RoboCar MEV-C from Japan

Robot company ZMP from Tokyo has a totally spanking new robot car known as the RoboCar MEV-C. This particular model might seem familiar to some, especially those who are well versed with robot cars, where it is based on COMS, a vehicle that was developed by Toyota at the start of this century. Similar to COMS, the MEV-C will only seat one (forget about picking up a date with this on Saturday night at the hottest stretch in town), being a 4-wheeled electric mini car albeit with a robotic twist.

According to ZMP, this particular vehicle can be driven around, but it’s main purpose is to be a research object for roboticists, universities and car manufacturers. The ZMP sports a fair bit of features that makes it all the more desirable, including a stereo camera, a 9-axis wireless motion sensor, a GPS unit to help you get around, a temperature and humidity sensor, a laser range sensor, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and 3G connectivity; and the so-called CAN (Control Area Network) protocol that will be part of an “open platform” which enables buyers to access just about any bit of hardware.

Pricing for the RoboCar MEV-C starts at $35,00 upwards. Don’t think this will make its way to the US though, what about you?