Fujitsu Asia Wins Best Product Launch Award at iX 2003

Singapore, October 03, 2003

Fujitsu Asia today announced that HOAP, its miniature humanoid robot designed for wide application in research and development of robotic technologies, had won the Best Product Launch at iX 2003, the integrated exhibition and conference showcasing the regional infocomm industry.

"Fujitsu Asia is very pleased that the organisers of iX 2003 have picked HOAP for the Best Product Launch award," said Mr Chng Teo-Hye, Chairman and co-CEO of Fujitsu Asia. "It is an acknowledgement of the high standards we have set for ourselves in being at the forefront of technology, as one of the leaders in research and development."

Short for Humanoid for Open Architecture Platform, HOAP was engineered by Fujitsu Automation Limited in Japan, to be used for developing motion control algorithms in areas such as two-legged walking, as well as in research on human-to-robot communication interfaces.

Weighing 7kg and standing 50cm tall, the light and compact robot is equipped with sophisticated circuitry and sensors which ensure smooth motion and enhanced stability, enabling it to simulate human movement in activities such as dancing, sumo wrestling, and tai-chi.

The wide range of use and safe and efficient programme development environment makes HOAP an ideal tool for research and development work in robotics and security.

Another product showcased at iX 2003 was Fujitsu's Contactless Palm Vein Pattern Biometric Authentication System, featuring its newly developed technology which can verify a person's identity by recognising the pattern of blood veins in the palm.

A world first, this system offers a highly reliable and precise way to verify the identity of individuals, and can be implemented in public spaces or medical facilities where its contactless feature directly addresses hygiene concerns.