Uncanny Valley Problem is More Than Just Robots (Video)
Many robot researchers spend a ton of time and money trying to faithfully recreate human facial expressions and emotions using servos and rubber or latex simulated skin. No matter how hard they try, then still run headlong into the 'Uncanny Valley' problem. But, why bother when your own face comes equipped with all the necessary nerves, muscles, and real live skin to do the trick?
Check out the video below to see what Daito Manabe has been able to accomplish using his own face, some electrodes, sensors, computers, and a whole lot of courage. One word of warning, don't try this one at home!
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Tsukumo Takes a U-Turn and Declares Bankruptcy
It's really sad news for geeks, robot fans, and of course for employees, but yesterday Tsukumo declared bankruptcy. Within Japan the firm is well known as a leader in sales of consumer electronics, especially personal computers and peripherals, in addition to having established the Tsukumo Robot Kingdom shops long before any other retailer jumped on the band wagon.
Official reports indicate that the company has total liabilities of roughly 11 billion yen owed to 950 creditors, and annual turnover of 31,991 million yen. The dire situation facing the company was aggravated even more by the current strong yen and Tsukumo's dependence on importing foreign computer equipment for resale.
Of course, declaring bankruptcy doesn't necessarily imply that the company will close down operations. However, if the company does survive, which we certainly hope it will, there will have to be major restructuring. It's too early to tell if they will spin off the robot related operations, which we believe could be profitable on it's own, and what impact all of this will have on organizations like ROBO-ONE where Tsukumo was one of the founding sponsors and strong supporters.
Trick or Treat or Else!
giant halloween robot
Originally uploaded by denman526.
Imagine running out of Halloween candy then having this awesome robot ring your doorbell expecting his favorite treats.
1950's Halloween Robots
1950's Halloween Robots
Originally uploaded by Neato Coolville.
Think that people's fascination with all things robotic is a recent phenomena? Think again. The great Halloween robot photo above was actually taken in the 1950's.
Robot Outperforms Human Counterpart (Video)
Researchers are getting closer and closer to creating robots that are good enough to fool observers into thinking they are real. The "uncanny valley" feeling of revulsion is still a major issue, but we can foresee a day in the not too distant future when that will be overcome. A good example is the work being done with 'Jules' (video below), an animatronic robot head developed by a team at the University of Bristol.
According to a NewScientist article, Jules uses software that captures human facial expressions of emotions, then replicates them using servos buried beneath his surprisingly realistic skin. The 'scary' thing isn't Jules himself - it's the fact that his expressions look much more life-like than the human model.
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