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A Little Different View of the Speecys Internet Robot (Video)

One of the big problems we consistently face as technologists is in recognizing and understanding new advances. We, like most human beings on the planet, automatically seem to classify new objects and experiences into our existing categories. We look at something new, and quickly decide that it is 'just like x...', then we put that label on it, and we quit trying to really understand it for what it really is, or might become.

A recent example of this is the SPC-101C 'internet robot' introduction held just a couple weeks ago here in Tokyo. Many reporters saw the SPC-101C as just another humanoid robot - not much different from dozens they are already familiar with. Other reporters were impressed by the vision/face recognition abilities of the robot, and quickly, within just a few hours, popular technology sites were trumpeting the news that Speecys had just introduced a "face-recognizing" robot.

Of course both of those views of the robot are true, but in many ways they are like peeking into a room via the keyhole. They only tell a small part of the total story. We'd like to expand those limited views to include much more of what the robot is capable of, and the promise for the future that it represents.

Since 'a picture is worth a thousand words' we're going to stop talking and typing, and just show you a little bit of the exclusive video footage we took at the Speecys labs in Tokyo last weekend-

Pretty darn cool!

We'll be covering more of this amazing new robot concept, in photos, videos, and text, over the next couple of weeks.

Posted by Lem on September 13, 2007 | Permalink | Email this post

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Listed below are links to weblogs that reference A Little Different View of the Speecys Internet Robot (Video):

» Speecys Laughing Robot Reminds Us Of Unstable Ex Girlfriend from GadgetMadness
You remember her. That girl in your distant past, the one who'd laugh at all of your stupid jokes.... [Read More]

Tracked on Sep 15, 2007 12:04:23 PM

» Speecys PC-101C: The Laughing Robot from GeekAlerts
The SPC-101C humanoid robot from the Japanese Speecys company is 40 cm (15.7 inches) tall and comes with a face-recognizing feature. It can walk, talk, check your emails, and laugh - as you can see in this video: SPC-101C is currentl... [Read More]

Tracked on Sep 16, 2007 7:29:05 PM

» robot laughs its shiny plastic ass off from technabob
Ive certainly seen my share of stupid robot tricks in my day, but this is the first time Ive seen one have a hysterical laughing fit. Sure, the $3,000 Speecys SPC-101C programmable robot can walk and dance around, but more importantly, ... [Read More]

Tracked on Sep 17, 2007 3:41:18 AM

» Laughing robot provides therapy for failing comedians from SCI FI Tech
The Speecys SPC-101C programmable robot includes a feature you might not have known you were looking for in a robotic companion, as you can teach it to laugh at... [Read More]

Tracked on Sep 18, 2007 6:31:14 AM

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Comments:

That is a great video - the LEDs, combined with the speakers and the great range of motion really provide a wide range of ability to express emotion and communication. One thing to note is the power cord plugged-in so imagine the fantastic opportunities to expand on existing internet communication. Having the SPC-101C plugged in and hanging out on the desk, you get an new e-mail message or receive an IM the SPC-101C could through motion, speech and the LEDs inform you of a new message - then using the speech recognition you could ask him who it is from and if your interested have him read it to you. Imagine the great applications you can develop with the SPC-101C

Posted by: Chuck Durham | Sep 14, 2007 12:20:57 AM

I completely agree. I very recently wrote about SPC-101C. I also made a similar observation about Spykee, the kid-targeted toy from Erector (Meccano). It seems that it's hard for the average consumer to understand the difference between just-another-toy to a robot that has ground-breaking potential.

The only issue I see with SPC-101C is his price tag. He's about $3,000. Spykee, albeit a much less animated robot, is only $300. They're in different classes, of course, but each has its plusses.

I can see many businesses emerging from these robot platforms.

--Ray Renteria

Posted by: Ray Renteria | Sep 14, 2007 1:57:15 AM

This is a pretty cool robot. I think that for me its a clown trying to get out of its robot suit. Seriously, look at the size of the feet. I can't stop picturing clown feet so this video really brings it home for me.

Thanks Lem!

Posted by: Rob Farrell | Sep 14, 2007 6:34:26 AM

This one had both my wife and I laughing this morning. Humanoids seem to have taken another step forward.

Harry

Posted by: HarryBotter | Sep 14, 2007 11:30:28 PM

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