Meet the robot that serves you beer… among other things (Picture: YouTube)

Designers, engineers and computer scientists have been working on humanoid robots for years – but not until now have they reached the zenith… a robot that senses when you want a beer, and pours it for you.

Researchers at Cornell University have used a Microsoft Kinect sensor and a special code that means the robot can predict your behaviour by the moves you make.

Among the movements, which include needing to open the fridge (to get a beer?), is reaching for a glass on the table to take a drink. At this point the robot saunters over (well, sort of… it’s more of a waddle) and gives you a refill.



Ashutosh Saxena, one of the scientists working on the project, revealed that around 120 predicted actions have been programmed in for the robot to pre-empt in order to help you out. Obviously the beer one is the most interesting but among others are brushing your teeth and making cereal.


‘Looking a little bit into the future helps a lot,’ he said, pointing out that there’ll be no spillages because the robot predicts if you’re about to move the glass.

Who needs friends anyway?