Korean scientists have created a domestic robot-Mahru-Z that cleans up, dumps clothes in the washing machine and even heats food in the microwave. The 1.3-meter, 55-kilogram Mahru-Z an assistant robot developed by the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), has a human-like body with a rotating head, arms and legs, and is capable of ``seeing'' three dimensional objects and recognizing jobs that need to be done. The robot, using its moving hands, elbows and six fingers, can pick up a dirty shirt, throw it into a washing machine and push the buttons to get the laundry done. Mahru-Z could also work in tandem with its fellow maid robot, Marhu-M, an earlier KIST creation that moves on wheels, as both machines can be remote controlled through a computer server. Mahru-Z, for example, can put fruit in a basket and put it on the dinner table, while Mahru-M, which has the advantage in mobility, can locate the owner and bring him the fruits directly.

Mahru-Z can recognizes people, can turn on microwave ovens, washing machines and toasters, and also pick up sandwiches, cups and whatever else its senses as objects. Mahru-Z can navigate rooms unattended using its visual sensors, and pick things up on the way. Aside from household chores, Mahru-Z can also be used in conditions too difficult or dangerous for humans. However, Mahru-Z won't be saving people from their tedious household chores any time soon, as KIST admits it will be a long time before the robot can be mass produced for commercial use.

[Plasticpals]