Ordinary Nothing

This group of scientists developed a robot that looks similar to a real human, supposedly. I doubt they’re actually quite there, but seem to be much closer than anyone else. Not that too many are actually trying, of course, so that may account for it.

Of course, getting something that looks like real skin, and maybe feels close to real skin, isn’t quite enough to make something really appear human. By hey, why not? It’s not like making something human looking is impossible.

The article does remain uncommitted about what exactly do they plan to do with those androids, though. Which makes sense, given that nobody still has anything even remotely resembling an AI. Robotic devices can do plenty of thing, but of a very limited scope. So it may look like a human, but will be stuck with the sophistication and conversation skills of a really expensive laundromat.

Or maybe I’m just biased. I’m the type who is more concerned with functionality than cosmetics, when it comes to gadgets (Or pretty much anything else). I’d say develop a working robot first, then worry about making it look nicer. But cosmetics sell, so it may give them a chance at funding.

And, by stretching the phrasing of the article a bit, it can be understood that they may have uses which actually require the human look:

She is designed to look human and although she can only sit at
present, she has 42 actuators in her upper body, powered by a nearby
air compressor, programmed to allow her to move like a human.
“Repliee Q1Expo can interact with people. It can respond to people
touching it. It’s very satisfying, although we obviously have a long
way to go yet.”

Or, to list some of the points:

• It looks like a women
• It can’t get up and walk away
• It can respond to people touching it
• It is very satisfying

Makes you wonder what they do for recreation over there, doesn’t it?

August 6th, 2005 at 20:38 EET | Categories: Technology | Track comments. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.