An automaton made of plastic and metal that reproduces the human way of walking and bearing. Entirely mechanical, 10 centimetres tall, driven by a micro battery-operated motor, this jewel of the technology covers flat surfaces with sure step. The typical noise of the gears that goes with every movement, recalls to the mind the scenes of several science fiction movies, in which Robots and Humans are leading actors. Available in various colours, with an irresistible design and a sure relaxation effect, this android can't miss on the tables of senior and junior people.
 

The name of the Robot, CAM-10, really comes from the cams system used to move the articulations of the robot. The cam is a mechanical rotating organ, that turns a rotation motion into an alternate movement.
In this case, the micro motor of the CAM-10 transmits the motion to a series of gears and disks with cams. The cams rotation produces the forward-backward movement of legs and arms and the left-right rotation of the head. The cam's shaping, fruit of years of study, returns a fluid and natural movement, very similar to the human one.
Unfortunately, the only possible movement is ahead. The complexity necessary to obtain backward and rotation motions would make the robot too expensive, as described in the CRP paragraph.
Thanks to the clear white version, we can see gears and levers and study their details, without opening the robot.

The CAM-10 is supplied already assembled, complete of feeding battery. To put it in operation, open the front compartment with the help of the nails, gently by levering on the lower part. Insert the battery with the right polarity, as clearly shown on the battery bay. Close the battery compartment up to hear a click. To start up the robot, move the power switch placed on the back of the CAM-10 in ON position, being careful of not blocking the arms or the legs to avoid gears stress. Now you can lean the robot on a flat surface, without harshness and obstacles. If the plan is perfectly horizontal, the trajectory is rectilinear; in case of light inclination (for istance on a paper leant on the table) the robot follows a curve. To finish the walk, take back the power switch in rest position.
The CAM-10 does not need maintenance and the battery guarantees many hours of autonomy. Is only necessary to avoid wetting it and protect its body from the dust. A microfiber cloth is perfect to keep bright and clean the plastic chassis and the coloured eyes.

The CAM-10 is the last born of a humanoids Robot family, the CRP (Cube Robot Project), realized in the Cube-Works (http://www.cube-works.co.jp) laboratories of Tokyo.
Its predecessor, the CAM-08, 20 cm tall, was provided with a remote control and a loudspeaker to utter sounds. Sold as a contruction kit (very good to learn the basics of robot mechanics), was able to walk also backwards and had the blinking eyes. Today this toy represents a true object of cult for the collectors.
After CAM-08 was the time of the CAM-09, a no-compromise robot that could move in all the directions with sophisticated articulations. But it has never seen the light because of the high realization costs.
Cube-Works company sent me the project diagrams of these products, that I publish willingly to give an idea of the ingeniousness of the patents.

The battery that feeds the Robot is 1,5 V "N-size" alkaline , not rechargeable, commonly used in photography, watchmaking, security. A little more higher than half "AA" battery, has a capacity of 1000 mA/h and a good time of storage (about 3 years). The various constructors have different names to identify this battery. In the following the most commonly used: N, LR01, MN9100, MN, E90 4001, KN, KN-2, AM5, 810, 910.

Who wishes to examine in detail the characteristics of this and other batteries can consult the excellent Energizer site at the address:
http://data.energizer.com/
 

The technology and the research that move the CAM-10 can be heard and seen when it crosses the rooms looking around. Children go mad for the reduced dimensions and the precision of the movements, the pets stops and smell it with respect.
If a single CAM-10 is a very funny toy, two or more CAM-10 can become, the perfect companion for our adventures.
A toy for connoisseurs, made to dream a future in which Robot and Man will walk together on the same road with giant steps.

I thank Cube-Works to have sent me the test samples from Japan and in particular Kazuma Hirofumi, that answered with readiness and competence to my requests.

To buy this fantastic robot, you can visit AudioCubes, a point of reference for Japan style products: http://www.audiocubes.com/product/Cube_Robot_Project_Cam-10_The_Perpetual_Humanoid.html

Who wishes to buy the CAM-10 or know the nearer selling point can contact Brian Gregory of SCT Inc, at the following address: bg@sctinc.co.jp

To contact directly the producer, mail and telephone references are:
E-mail: servicedesk@cube-works.co.jp
Tel: +81-3-3234-3721
 

The link for Cube-Works CRP and other toys on their web site is:
http://www.cube-works.co.jp/works/index.html