Sunday, August 07, 2005

Japanese develop 'female' android  Japanese scientists have unveiled the most human-looking robot yet - a "female" android named Repliee Q1Expo. The robot has a flexible silicone for skin and sufficient sensors and motors to allow her to turn and react in a human-like manner. She can flutter her eyelids and move her hands like a human, and even appears to breathe. The robot has the appearance of a Japanese woman. To program her motion, a computer analysed the motions of a human and used them as a template for the way Repliee Q1Expo moves. She can be designed to follow the movement of a human wearing motion sensors or to act independently. "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." Repliee Q1Expo's designer, Professor Ishiguro, told the BBC News website. While not yet up to Blade Runner standards, the future looks interesting indeed. 4:06:01 PM    comment []

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