 |
Philip K. Dick Robot Unveiled At NextFest 2005
One of the distinguishing characteristics of a Philip K. Dick novel is his remarkable ability to blur the line between natural human beings and androids - human by artifice. For example, in his book Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep, he uses devices like the mood organ to make his human characters seem more like biological machines, open to manipulation. At the same time, the artificial human beings are made to seem more life-like.
(Philip K. Dick Robotic Memorial Portrait
At NextFest 2005)
The eerie robotic Philip K. Dick unveiled today at the NextFest 2005 event in Chicago is almost an objectification of Dick's fascination with what really makes people human. The robot was designed to provide a convincing imitation of life, with subtle head movements and facial expressions. The software that gives life to the device is well-stocked with all of Dick's printed works and memoirs. It also has face recognition software and a library of faces; it was capable of recognizing several of Dick's relatives who came to take a look at the project. It includes voice recognition and natural language processing features.
The Philip K. Dick robot is presented in a small 1970's living room; windows shut out excess noise that can ruin the voice recognition software that is used to interpret questions by visitors. I asked several questions, including "Are you paranoid?" and "Can you pass the Voight-Kampff test?"
Unfortunately, the Juke Bot presentation less than fifteen feet away made it difficult to really interact with the robot. So, I asked David Hanson, the CEO and Chief Scientist at Hanson Robotics (co-creators of the Philip K. Dick memorial robotic portrait); he responded with a firm "No" to the second question. Keep an eye on their products, though - this part of the future is coming on fast.
The Philip K. Dick android project is the creation of a team of designers, engineers, programmers and artists. Hanson Robotics, the FedEx Institute of Technology and the Automation and Robotics Research Institute at the University of Texas Arlington collaborated on the project.
If you are interested in life-like robots, take a look at Robot Repliee Q1. Find out more; see the pkd-Android Project and the project description at Hanson Robotics.
Scroll down for more stories in the same category. (Story submitted 6/24/2005)
Follow this kind of news @Technovelgy.| Email | RSS | Blog It | Stumble | del.icio.us | Digg | Reddit |
Would
you like to contribute a story tip?
It's easy:
Get the URL of the story, and the related sf author, and add
it here.
Comment/Join discussion ( 4 )
Related News Stories - (" Robotics ")
Yale Aerial Manipulator Flying Robotic Hand
Just think of all the possible uses of a flying robotic hand.
EggTorte Mini Micromouse
I really like the speed of this little learning robot.
RG3 Robotic Greens Mower Is Sensor-Equipped
This sensor-equipped mower is nimble enough to avoid gophers on golf courses.
Touch Sensor For Sensitive Robots
Honestly, who doesn't want a more sensitive robot?
Technovelgy (that's tech-novel-gee!) is devoted to the creative science inventions and ideas of sf authors. Look for the Invention Category that interests you, the Glossary, the Invention Timeline, or see what's New.
Current News
Self-Healing Concrete Uses Bacteria For Healing
Building, heal thyself.
Exmobaby Biosensor Pajamas For Baby
Hush little baby, don't say a word.
Apple Live Streaming Fail
'Industry-leading' my foot.
Re Google: William Gibson, Read More SF
Especially the old stuff.
Nike's Air Kicks Back To The Future Power Laces
Marty McFly, your shoes are almost ready.
EggTorte Mini Micromouse
'Something small, metallic, glittering had shot through one of the rat holes.'
Yale Aerial Manipulator Flying Robotic Hand
Did you say helicopter hands.
M-Dress Has Phone, SIM Card And Antenna Embedded
LBD Phone.
RG3 Robotic Greens Mower Is Sensor-Equipped
Suddenly the mower stopped and clicked excitedly.
Aimec Child Robot Built By Childless Couple
Supertoys last all summer long.
Touch Sensor For Sensitive Robots
Gently stroke, pinch and twist.
Labor-Saving Centrifuge
'I made sure my left foot was positioned for the gravistat control and watched her belly.'
Murdoch To Create Digital News-Paper
Truly, a prophet of the future.
Robotic Wheelchair Autonomously Follows Walking Companion
Follow that guy!
Yurina Care Robot Cure For Nurses' Strained Backs
Nurses! No more strained backs!
Ignition Interlock Required For NY Drunk Drivers
'When he tried to drive home he had a terrible argument with his car.'
