Chinese scientists have developed a 1.58-meter (5.2-foot) and 76-kg robot able to play "Taiji," traditional Chinese shadow boxing.
The robot named "BHR-1" passed appraisal Saturday as a major project for the Beijing University of Science and Engineering under China's High and New Technology Research and Development Program (program 863).
"BHR-1" had 32 joints from head to foot which made it move properly, said Prof. Li Kejie, chief scientist in charge of the project at the university.
It can walk with 0.33 meter steps at a speed of 1 km per hour, he said.
The robot is able to walk and play Taiji without a power cable as it incorporates its own power source.
It can also sense changing ground levels and balance itself, he said.
A robot like this would be able to take over some dangerous jobs from humans, he added.
(Xinhua New Agency December 30, 2002)
