TIME Best Inventions 2006

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TRANSPORTATION INVENTIONS

E-MAIL

Robobike
He's a scrappy guy, weighing in at just 11 lbs. and standing only 20 in. tall, but Murata Boy does something that no other robot can: ride a bike. Thanks to gyro sensors in his body and a camera in his head, not only can he keep himself upright, but he can also peer ahead to make sure he rides in a straight line. An ultrasonic sensor in his chest keeps him from plowing into walls, and wireless technology allows him to communicate with a PC for navigating complex routes. And if the road gets bumpy, a shock sensor detects the vibration so that he can stabilize his body and stay on the seat.

Inventors: Murata Manufacturing Co.
Availability: Not for sale
To learn more visit murataboy.com/en

Photo credit: Mark Richards for Time

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