News Interactive, Australia - 29 Dec 2002 - from correspondents in Beijing

CHINESE scientists have built a 5' 2" robot weighing 168 lbs which can play tai chi, the traditional Chinese form of shadow boxing, state media said today.

The robot named BHR-1 passed appraisal yesterday as a major project for the Beijing University of Science and Engineering under China's High and New Technology Research and Development Program, the official Xinhua news agency said.

BHR-1 had 32 joints from head to foot which made it move properly, said Professor Li Kejie, chief scientist in charge of the project at the university.

It can walk with 33cm steps at a speed of 1kph, he said.

The robot is able to walk and play tai chi and can also sense changing ground levels and balance itself, Li said.

Li added that this type of robot would be able to take over some dangerous jobs from humans.

Agence France-Presse

The original article "China builds Tai Chi Robot" was found at http://www.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,5763337%255E13762,00.html