An operator wearing a special HMD and a pair of gloves controls the "Telesar V" (right) that was developed by Keio University's Graduate School professor Susumu Tachi at his laboratory in Yokohama, suburban Tokyo. The robot that mimics the movements of its human controller is bringing the Hollywood blockbuster "Avatar" one step closer to reality.
The systems attached to the operator's headgear, vest and gloves send detailed instructions to the robot, which then mimics the user's every move.
At the same time, an array of sensors on the android relays a stream of information which is converted into sensations for the user.
The robot's "eyes" are actually cameras capturing images that appear on tiny video screens in front of the user's eyes, allowing them to see in three dimensions.
Microphones on the robot pick up sounds, while its speakers allow the operator to make his voice heard by those near the machine.
It is still a far cry from the futuristic creations of James Cameron's "Avatar", where US soldiers are able to remotely control the genetically engineered bodies of an extra-terrestrial race they wish to sub due
