A video of a realistic human robot

This video on youtube shows an example of the current state of play in regards to Japanese robot technology, where they’re trying to capture the surface mannerisms that mark people out as human.

Admittedly it’s not perfect, and the robot isn’t capable of walking, or independent thought – it’s really just an automated mannequin that moves to a pre-scripted audio tape.

But nevertheless, it’s fascinating and eerie to watch. If a machine like this can be developed now, and given that the rate of technological progress is an exponential one, then what will the state of play be in ten, twenty, or fifty years time?

~ by Paul Badger on 22 April, 2008.