Sensors and sensing systems in advanced robotics

The 1991 state of sensors and sensing systems in robotics is considered from the standpoint of the evolution of robots. Also, the Japanese national robot projects are reviewed with special emphasis on the large-scale national project ´Advanced Robot Technology´ in hazardous environments. This project is considered to be the key link to the third generation of robotics. This project was successfully completed at the end of 1990. Several plans toward the next generation, e.g. space robotics, micro robotics, robots for natural disaster prevention, and neurorobotics, are examined. Sensors and sensing systems are expected to play an important role in the next generation of robotics.<>