Pneuborn

The robot can teach itself to crawl, sit, and stand using pattern generators and learning algorithms. The target tasks of the robot are basic locomotion like rolling over and crawling, which are acquired at the age of around seven months. 

Skeleton

The skeletal structure, muscle alignment, and range of motion are designed on the basis of functional anatomy, biomechanics, and observation of real human babies. The robot is autonomous and contains a micro controller, air solenoid valves, battery, air source (CO2 cartridge bottle). If the robot is required to move for long hours, air is supplied by an external air compressor.

The hand has five fingers, each of that has three joints. A total of 15 joints of the hand are driven by a pair of muscles via polyethylene wires so that the hand movement is limited only to clench and unclench. The foot has five fingers, all of which moves at the same time as well as those of the hand.

McKibben muscle

The robot uses McKibben pneumatic muscles as actuators that make up the artificial musculoskeletal system. The McKibben pneumatic muscle consists of an inner rubber tube and an outer nylon sleeve, contracts when compressed air is supplied to the inner tube. Edges of some pneumatic muscles are connected to wires, which are guided by metal tube so that the directions of the tensions of the muscles are easily modulated.

Artificial skin system

The metal skeleton of the arm are covered by cylindrical wooden frames. This frame is covered by a skin unit, which is made of two layers of flexible urethane gel and multiple strain gauges between the urethane layers.