HUBO has come so far from mastering the basics of mobility. The latest from KAIST is HUBO 2, a robot with flexible limbs that allow it to bend down and even do push-ups. The HUBO 2's hands are another big improvement, now allowing the humanoid to open car doors, operate a gear shift and hold up to 7 kg. KAIST used "individually actuated" fingers that adapt to the shape of whatever HUBO 2 is holding, a la Honda's new ASIMO. The robot can walk 2 km on a charge, and it looks like it's a little less of a slow poke now, too: KAIST increased its running speed to 4 kph from 3 kph. Check out the source link and video below to see the HUBO 2 in action -- if you're impressed, it can be yours for a cool $400,000.

Continue reading HUBO 2 has articulated hands, can walk 2 km on a charge: yours for $400k

HUBO 2 has articulated hands, can walk 2 km on a charge: yours for $400k originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 03 Jun 2012 11:13:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.