Lifelike Robot Not Just A Pretty Face

The inventors of a robot capable of mimicking human movements and facial expressions believe it is so realistic that it can be used to provide counseling to human patients.

The robot, called “Geminoid F,” is modeled after a woman in her late 20s and operated by remote control. It can copy a wide range of expressions, including blinking, frowning and smiling. A speaker in the body can project a human voice.

Hiroshi Ishiguro, the professor at Osaka University who led the development team, told a press conference on Saturday that he saw the robot as more than an expensive toy. “It could be used for remote medical care, such as counseling,” he said.

Geminoid F, a joint creation of Osaka University and Kyoto-based Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International, will be sold by robot maker Kokoro Co. from May. It hopes to sell about 50 robots at about 10 million yen ($106,000) each.

More Information:
Asahi