Dec. 6 - The race to produce the first practical home robots has heated up with Toyota's new range - including one that plays the violin.
In a demonstration of the new robots' achievements, Toyota brought out a 152 cm (5 ft), two-legged robot dextrous enough to play a few stanzas -- complete with vibrato sound -- from Edward Elgar's "Pomp and Circumstance", a popular tune at graduation ceremonies.
Toyota said it planned to further advance the robot's dexterity to enable it to use tools and assist with domestic duties and nursing and medical care. The robot has 17 joints in both of its hands and arms now.
Reuters QuickCut: Violin robot | Video | Reuters.com
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The Associated Press: Toyota Shows Violin-Playing Robot
