Tokyo Prepares For Invasion Of Robotic Mice
By Kirk Biglione May 24, 2005
I've written at length before about my obsession with Japanese robots. Thanks to the Omron NeCoRo, my never ending search for the perfect robot may have finally ended. Not because I've found the perfect robot, but because this mechanical Stepford Cat is so disturbing I may never sleep again.
The NeCoRo (short for Neko Communication Robot) is the Omron corporation's answer to Sony's Aibo. For those of you who aren't aware, Omron is the famous manufacturer of automatic blood pressure machines. Apparently they got a good deal on a large quantity of faux fur.
Anyway, Omron has used its advanced pressure sensor technology to develop a robotic central nervous system that allows the robokitty to sense when it's having it's ears scratched and react accordingly. Get too rough with fluffy and she'll hiss at you.
The NeCoRo has a vocabulary of 48 different cat noises, and features advanced intelligence circuitry that allows it learn it's own name. Unlike a real cat, it will actually react when called.
Other aspects of this robotic feline are more realistic. For example, it only runs for one hour on a set of batteries -- then, much like a real cat, it's nap time.
Omron's press release indicates the company is hoping that people will "pour their affection into this robot and feel attached to it as they would a pet". As a confirmed robot lover, I have to say I find that just a little bit weird.
Bookmark: digg del.icio.us furl blinklist