We’ve just seen a mini Robot Einstein, and we’re still a little freaked out by the 18-inch ‘Frubber’ faced android in action. Currently being developed by Hanson Robotics, the diminutive droid genius is far from completion and dubiously promises to do much more than is on show here at CES 2009.
Click through to find out what Robot Einstein promises to be capable of.
There was a video of the Robot Einstein in action, running next to a mock-up model of little Albert. The face movements are uncannily expressive, with eyebrows twitching, and its mouth gurning and stretching with impressive lip-syncing. But we’re wearing our skeptical hat on this one, as there wasn’t a working model here. That and the fact that its creators protest that it will be able to understand speech, have face recognition and even be able to hold conversations. Smacks a little of vaporware to us.
What’s more plausible is that Robot Einstein will tell stories and be able to teach trivia. We’re sold on that angle and can see the appeal, because the robot itself and the motorized ‘Frubber’ face appear to work extremely well, making him a pretty engaging gimmick.
No word on a release date, but we’d be very surprised if Robot Einstein makes it onto shelves this year. We’ll keep you posted on any developments as and when they emerge.
TBC | £TBC | Hanson Robotics
