Japan’s Android Robots: What is human?

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Japanese inventors are well on their way to constructing (seemingly) conscious androids that look and act human.

Meet Pepper, the Softbank robot. Designed to understand human emotions by analysing vocal tones and facial expressions, this adorable humanoid robot was created by Aldebaran Robots “to make people happy, enhance people’s lives, facilitate relationships, have fun with people and connect them with the outside world.” Pepper maintains eye contact during a conversation, comforts you when you’re sad, and adapts his attitude to suit yours.

Since his creation in 2014, more than 10,000 Pepper robots have been purchased and are living in thousands of Japan households, schools and shopping centres. Users report the robot provides companionship and quells their feelings of loneliness.

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Then there’s Asimo – created by Honda in 2000, he has been recently updated and the fluidity of his movements is impressive; he can run, jump, hop on one leg, and even sing a song with sign language. ASIMO is currently featured at Miraikan, the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation.

Also at Miraikan are the first female androids, with skin that feels freakishly human and the ability to interact with humans. Guests can take turns conversing with and controlling Otonaroid, an android whose facial expressions can change to express anger, happiness and sadness. She is equipped with a camera, so the operator can decide her reactions based on what she sees. By wearing a headset wirelessly connected to the Android, you can dictate Otonaroid’s movements by moving around yourself.

Photo caption: (From left) Komodoroid and Otonaroid, two new innovations in Japanese androids.

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Hiroshi Ishiguro, the inventor of Otonaroid, has been working on improving robots that look and feel like humans. He studies robot-human interactions and has created androids that are capable of holding intelligent conversations with humans.

Japanese inventors in the robotics industry have expressed their desires to create conscious androids, complete with feelings and rational thoughts. It may sound like something out of a science fiction movie, but within our lifetimes, we may see the day when humans and androids walk the streets together.