Friday, November 30, 2007

Aye, Robot

Great Bedside Manner – And He Does Housework

Japanese scientists have developed a robot that can help people get out of bed and bring them their breakfast. They claim the 4ft 10in (147 centimetre) robot, which has soft hands and fingers, can become even more like its human inventors. The Japanese humanoid - called Twendy one - has enough strength to support humans as they sit up and stand, and can make supple movements that respond to human touch. It can pick up a loaf of bread without crushing it, serve toast, help lift people out of bed and even lend a hand with the housework.

FOOTNOTE: Peter Pan, meet Twendy.

16 comments:

Rachel said...

The footnote! LOL! David, you crack me up.
Wow, that could be fabulous for helping out so many people. What a neat idea.
Thanks for the giggle and the information!

Craver Vii said...

That sounds very much like the beginning of a movie I saw. It did not end well for the citizens of Tokyo.

none said...

That's all we need..a nursemaid robot with a speech impediment.

Les Becker said...

Okay, when and where can I get one? I JUST posted a want ad for a Nanny on my blog yesterday (my Wednesday, your Thursday, Oh Forward Thinking One), but now I think I'd rather buy the robot. I won't have to worry so much that he/she is pilfering the liquor cabinet. Or being arrested for slavery for that matter.

Jeannie said...

I'm surprised my son didn't let me know about this...he's totally into robotics and AI.

Patty said...

I want one, but how much will it cost? Probably an arm and a leg, if that's the case then I most definitely would need one. Ha!Ha!, Sorry about that.

David Sullivan said...

Soft hands and fingers....hmmmm

imac said...

Where on Earth do you find your stories David. Whereever, they are pretty cute and very Interesting.


Monet's Garden now showing

BRUNO said...

Now you know I can't pass on this one!

It's referred to as an "IT". So, if "IT" would come with a "optional-gender" accessory package, I would bet it's safe to say more than ONE "real" wife---OR husband!---would become VERY obsolete!

But I think I'll stick to the "flesh & blood" model for now---she still has a good set of batteries...!

eric1313 said...

Stranger than (science) fiction...

Next they'll be deciding when we get to eat.

Jeni said...

I'll take two - one to help me get out of bed and the other, to help with housework.

i beati said...

Beats my roomba

Anonymous said...

If it can give a massage, I'll buy one tomorrow.

Ellee Seymour said...

I wrote about Japanese robots yesterday too, when they will be heading for the UK?

The Egel Nest said...

Alternate Footnote:

Robot Model Twendy One is much better than model seven...which crushed bread crumbs in your bed...

Bradley
The Egel Nest

FHB said...

I'm sorry, but that would be too friggin' weird. Someone will figure out how to build a lifelike sex robot, and THEN the technology will take off.