Aldebaran Robotics have announced the latest version of their Nao robot, the V4. The V4 features many enhancements but probably the most significant is the new Atom based processor that is now standard. Here is their promo video.
I have been lucky enough to be part of the V4 testers program, so have had the opportunity to get some hands on experience with the new version, which has been great. The down side was I had to give my Nao V4 back at the end of the test period. I have, however, already registered my interest in upgrading my Nao V3.3.
So what are the differences? Well there are a lot so I will summarise some here:
New Atom based processor
2 x HD Cameras - both can be active at the same time
Improved, smart motor control
Nuance Speech Recognition Engine
Improved fall management
Adaptive walking - walking speed significantly improved
What this means in real terms is that the V4 processes faster, runs smoother and provides a platform for more complex and challenging behaviour programming. Personally I can't wait to get my upgrade.
Here's Aldebaran Robotics
press release for Nao 4