Kawada Industries has created a workable bot that won’t complain about going out in the most inclement of weather. The HRP-3 Promet MK-II stands 5 feet, 4-inches, weighs 149 lbs. with battery, dons a visor, and has been tested under showers and on floors scattered with sand to make the surface slippery. The humanoid was also tested in front of local reporters utilizing a screwdriver in one hand while leaning on its other arm, just as any worker might in an unstable, unfavorable environment.

Kawada hopes to release the robot in quantity by 2010 with each one costing about 15 million Yen (~$120,000.00.) That’s a hefty sum in our books, but probably not for construction companies that tire of employees who demand extra coffee breaks at the first sign of a summer shower. Check out their HRP-2 to see the bot in action.