June 4th, 2007
CB2 Child Robot - Disturbing, Freakish, Interesting, Cute (doubtful) or What?
By Michael Santo
Executive Editor, RealTechNews
I dunno, I didn’t find it that disturbing. Perhaps a bit freaky, but that was it. However, since it’s no secret that Japan’s low birth rate is a problem, as the article says, we probably don’t want to show potential parents anything that might scare them off. 
An event that saw the organisation proudly showing off a 33-kilogramme effigy that can make facial expressions, react to its surroundings by blinking and stand up with assistance. Giving it a set of skills and abilities that its maker claims allows CB2 (Child-Robot with Biometric Body) to emulate the physical abilities of a 1- or 2-year-old toddler.
The only problem being that unlike the real thing, CB2 is neither comical nor cute – far from it in fact. Source: Tokyo Times
We Say: It might have been appealing if the robot had been toddler-sized. Take a look at the video here to see the robot rolling around on the floor like a toddler might.
John Corliss says:
Your criticism sounds like sour grapes to me.
When was the last time the United States was able to create something like this?
June 4th, 2007 at 6:34 am
Freud says:
I didn’t see it as a critical comment. More of a rhetorical question.
But, you are right. The U.S. Patent Office is laying of people left and right because no one is being innovative here in the States. In fact, just today, I wrote a letter to Purdue University suggesting that they just close their research department because all of the original thoughts in the world come from other countries.
http://www.physorg.com/news98556080.html
June 4th, 2007 at 12:33 pm
Charles says:
Layoffs at the patent office? Hell, chances are, every government agency could stand a cut.
You guys forget… we Americans are very opportunistic. We are just as innovative in robotics, except we’re more concerned about getting a 4×4 vehicle to drive a hundred miles across the desert by itself.
Our best and brightest are busy developing things to blow other things up, or keep other things invisible.
Who invented the Segway? Who routinely launches Space Shuttles into orbit? Who leads the world in medical advancements?
The list goes on and on…
June 4th, 2007 at 1:44 pm
TechFresh says:
This looks a bit odd…I don’t see the point.
June 5th, 2007 at 2:34 pm