Robot Theory

[Anchor Lead]

It's been 40 years since the debut of the Korean animated film "Robot Taekwon V." But can such robots be recreated in real life? We look at some of the interesting scientific theories involved in the cherished robot character.

[Pkg]

A beloved robot friend from the "Robot Taekwon V" animated TV series 40 years ago has come to life in a miniature replica.

[Soundbite] Kim Geun-hyeong(Kindergartener) : "It's cool. I want to ride on it."

[Soundbite] Seo Yeong-ae(Visitor) : "Wouldn't it be possible with today's technology?"

In fact, robots are capable of performing nearly all sophisticated movements through their motors and sensors. However for instance, a robot still can't pull off something like a double side kick. The Robot Taekwon V, weighing some 14-hundred tons, flies through the air. A robot could lift off with the help of a rocket engine but due to its weight, flying horizontally with its two hands stretched out is still a tall order. Taekwon V's signature means of weapon is its rocket fist. A highly precise GPS docking system is required to enable a rocket fist to be fired off and then come back. But current technologies are not at this level. Also, Taekwon V shares brainwaves with the pilot as the two become one this way. A robot that operates machines using brainwaves has actually been developed.

[Soundbite] Prof. Kim Mun-sang(GIST) : "Areas of brainwave signal reception, analysis and processing data signals have seen considerable progress. This has led to highly sophisticated robotic movements."

Robot Taekwon V was a creation of great imagination. But a huge real life robot resembling the character is still in the development stages 40 years after the popular animated robot came to life.