Overview
Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. has developed the 2010 models of its bicycle-riding robot MURATA BOY and its unicycle-riding robot MURATA GIRL. MURATA BOY and MURATA GIRL will be displayed in Murata’s booth at CEATEC Japan 2010, to be held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture from October 5 (Tue.)? 9 (Sat.).
MURATA BOY Type ECO
The 2010 model MURATA BOY, MURATA BOY Type ECO, incorporates the latest energy-saving, sensor, and communications technologies, as well as components that contribute to improved environmental performance.
For example, the wireless communications module that informs us of MURATA BOY’s power usage, the infrared sensors that automatically go into sleep mode when MURATA BOY receives no commands and the wireless power transmission system that can send or receive power anywhere are all technologies used in “smart homes,” which aim to make every aspect of our daily lives environmentally friendly.
These technologies and components incorporated in MURATA BOY Type ECO will enable us to offer our customers practical solutions for comfortable and environmentally-friendly lifestyles in the future.
New components
Close-distance wireless module (Bluetooth® low energy)
This technology reduces power consumption by a maximum of 90% against a conventional Bluetooth® module. The status of the unit’s power consumption can also be seen on a “smart meter.”
Infrared sensors
MURATA BOY detects changes in temperature due to human movement using infrared sensors and returns from standby mode. Murata infrared sensors have recently begun to be fitted in liquid crystal televisions to contribute to power savings by switching them on and off automatically.
Wireless power transmission system
MURATA BOY can be charged without a cord, simply by being placed on a stand. This technology enables wireless power transmission anytime and anywhere.
Electric double layer capacitor
Rapid charge and discharge of high-power electronic double layer capacitors lights up MURATA BOY’s LEDs. Murata’s electric double layer capacitors are used to provide power assist in battery-powered devices such as digital camera flashes.
Power module
The power module efficiently converts energy and supplies it to MURATA BOY’s circuits. These power modules can be used in PCs, liquid crystal televisions, LED lighting and other products.
Wi-Fi module
MURATA BOY’s Wi-Fi module is able to transfer high volumes of data at one time. The module’s power consumption is a maximum of 50% lower than that of a conventional Wi-Fi module. These modules are mainly used in games consoles.
MURATA GIRL’10model
In addition to being able as before to stop without falling over and cycle forwards and backwards, advances in control and circuit design technologies now enable MURATA GIRL to cycle on an S-shaped balance beam.
About MURATA BOY and MURATA GIRL
A variety of different types of robots have come into practical use recently and are being used in a range of familiar situations for purposes from entertainment to security. In addition to the capacitors that store power for their electronic circuits, these robots use numerous Murata technologies, including sensors for motion control and communications modules for data transfer. The robotics market is one that will grow significantly in the future, and demand for these components can be expected to grow.
MURATA BOY and MURATA GIRL incorporate a variety of components manufactured by Murata. Their functions and structures are realized using the advanced control and circuit design technologies that are the essence of our philosophy of product manufacture, and they enable us to introduce our company’s superior products and to demonstrate the possibilities of technology.
A drift away from interest in science among children has recently become a subject of concern in Japan. Murata has positioned the promotion of science education with consideration of CSR activities as an important management agenda, and we are making active use of MURATA BOY and MURATA GIRL in school visits to communicate an interest of science to children. These efforts have been praised from many quarters. In future, we will continue to use MURATA BOY in public relations activities in order to make a diverse range of people aware of our products, our technological responsiveness, our spirit of challenge and our teamwork, in addition to introducing large numbers of children to the possibilities of electronics in an easy to understand manner.
Profile
MURATA BOY
| Height: |
Approx. 50cm |
| Weight: |
Approx. 5kg |
| Place of birth: |
Kyoto prefecture |
| Zodiac sign: |
Libra |
| Hobby: |
Bicycling |
| Dream: |
Riding around the world |
| Motto: |
When you fall off a bicycle, get right back on |
MURATA GIRL
| Height: |
Approx. 50cm |
| Weight: |
Approx. 6kg |
| Place of birth: |
Shiga prefecture |
| Zodiac sign: |
Virgo |
| Hobby: |
Practicing riding her unicycle at the park |
| Dream: |
Traveling around the world with MURATA BOY |
| Personality: |
Physically active but shy |