Japan Makes More Human Robot

[Logan Westbrook]

Japan Makes More Human Robot

Researchers at the University of Tokyo are making a robot that can move more like a real person.


When the revolution comes, the robots will need a unit that can interface with us, a unit designed so that we might understand their commands better. Enter Kojiro, the first step towards a robotic Locutus of Borg, which has a musculoskeletal much like our own.

Researchers at the University of Tokyo's JSK Robotics Laboratory have built Kojiro to get away from the stiffness of current robots and have a more natural range of movement. Kojiro's complicated system of motors, gyros and tendons make him hard to program however.

Joking about the robot Armageddon aside, Kojiro seems like a cool project, and one that hopefully means that my dream of having a robot butler look after me in my twilight years isn't just a pipedream. I must admit though, this particular model creeps me out a little.

Source: Engadget [http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/07/kojiro-humanoid-goes-musculoskeletal-in-a-big-way/]








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[Uberjoe19]

Oh, what will those crazy Japanese think of next!

 

[Onyx Oblivion]

THEY'RE GOING TO DESTROY US ALL!

 

[JRCB]

Nosediving into the uncanny valley right now.

In other news, someone help me with my EMP. Just in case.

 

[The Rockerfly]

Skynet, is that you?

 

[Cherry Cola]

I hope they implemented the three laws of robotics, otherwise we are all screwed.

Hard.

 

[AkJay]

I wonder how long they will develop more intelligent and life-like robots before they stop and think about the consequences and how much of a bad idea this all is.

 

[Ranooth]

That face is just bloody creepy.

 

[Amnestic]

Can we hurry up on some AI research too? I'd like a personal computer sexbot butler to keep my house tidy and serve me drinks and cook my meals and generally do all of the things I have to do but really don't want to do.

 

[Hobo Joe]

It's only a matter of time gentlemen...

 

[Davrel]

"that can move more like a real person."

I've never seen a person move like that unless there was something wrong with them.

 

[T-004]

This has happened before and now it's happening again! How long now till the toasters eradicate us???

 

[NeutralDrow]

That looks pretty cool. And maybe it's just me, but this one doesn't even seem to fall into the uncanny valley (probably because of the face).

 

[cheywoodward]

We must begin project Shuriken, only the ninjas can defeat the robot menace.

OT: those robots eyes look really creepy. This robot is perfect for those who want to scare small children.

 

[The Infinite]

I hope they implemented the three laws of robotics, otherwise we are all screwed.

Hard.

Hell even with the three laws we are screwed. They're going to think humans are bad for humans and put all of us out of contact with one another. A la iRobot.

 

[Abedeus]

Quick, tell them that human eyes are NOT like the ones in manga.

 

[Rainboq]

Science, it is amazing!

 

[Archemetis]

"that can move more like a real person."

I've never seen a person move like that unless there was something wrong with them.

I'm glad to see I'm not the only person who thought it didn't move anything like a real person...

I've seen granddads at wedding reception discos move more than that and with much greater fluidity...