Four robots, one brain.
Japanese firms Sony Corp, Fujitsu Ltd and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd unveiled new technology on Wednesday that allows robots that have been developed separately to be controlled simultaneously via a computer network.
In a demonstration kicking off the start of an industry forum, Sony's robotic dog Aibo and knee-high humanoid Qrio, along with robots from Fujitsu and Mitsubishi Heavy, moved forward in unison and then introduced themselves one by one.
Qrio, Fujitsu's Maron-1 -- think of R2D2 in the Star Wars films but a fraction of the size -- and Mitsubishi Heavy's Wakamaru, a rolling waist-high robot, said their respective names while Aibo barked and extended its front paws to the audience.
The robots were linked by a common network protocol.
Sony, Fujitsu and Mitsubishi Heavy said they planned to start a study group in May to explore the possibilities of commercializing and developing services using robots.
The focus will be on remote-controlled home services and assistance in medical treatment and nursing care.
With the exception of Sony's furless pet Aibo, companies have yet to commercialize robots because of the lack of practical applications. Still, companies are rolling out new robots to show off their technological prowess. Earlier this month, Toyota Motor Corp unveiled two robots -- one with legs and the other with wheels -- that can play the trumpet.
Honda Motor Co Ltd's robot, Asimo, can walk backwards and forwards, climb stairs and even hula dance. Honda has said it does not have any immediate plans to sell Asimo, but the droid is available on a rental basis.
Sony's robot ventures have been a bigger commercial success. Aibo sold out in stores when it made its debut in 1999 and still maintains a strong following.
