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Robocalypse Now: Japanese scientists create emotional robot
We all know the day is coming when robots will carry us to and from our bathrooms, but you might be surprised to learn that the day of emotionally needy robots has already arrived. Roboticists from Japan's Waseda University have unveiled a new robot named KOBIAN that is capable of expressing "emotion" through body and facial movements.
The range of emotions includes sadness, happiness, shock, and dislike (pictured above). No word on when this psychiatrist's nightmare will go commercial but the developers hope to place the robot in various environments where human interaction is essential.
Via Impress Watch
By Thundr at 8:42 AM ON 05/22/09
Emotions, bad, really bad. Empathy maybe. But just think, sadness leads to fear then fear leads to anger. Robocalypse Now!!!
By Warlock at 9:04 AM ON 05/22/09
I think the writers have gotten a little too hyped up on Terminator gags. EVERY freaking article talking about advances in robotics seem to be 'OMG these robots will eventually kill us all!!' Can we get a little variety, or, I dunno, level-headed interest in the subject? I've had enough of these stupid all-gonna-die jokes. It was funny the first five times, and then not.
By SteelFox at 11:13 AM ON 05/22/09
It doesn't look so much like its is discusted as much as it is "Schuper thanks for asking".
By Sir Cob at 11:44 AM ON 05/22/09
This robot is either emulating the Pillsbury Dough Boy or a gay man that just say the most delicious specimen of a man-bot!
By Sir Cob at 11:46 AM ON 05/22/09
This robot is either emulating the Pillsbury Dough Boy or a gay man that just saw the most delicious specimen of a man-bot!
By Xanapus at 2:00 PM ON 05/22/09
I don't want an emotional robot, I just want one to cook my food, do my dishes, mow my lawn, paint, maybe fix my computer when it crashes, bring me a beer... you know, typical robot stuff.
By They Are Coming For Us! at 4:43 PM ON 05/22/09
Methinks I don't like this. Though, I guess it is better than the cold emotionless fury of an unrelenting robot army.
By theresa at 11:30 PM ON 05/22/09
Don't love robots? I bet your girlfriend does :-) Check out the shirt I designed in their honor on zazzle:
http://www.zazzle.com/my_girlfriend_plays_with_robots_tshirt-235785167918055324
On sale this memorial day weekend, in honor of the Terminator release!
By Kleptomaniac at 1:12 AM ON 05/24/09
Lol @ Sirbot
By jmcenanly at 10:36 AM ON 06/21/09
Unless he is fluent in over 6 million forms of communication, I don't see what the advantage of having an emotionally overwrought robot would be.
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jmcenanly:
Unless he is fluent in over 6 million forms of communication, I don't see what the advantage of having an emotional...More »