I went to the first half of the robot lecture today. Unfortunatley work
commitments dragged me away but what I saw was very good!
I also fell in love...
"Another huge success has been Paro, a furry white seal that has been
acknowledged by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's most soothing
robot. The size of a large cat, Paro can be cuddled and petted. It wriggles
when its name is called and makes eye contact and cheerful squeaking noises
when petted. A combination of airbag-based pressure sensors and artificial fur
creates a soft pliable surface that makes it huggable to many."
http://www.aist.go.jp/aist_e/aist_today/2003_09/robot_01.html
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Japan/DJ26Dh03.html
http://www.japaninc.net/article.php?articleID=819
"In Western countries, humanoid robots are still not very accepted, but they
are in Japan," said Norihiro Hagita, director of the ATR Intelligent Robotics
and Communication Laboratories in Keihanna Science City near Kyoto. "One reason
is religion. In Japanese (Shinto) religion, we believe that all things have
gods within them. But in Western countries, most people believe in only one
God. For us, however, a robot can have an energy all its own."
http://www.detnews.com/2005/technology/0503/12/tech-114940.htm
—
Amanda Penrose
http://amanda.dd.com.au
You're just jealous because the voices only talk to me.
