WT-5
In 2005, Waseda University launched a new version of its anthromorphic talking robot series. It was dubbed as the Waseda Talker No. 5, or more popularly referred to as WT-5. It boasts a new vocal cord mechanism, which mimicked the human biomechanical structure.
Among other features, WT-5 was developed with a vocal tract size of 170 mm, which is about the same size of the vocal tract of an adult man. Eighteen degrees of freedom comprise its artificial organs, such as the articulators, lungs, soft palate, and nasal cavity.
WT-5 produces similar vibration patterns to humans. The sounds it produces, like the vowels and consonants, are more natural and human-like. The mechanical lips and vocal cords were developed with the use of the thermoplastic rubber, known as Septon. An autonomous control method is at the helm of the talking robot’s ability to mimic continuous human speech sounds. Tactile and intraoral information are used to optimize the production of consonant sounds.
Features:
Waseda U.
