The idea behind this robot, which is equipped with sensors that detect infrared signals, is you use a remote to turn on something, your TV for example, and the ApriPoco simply asks with its child like voice, “What did you do now?” You would then tell the robot, “Turned on the TV”. With it’s soon to be built in voice-recognition system, the robot would remember the user’s answer and the infrared signal and link the two together.

Turning on the TV is not the only thing it will be able to do for you either. It will be able to do anything an infrared remote can, but in a more personal way, since you are its teacher. Giving the robot a child like appearance has proved to work well in trials, especially with older users. “The ApriPoco is believed to be useful for elderly people who tend to shun the complicated functions of household electronics,” said Toshiba.

Toshiba hopes to develop the robot for a commercial launch but does not have a release date yet.

“The guidelines will require manufacturers to install enough sensors to minimize the risk of the robots running into people and use soft and light materials so they do not cause harm if they do so, the officials said.

They will also be required to install emergency shut-off buttons, they said.”

The article also mentions the possibility of setting up international safety guidelines for robots that fall out of the industrial classification.

Oh and least I forget:

1. A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.

2. A robot must obey orders given to it by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.

3. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.

Liangliang stands about 3 feet tall and is the creation of Xinsong Automation Co based in Shenyang China. Liangliang is also able to accept and perform instructions given by humans.

In the presentation debut: “a staffer sent a mobile phone message to the robot inquiring about the situation at home and, in two minutes, Liangliang replied with a message: temperature 22 degrees Celsius and everything normal at home.”

Recently 5 new robots were inducted to the Robot Hall of Fame: Maria from ‘Metropolis’, Gort, from ‘The Day the Earth Stood Still’ and David, the android from ‘Artificial Intelligence: AI.’ represented this years cinematical robot inductees. Sony’s AIBO and Scara an industrial robot rounded out the commercial and industrial robot inductees.

The show which runs through June 19th is a showcase of some of the most advanced robotic projects in the world. Some of the robots on display can swim, taste, read and draw which goes to show just how far robotics in general have come. While these individual skills alone own may appear to some as nothing more than parlor tricks, the combination of all or some of these skills into a single robot will likely herald in a new

The Toyota “Walking Robot” obviously grabbed the lion’s share of attention from robot enthusiasts as it well, walks. Much like the Honda Asimo, the Toyota walker is a really impressive sight to see. Toyota has added something new to the mix however, the most notable of which is the ability to play a musical instrument.

While the musical capabilities of the walker are quite impressive, it’s really more indicative of the robots overall flexibility and built-in intelligence than intended use. Toyota states the ideal use for the walker series would be in the healthcare industry, possibly providing direct care to the elderly or injured who need day to day monitoring and or supervision.

Toyota’s rolling or wheeled robots seemed to be aimed more at industry, allowing for large expanses to be traveled in a relatively short span of time. One possible use I can envision in this arena would be the automated sentry or robotic watchman, who can patrol a factory checking pre-determined doors, windows, and other entry points for trespass.

Another possible use for this type of bot would be an automated tour or guest direction for large factories or facilities, where a simple point A to point B guide is needed. The robot could even guide visitors to the desired location with a scripted speech about the given faculties amenities and pertinent personnel.

The third robot Toyota introduced seems to be geared toward bolstering or expanding the physical abilities of humans, by allowing the “rider” or occupant to direct the robot to otherwise inaccessible places, giving new freedom to those with disabilities.

According to Toyota’s press release:

The mountable model is capable of carrying its passengers almost anywhere they need to go. It is fun to ride and operate.

 

Last but by no means least in the range of partner robots the “Wire-operation system” offers something yet again not seen in this new world of commercial robots, speed and fluidity.

The wire operation robots seems perfectly suited for the stage or set, with their “less robotic” movements and capabilities. Think advanced animatronics that can walk off the stage, ala the presidents in the “Hall of President’s” at disney, and the possibilities of the wire robots open up.