A team of researchers composed of seven students at the Carinthia University of Applied Sciences developed an autonomous humanoid robot which they call the Humanoid Walking Machine, or HWM.
The HWM is basically a robot that is based on the distributed system architecture. This architecture employs a single board computer and a number of microcontroller units. Its developers installed multiple sensors that give feedback regarding the state of the robot and allow it to perceive its surroundings. 12 DC motors having gear boxes were also utilized in order to make the joints of the HWM robot move freely.
The researchers of the HWM ensured that this humanoid robot can balance itself using one leg, and firmly walk on flat and hard ground. They also programmed this robot to locate and kick a soccer ball.
