOBIAN introduced as an emotional humanoid robot

Price

Research platform

Published figures are build cost or program budget, not a purchase price

Specifications

Category: Research
Weight
150 kg
Autonomy
fully autonomous
Launch year
2011
Price
Research platform

Published figures are build cost or program budget, not a purchase price

Status
active
VerifiedSelf-reportedEstimated

Company profile

Founded
2000

Detailed specifications

Motion & kinematics4
Hand Dof
19
Dof Total
32
Dof Per Arm
7
Dof Per Hand
12
Sensors1
Sensor Suite
imu,ccd_camera
Other9
Height Mm
1700
Applications
education
Model Variants
WF-1,WF-2,WF-3RIX,WF-4,WF-4RIV,WF-4RV
Company Country
JP
Deployment Notes
Research conducted at the Humanoid Robotics Institute, Waseda University.
Industries Served
education,music
Programming Interface
proprietary_app
Additional Information
- Built by the Humanoid Robotics Institute at Waseda University. - Has featured in many academic presentations and events. - Utilizes MIDI technology for control. - Part of a series of flutist robots aimed at artistic applications.
Deployment Environment
indoor

Company milestones

  • May 2009MilestoneKOBIAN introduced as an emotional humanoid robot
  • Oct 2008MilestoneWF-4RIV development paper presented
  • 2009MilestoneMusical robots perform duets
  • 2009MilestonePlanned future use in care settings
  • 2009LaunchDevelopment of Waseda Flutist Robot WF-4RVI
  • 2009DeploymentWaseda flute robot joined duet performance
  • 2009LaunchDevelopment of Waseda Flutist Robot WF-4RV
  • 2008DeploymentWF-4RVI presented at BioRob 2008

Frequently asked questions

Who makes the Waseda Flutist Robot No.4 Refined VI?
The Waseda Flutist Robot No.4 Refined VI is developed by Waseda University, based in Japan.
What type of robot is the Waseda Flutist Robot No.4 Refined VI?
The Waseda Flutist Robot No.4 Refined VI is a Research robot made by Waseda University.
How much does the Waseda Flutist Robot No.4 Refined VI cost?
Pricing for the Waseda Flutist Robot No.4 Refined VI is not publicly listed — contact Waseda University for a quote.
When was the Waseda Flutist Robot No.4 Refined VI launched?
The Waseda Flutist Robot No.4 Refined VI was launched in 2011.

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