The land of Japan is universally renowned for its stupendous contributions in the domain of global science and technology. From the beginning of the post-World War II period Japan is leading the way in the fields of scientific research, particularly technology, machinery and biomedical research. According to reports, almost 700,000 researchers share a US$130 billion research and development budget, the third largest in the world.

What are the greatest technological contributions of Japan therefore? Well, they happen to be in the fields of electronics, automobiles, machinery, earthquake engineering, industrial robotics, optics, chemicals, semiconductors and metals. It is to be noted, that Japan leads the world in robotics production and use, possessing more than half (402,200 of 742,500) of the world’s industrial robots used for manufacturing.

The same vigor was found, in the recent days, when HRP-4C humanoid robot got introduced before the assembled audience. The HRP-4C humanoid robot was found to display her stormtrooper-like silver and black frame and bowed to a fashion-savvy audience at the start of the annual Japan Fashion Week in Tokyo. What was the outcome? Though the approach was applauded, it was also realized that there are still plenty of room for improvement.

Now let’s focus on the exciting features of this HRP-4C humanoid robot. The very robot consists of battery-powered motors in her body and face that enables her to simulate the expressions, pace and poses of a supermodel to a certain extent. Speaking on this Shuji Kajita, director of humanoid robot engineering at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) stated, “Our robot can’t move elegantly like the real models that are here today.” “It’ll take another 20 to 30 years of research to make that happen.”

What was the total expense? As stated by the AIST designers, only the eyes, face and hair of the robot did cost about $2 million to develop. What are the immediate plans? Japan has the firm conviction to go on with the experiments that will lead to more improvements. Remember that Japan is home to just about half of the world’s 800,000 industrial robots.