Ultra-Lifelike Robot Debuts in Japan
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June 10, 2005—Quick, which one is the robot?
Repliee Q1 (at left in both pictures) appeared yesterday at the 2005 World Expo in Japan, where she gestured, blinked, spoke, and even appeared to breathe. Shown with co-creator Hiroshi Ishiguru of Osaka University, the android is partially covered in skinlike silicone. Q1 is powered by a nearby air compressor, and has 31 points of articulation in its upper body.
Internal sensors allow the android to react "naturally." It can block an attempted slap, for example. But it's the little, "unconscious" movements that give the robot its eerie verisimilitude: the slight flutter of the eyelids, the subtle rising and falling of the chest, the constant, nearly imperceptible shifting so familiar to humans.
Surrounded by machines that draw portraits, swat fast-moving balls, and snake through debris, Q1 is only one of the showstoppers at the expo's Prototype Robot Exposition, which aims to showcase Japan's growing role in the robotics industry.
But given Q1's reported glitch-related "spasms" at the expo, it may be a while before androids are escorting tour groups or looking after children—which may be just as well. "When a robot looks too much like the real thing, it's creepy," Hiroshi told the Associated Press.
—Ted Chamberlain
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coming soon to your nearest Harvey Norman or favourite Sim Lim Square store. -
found a video clip of their beta tests.
the movements are still quite mechanical but they will get it right very soon.
http://www.pie2k.com/mpierce/images/touch_motion_small.avi -
Originally posted by Deportivo:
The Uncanny Valley principle, coined by Hiroshi's predecessor Masahiro Mori.
But given Q1's reported glitch-related "spasms" at the expo, it may be a while before androids are escorting tour groups or looking after children—which may be just as well. "When a robot looks too much like the real thing, it's creepy," Hiroshi told the Associated Press.
One doubts the first widespread usage of the androids, if successful, would be for politically-correct tour guides or nannies. The adult entertainment industry in Japan is much more lucrative and would probably be the frontrunner to drive sales and technology. -
Geez, dont they watch movies? like the matrix, or terminator?
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what next? robot porn?
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robot kids, like the kid in A.I.Originally posted by alexkusu:what next? robot porn?
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were u thinkin of Iveco when u said that?Originally posted by the.raven:robot kids, like the kid in A.I. -
say hello to chucky all grown up
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Hope that they will manufacture the "Prostitute" edition.
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think they'll need more time to work on the feel.Originally posted by Mr Fugue:Hope that they will manufacture the "Prostitute" edition. 
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ChoBits
the future is here -
Is their Gundam Army ready to take over the world?
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Ha. I predict it wil be so too.Originally posted by Tuatau:The Uncanny Valley principle, coined by Hiroshi's predecessor Masahiro Mori.
One doubts the first widespread usage of the androids, if successful, would be for politically-correct tour guides or nannies. The adult entertainment industry in Japan is much more lucrative and would probably be the frontrunner to drive sales and technology.
The japanese will make the first Adult Robot that will
satisfy a mans desire electronically.
plus maybe some sensroy wires to the head.
Think Demolition Man's Sandra Bullock scene. hee