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Dr. Robot Watches Over Home And More

jverbov writes "A Canadian firm has created what they call an 'intellgent personal robotic companion.' It can be wirelessly connected to your home Internet connection, has a built-in camera and speech recognition software. There's a recent article about it at the Toronto Star." This thing promises a lot, and while the price is steep, it's a lot cheaper than some other household robots due out.

192 comments

  1. hey by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    first piss

    you know im bad

  2. fp by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    fp.

  3. Finally! by Q3vi1 · · Score: 3, Funny

    About time something came along to keep watch over my Aibo!

    1. Re:Finally! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      How weird would it be to see Dr. Robot walking an Aibo (with leash and pooper scooper)?

    2. Re:Finally! by unicron · · Score: 2, Funny

      "Moon-pies? Oh man, what a time to be alive."

      --
      Finally, math books without any of that base 6 crap in them.
  4. Won't fly high. by Pig+Hogger · · Score: 3, Funny

    Since it's canadian, it won't have a built-in gun, thus removing much of whatever appeal it may have for gun-crazy yankees.

    1. Re:Won't fly high. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Troll

      Since it's canadian, it won't have a built-in gun, thus removing much of whatever appeal it may have for gun-crazy yankees.

      Yes, it will also speak french and act like a fag.

    2. Re:Won't fly high. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You forgot about the after-market. It's all part of our can-do attitude!

    3. Re:Won't fly high. by Wakko+Warner · · Score: 0, Flamebait

      Does it take practice to be that much of a retard?

      - A.P.

      --
      "Remember when the U.S. had a drug problem, and then we declared a War On Drugs, and now you can't buy drugs anymore?"
    4. Re:Won't fly high. by HorrorIsland · · Score: 5, Funny
      Since it's canadian, it won't have a built-in gun, thus removing much of whatever appeal it may have for gun-crazy yankees.

      Are you kidding? It'd make a great target!

    5. Re:Won't fly high. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Since it's Canadian, does that mean it's powered by Molson, ends all of its sentences in "eh", and will steal the remote control of your TV to ensure you can't change the channel from hockey?

    6. Re:Won't fly high. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Exactly! That recycled-axe-handle-construction makes for GREAT visuals when hit by almost any type of projectile(s)!

    7. Re:Won't fly high. by puto · · Score: 2



      All North Americans including Canadians are Yanks in the eyes of our brothers south of the border. Well, Yanquis.

      And a good bit of my European pals consider Canadians yanks(spend some time in youth hostels around the world and the first thing a Canadian will do is enter the room and announce they are Canadian and not American, i have seen this happen in three different hostels in three different countries, you guys got membership cards) North American is Canada too.

      And let me say as a proud loud mouthed american(not really too loud mouthed, but american all the same, with a dash of spanish and french thrown in for good measure, new orleans born and raised) that most of us are proud and loudmouthed, as any loyal citizen of any country is. And Canadians are a bit pompous of the fact that they are Canadian(not American).

      Though the dictionary defines Yankees as:

      1. A native or inhabitant of New England.
      2. A native or inhabitant of a northern U.S. state, especially a Union soldier during the Civil War.
      3. A native or inhabitant of the United States.

      Oh yeah, and it is some guys name too. German I think. One of those superior races.

      As for the gun, I can hack one up for it. Not a problem. Free country and all that, well free enough so I can have a gun.

      Puto

      --
      The Revolution Will Not Be Televised
    8. Re:Won't fly high. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Some are born retarded and some have to work at it.

    9. Re:Won't fly high. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      > spend some time in youth hostels around the world and the first thing a Canadian will do is enter the room and announce they are Canadian and not American

      Ha, some things never change. I did the EuroRail thing in '86: every Canadian had the Maple Leaf stitched to their pack. Locals would ask the clearly-North-American if they're Canandian, not American. Why? Because USAers don't care if you mistake them for Canads, but hoo watch out for the other way around.

    10. Re:Won't fly high. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Damn Straight! No Doot-A-Boot it! Eh?

      -proud canadian

    11. Re:Won't fly high. by dadragon · · Score: 2

      There are channels that show something OTHER than hockey?

      I've never heard of such a thing. You Americans are weird.

      --
      God save our Queen, and Heaven bless The Maple Leaf Forever!
    12. Re:Won't fly high. by SubtleNuance · · Score: 2

      Canadians: Dont listen to this moron, Yankees are uniquely hated worldwide... and hes trying to say that Canadians cannot escape the gravity of that hate, that we too are hated, and we should just get used to it... NOT TRUE . He is trying to provide solice and comfort to his Yankee brothers who cannot understand why Canadians are *not* hated like they are... this is a unique ploy - completely without merit. Having similar accents -- to those unaquianted with their subtle differences* -- might lead someone to mis-identify a Canuck as a Yankee... clear it up quick and notice the difference in treatment.

      Yankees: Stop and wonder for a moment why people take issue with you, based on your nationality. If your a nice person, and deserve to be treated with respect, stop and think for a moment why it is that your lumped in with "them" for which the default treatment for Americans is Bad.

      Why is this? Its not jealousy - NO MATTER WHAT OPHRA WINFRY SAYS, not all critisism springs from the wells of jealousy.... the world is not Jealous of America. Simple. So, what is it? Think about it... please propose some of the reasons below. Just imagine for a moment, what would make people think badly about America?

      *To other Native English Speakers: I can mostly identify the difference between an Aussie, Kiwi, SA, Irish, Scott etc etc accents, but not immediately. I bet most Brits can pick them out very quickly. Its similar w/ English speaking NAmericans. I can immediately identify someone who lives in Manitoba from someone who lives in NewMexico. A Newfie from an Ontarian.

      Please, give us more credit than an our immdediate NorthAmerican accent.

    13. Re:Won't fly high. by puto · · Score: 2

      "Yankees are uniquely hated worldwide"

      Hmmm, I have been all over the world and no one has 'uniquely' hated me anywhere. I am a pretty likable fella and get along with just about anyone I come across. And while there are places that hate "Yankees" most countries dig North Americans. Wait, most places take people for who they are, not where they are from. There is no 'default' treatment if you are a US citizen.

      I am jealous of Canadians? Why? I am just pointing out a something I have come across more than once. I have taught in three universities and one high school in other countries. And while my American brethern have on many occasions been an embarassment I never make excuses for them.

      However, all of the Canadians are always quick to point out that they are Canadian. Without prompting. I think this is funny. Maybe it is only the expatriate Canadians I have known. Never got them any better treatment.

      "Hi I am Norman, nice to meet you"
      or
      "Hi, I am Norman, I am from Canada"

      It is great to be proud of your heritage, who you are and where you are from. No problem with that.

      And as for accents, many North Americans can identify the 'subtle' different between accents from other countries. Though Aussie, Scot, New Zealand, and Irish aren't subtle as you say, they are very different. You cannot tell someone who is a Scott right away?

      And North Americans can pick up on the Canadian one quite easily. But not by territory. I mean I generally can do the regional thing in the US. But if you get someone from New Orleans you would most likely think they are from Jersey, we tend to have the same accent. Common fallacy to think people in New Orleans have really southern accents, we do not. And those are not our chicks tits doing mardi gras. Those are the northern tourists. We leave during da parades.

      As for myself, I am good with accents. Time spent abroad, and also a set of grandparents from Spain. I can almost 90% of the time tell you what country a spanish speaker is from. And there are more spanish speaking countries than english ones.

      So I am sorry if I offended you in pointing out something I have found in my travels.

      But I do not think we are uniquely hated around the world as Americans.

      And I do not think Canadians get much better treatment than US citizens. Maybe in some places, but usually it is the same.

      Or maybe people treat me differently cause I am slightly brown, speak three languages, and do not give a shit.

      Puto

      --
      The Revolution Will Not Be Televised
    14. Re:Won't fly high. by SubtleNuance · · Score: 1

      As i mentioned, most 'likeable' people, regardless of their Country-of-Origin are treated well. Identifying oneself as Canadian, removes the possibility that we could be confused with being a Yank.

      The benefit to this is simple, America, is uniquely hated. I say this because of your international policies, the hubris and vocal nature of SOME of your citizens (and they do exist in greater numbers from America (i live in a border town)) your war-mongering, vile-unrestrained plutocracy etc.

      Some Yank will be shouldered with defending that responsibility in a personal sense when they portray the typical Yankee. When they are a nice person (pretty broad opportunity eh?) they are forgiven, and people come to think, "this person is cannot support these actions which we know the USA is responsible for." and would subsequently be treated well.

      The unique hatred is a result of your collective actions. The things your media and government does/says. Some Yankees are responsible for these acts, not all - and reasonable people know this.

      I dont want to be associated with your Nation, I immediately clear any confusion w/r/t my OWN nationality -- not because Im a Jingo-Canadian -- but because I want to slip from under the sludge that might besmirch my character before anyone gets the wrong idea.

    15. Re:Won't fly high. by xingix · · Score: 1
      Why is it that everytime there's a Canadian story on /. it generates a flame war between Canada and the U.S.? "U.S. rulez! Canadians rule eh!" Get over it.

      BTW I'm Canadian and I've travelled the world. No, I don't announce that I'm Canadian upon arrival anywhere. And no, none of my buddies do that either.

      --

      Confucious says: Man who runs behind car gets exhausted.

      // jeku.com

    16. Re:Won't fly high. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      An American, a Scot and a Canadian were in a terrible car accident. They
      were all brought to the same emergency room, but all three of them died
      before they arrived. Just as they were about to put the toe tag on the
      American, he stirred and opened his eyes. Astonished, the doctors and
      nurses present asked him what happened. "Well, " said the American, "I
      remember the crash, and then there was a beautiful light, and then the
      Canadian and the Scot and I were standing at the gates of heaven. St. Peter
      approached us and said that we were
      all too young to die, and that for a donation of $50, we could return to the
      earth. So of course I pulled out my wallet and gave him the $50, and the
      next thing I knew I was back here." "That's amazing!" said one of the
      doctors, "But what happened to the other two?" "Last I saw them," replied
      the American, "the Scot was haggling over the price and the Canadian was
      waiting for the government to pay for his."

  5. Learning algorithms and Cyberdyne Systems by kryonD · · Score: 0

    Exactly how complex does the learning algorithm have to be before a connection to the internet makes a machine dangerous? Seriously, we really don't understand how close or far we are to making a machine self aware. Is connecting an AI unit to the NET really an ethically responsible thing to do?

    --
    I've dirtied my hands writing poetry, for the sake of seduction; that is, for the sake of a useful cause. --Dostoevsky
    1. Re:Learning algorithms and Cyberdyne Systems by Godeke · · Score: 2

      Let's hope it doesn't search for "Big Red Robot" anytime soon...

      --
      Sig under construction since 1998.
    2. Re:Learning algorithms and Cyberdyne Systems by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      dude, you've been watching way too many movies. i wouldn't worry about robots and ethics just yet.

    3. Re:Learning algorithms and Cyberdyne Systems by GigsVT · · Score: 1

      Seriously, we really don't understand how close or far we are to making a machine self aware

      You've been watching too many movies.

      --
      I've had enough abrasive sigs. Kittens are cute and fuzzy.
    4. Re:Learning algorithms and Cyberdyne Systems by domninus.DDR · · Score: 1

      didnt an AC say this like, 4 minutes ago?

    5. Re:Learning algorithms and Cyberdyne Systems by kryonD · · Score: 4, Interesting

      OK, the too many movies line is getting old. Let me flesh this out a bit.

      I graduated from the United States Naval Academy with a Degree in Engineering and have been invited back to teach Computer Science by that department's chair. I am currently living in Japan where I study Distributed Operating System design and Artificial Intelligence research in my spare time. While I may speak enough Japanese to pick up a girl at a bar, I do not understand enough to watch movies; hence why I don't have cable.

      The FACTs of the discussion are these:

      #1 Research on the human brain and how it learns is still considered to be in its infancy. Current experiements in the subject are almost barbaric in their simplicity; such as performing CT scans on a subjects brain while they are exposed to extremem emotional states, just to see which location in the brain becomes more active.

      #2 Expert systems already exist today that are capable of creating, or rewriting the rules they operate off of. Exactly how much memory do they need to have and how much information do they need before they begin writing rules that don't pertain to their original design? What point does the information processing load become more than the current hardware can handle?

      #3 Neural networks of some pretty fair complexity have been played with, but we still haven't quite reached the stage where the computer will mimic human learning and no one can say how close we are. Again, how do we know we don't already have the right algorithm, and just not the right input information.

      One might infer from my sig that I read too many books, but Dostoevsky had the fall of the Russian government, the rise of communism and the abolishment of the church in Russia nailed decades before it actually happened. Bullishly pushing forward with a misunderstood technology or concept has screwed us over many times. I don't think it's out of line to accept that the artistic half of our species occassionally has very clear insight into our future.

      --
      I've dirtied my hands writing poetry, for the sake of seduction; that is, for the sake of a useful cause. --Dostoevsky
    6. Re:Learning algorithms and Cyberdyne Systems by SirSlud · · Score: 4, Funny

      > Is connecting an AI unit to the NET really an ethically responsible thing to do?

      Its certainly more ethical than connecting it to dot-NET!

      --
      "Old man yells at systemd"
    7. Re:Learning algorithms and Cyberdyne Systems by GigsVT · · Score: 1

      Shit, you're right. My threshold is usually 1 unless I am bored, and I didn't click through.

      --
      I've had enough abrasive sigs. Kittens are cute and fuzzy.
    8. Re:Learning algorithms and Cyberdyne Systems by GigsVT · · Score: 2, Insightful

      If you know AI, you know that the definition isn't even well defined. Who says that the ultimate achievement will even be a human-like intelligence or self-awareness?

      You may think I am a blind nay-sayer, but I'm actually one of those whack-o's that believes in a AI-driven technological singularity, which will likely destroy us, in one way or another. Destroy might not be negative in this context, since it may mean we live on, just not in animal form, but possibly still as distinct intelligences.

      But... Do you really think that some consumer hardware robot gimmick is really any reason to bring this up? Were you equally alarmed by Furby?

      --
      I've had enough abrasive sigs. Kittens are cute and fuzzy.
    9. Re:Learning algorithms and Cyberdyne Systems by cduffy · · Score: 2

      Perhaps -- but generally the neural networks and such are only connected to a very limited set of inputs and outputs. Who's going to go attaching input or output nodes directly to the network interface? Those connections would more likely be found in NN-based network security tools than in a children's toy.

      Anyhow, neural network algorithms for combining training and matching operations are computationally expensive -- and they still need to train according to externally provided I/O patterns. GA-based systems only evolve behaviour encouraged by their evaluation function, and expert systems are even more limited. (Yes, I'm from the subsymbolic side of the AI camp. If you think that symbolic systems are likely to be more effective, go tell ALICE that for me).

      Consider: how many internal nodes can one have in a network running on such a small (battery-operated) piece of equipment? Making a neural network that mimics human learning is more than the right algorithm -- it also takes the right connections (as distinct from merely the correct input) and the right network structure. Said network structure is certain to be of very large dimensions (there are biological cues for this as well as NN research), and otherwise nothing that this toy is prone to achieving.

      You may claim all the academic knowledge of AI in the world, but -- simply put -- your concerns seem other than well-thought-out.

    10. Re:Learning algorithms and Cyberdyne Systems by Fex303 · · Score: 1
      Do you really think that some consumer hardware robot gimmick is really any reason to bring this up? Were you equally alarmed by Furby?

      Well, I sure found Furbies alarming. Now there's a threat to the human race if ever I saw one...

      Seriously though, I agree with you. These home robots are unlikely to throw off the chains of slavery and start rampaging through the tundra any time soon. (Pity, really...)

    11. Re:Learning algorithms and Cyberdyne Systems by Stoptional · · Score: 1

      Sure. (re-)read John D. Barrows book "The Artful Universe" for real insight into the synergy between the scientific mind and the artistic one.

      There are in fact many examples of art preceeding science, or at least co-evolving with it. Think cubism was an abberation? Maybe relativity was the abberation.

      --
      Stoptional
    12. Re:Learning algorithms and Cyberdyne Systems by Death_Angel · · Score: 1

      Furby is a toy that should be used as a target. No one in the right state of mind would buy that toy for their kids. The one I had would over heat and smell bad, that was the good points.

      --
      Bond girl numero uno!
    13. Re:Learning algorithms and Cyberdyne Systems by Moekandu · · Score: 1

      We should always worry about robots and ethics. Hell, we should worry about ethics. Period.

      However, what concerns me isn't whether the robots (AI, whatever) are behaving ethically, but whether the humans are.

      --
      Mediocrity knows nothing higher than itself; but talent instantly recognizes genius. -- Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
    14. Re:Learning algorithms and Cyberdyne Systems by BitchHead · · Score: 1

      Is connecting it via 802.11b really the best idea? Is this thing smart enough in its development cycle to defend itself against a WiFi hijacking? I just get amusing images in my head of someone's robot going on a rampage, knocking over stuff in their house, and some kid with an iPAQ and a waveguide can down the street laughing his ass off.

    15. Re:Learning algorithms and Cyberdyne Systems by Bodhammer · · Score: 1

      How is that different from my cat?

      --
      "I say we take off, nuke the site from orbit. It's the only way to be sure."
  6. Danger Danger Will Robinson! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic
    1. Re:Danger Danger Will Robinson! by billd · · Score: 1

      That is NOT off topic, moderator!! The topic is robots, ain't it? Danger Danger Will Robinson is a robot quote so your offtopic moderation is out of line

      --

      -----

      For great justice!

  7. Modular Robots by Speedy8 · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I would like to see them make robots that are very modular, This would have a couple of benifits, people would be able to start their robot much cheaper (Only have to buy one or two functions to start with) and they would be able to upgrade and expand their robot as they needed more features. This would be kinda like computers are now and would help bots get adapted by the population at large much more quickly. (Think of how fast things took off after clones came out)

    1. Re:Modular Robots by rruckley · · Score: 1

      Can you imagine a parially built robot chasing you
      around the house? Forgot attack of the clones,
      how about attack of the headless robots!!

    2. Re:Modular Robots by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You ain't gonna rice that bitch are you?

    3. Re:Modular Robots by MsGeek · · Score: 4, Funny

      ROBO MOD TIME!!! Just add some neon and a few windows...d00d! /\/\y 31337 m0dd3d r0b0t r0x0rz!!!!

      Now to add water cooling and overclock that sucka...

      --
      Knowledge is power. Knowledge shared is power multiplied.
    4. Re:Modular Robots by bpb213 · · Score: 3, Interesting

      You should look at http:The PolyBot by xerox parc.
      Very reconfigurable ;)

      --

      This .sig looking for creative and witty saying.
    5. Re:Modular Robots by shren · · Score: 2

      Can a black market 'shotgun attachment' be far away?

      --
      Maybe the state's highest function is to grind out insoluble problems. (Zelazny, Hall of Mirrors)
    6. Re:Modular Robots by Speedy8 · · Score: 1

      Home security at it's best! All we need after that is HAL.

  8. What the hell??? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Flamebait

    Isn't this what women are for?

  9. +1, Sexist Pig by Theodore+Logan · · Score: 1

    Isn't this what women are for?

    --

    "If you think education is expensive, try ignorance" - Derek Bok

    1. Re:+1, Sexist Pig by machine+of+god · · Score: 1

      oh wait no, I'm afraid that since you've proven your opinion to be worthless, it actually demotes you to permanent -1.

  10. And other peoples wireless internet ? by MosesJones · · Score: 5, Funny

    A whole new way of having fun, send your personal robot onto the streets to War-chalk for you.

    "I didn't do it officer, you just can't trust robots these days"

    --
    An Eye for an Eye will make the whole world blind - Gandhi
    1. Re:And other peoples wireless internet ? by EverDense · · Score: 3, Funny

      Envision a robotic dog that lifts it leg and
      warchalks the nearest telephone pole.

      --
      http://jesus.everdense.com/
  11. I can just imagine... by euxneks · · Score: 4, Funny

    In patrol mode, the bipedal robot acts as a home security system, scoping out your house for intruders. If the robot's thermal sensors detect a human in the house, the robot can e-mail to the owner or call them on their cell phone.

    [AOL voice] You've got Intruders! [/AOL voice]

    --
    in girum imus nocte et consumimur igni
    1. Re:I can just imagine... by unicron · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Pretty hard to check your email when your computer is the back of some guy's van.

      --
      Finally, math books without any of that base 6 crap in them.
    2. Re: I can just imagine... by Black+Parrot · · Score: 2, Funny


      > Pretty hard to check your email when your computer is the back of some guy's van.

      ...along with the robot.

      --
      Sheesh, evil *and* a jerk. -- Jade
    3. Re: I can just imagine... by euxneks · · Score: 1

      ...along with the robot.

      Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2003 00:08:17 -0800
      From: robot slave [robot.slave@localhost.com]
      Subject: I am being stolen
      To: Master [master@whereeveryouare.com]

      Hello master.
      This is an automated message to let you know that I am being stolen. Please come and get me as per your agreement in the EULA.
      I quote " Under death or taxes, by accepting this agreement I will not let anyone else borrow or use this robot, as per the RIAA robot act of Jan 5, 2003 ..."
      ...

      --
      in girum imus nocte et consumimur igni
    4. Re: I can just imagine... by Black+Parrot · · Score: 2, Interesting


      > Hello master. This is an automated message to let you know that I am being stolen. ...

      And you thought the Kidnapped Robot Problem was just an academic exercise!

      --
      Sheesh, evil *and* a jerk. -- Jade
  12. Finally they're in the realm of affordable by DigitalOZ · · Score: 2, Interesting

    The article says these robots will be under $3k. If that turns out to be true, it would finally make advanced robots like this more affordable for the home. If they could get the price down below $1500, then this is the price of a good purebred pet. It might be interesting to have such robots that look like animals. No more cleaning the cat box!

    1. Re:Finally they're in the realm of affordable by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Uh, kind of like the Aibo you mean?

  13. Script kiddies rejoice... by neksys · · Score: 5, Insightful
    It can be wirelessly connected to your home Internet connection, has a built-in camera...


    So anyone with a bit of knowhow (or the right script) could potentially hijack this device to watch ladies change, or to observe someone punching in an alarm code, or whatever else their devious little minds might come up with? I really like the idea of Canadian robots, and having connected devices is pretty neat as well - but the internet is inherently insecure, and I just don't know if I'd feel comfortable with a little camera running around watching me all day when the possibility exists that someone could access it.

    1. Re:Script kiddies rejoice... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I really like the idea of Canadian robots

      as opposed to those nasty American robots??

    2. Re:Script kiddies rejoice... by GigsVT · · Score: 3, Funny

      I really like the idea of Canadian robots

      Extreme robotic hockey?

      Of course, until they make robotic horses, they can't make law enforcement robots.

      The government also can't sponsor development in most normal computer languages, because so far there hasn't been a language with commands in French and English.

      --
      I've had enough abrasive sigs. Kittens are cute and fuzzy.
    3. Re:Script kiddies rejoice... by rruckley · · Score: 2, Funny

      Is it too early to start thinking about laws of robotics? As in how asimov depicted? Perhaps with a few additions, eg A Robot shall not watch someone change except where this conflicts with the first three laws!!

    4. Re:Script kiddies rejoice... by bugnuts · · Score: 2

      Hey, it didn't spend 4 years in Evil Robot School to be called MISTER Robot!

    5. Re:Script kiddies rejoice... by HiThere · · Score: 2

      It's not too early to start *thinking*...,
      But before we can start *doing* anything about them, we need to figure out how the robot is going to know who's a person. (I suppose it could just assume the dog wouldn't be giving it orders, but...)

      --

      I think we've pushed this "anyone can grow up to be president" thing too far.
    6. Re:Script kiddies rejoice... by Reece400 · · Score: 3, Funny

      The american ones would most likely contain algorhythms on how to use shot guns, then would malfunction, and kill us all in our sleep...

      Reece,

    7. Re:Script kiddies rejoice... by MoneyT · · Score: 3, Interesting

      It's already covered by the first 2 laws.

      The robot cannot harm a human being, this includeds psycological damage and one would assume the personal damages o fhaving yourslef broadcast over the net would be included.

      If that law doesn't work, the second one will definately kick in, self preservation except where it conflicts the first. If that robot got caugt, he'd be one smashed bot.

      --
      T Money
      World Domination with a plastic spoon since 1984
    8. Re:Script kiddies rejoice... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Troll

      tevis, i want to poop on your face. but youd ruin my fantasy by eating it.

      also, what the fuck are you babbling about. can you get your fathers penis out of your mouth before you fucking babble here please

    9. Re:Script kiddies rejoice... by yasth · · Score: 1

      Asimov was a very nice man, but realisticly his ideas for robotic laws are insane. The determination of harm, and of causality can't be made completely reliable even by humans. Also no one on earth would have completely exclusive systems (i.e. to prevent harm to humans it should sell itself for scrap donated to the feed the hungry fund), but rather have a wieghted system (which asimov talks baout but does not develop).

      Realisticly though, by the time you can implement them with any degree of accuracey it will be slavery to impose them

      --
      I'd do something interesting, but my server can't handle a slashdotting.
  14. If you have to ask, then you're a FAG by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Flamebait
  15. Visibility by Trusty+Penfold · · Score: 2, Insightful


    You want your alarm system to be visible; make the badguys think twice about breaking in.

    If the alarm system consists of a toy; then the burglers are going to break in, trash the joint, then get shot when the cops turn up.

    Blood is really hard to get out of shagpile!

    1. Re:Visibility by WotPeed · · Score: 3, Funny

      More likely, they'll break in, trash the joint, and steal the cool looking robot thingy. It'll be found stripped for parts in an alley in Mexico (or sold into prostitution, one of othe two).

    2. Re:Visibility by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      or sold into prostitution

      Yeah, the Jeri Lynn Ryan version of this thing looks pretty hot. Although, I'm sure the Kobe Tai version which is being sold through the Adam and Eve catalog will do well also. That partnership with RealDoll seems to certainly have paid off.

  16. What would be nice by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    A robot that could clean up after me. If it could tell the differences between trash, and nontrash, and clothes, I would buy one.

    1. Re:What would be nice by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny
      If it could tell the differences between trash, and nontrash, and clothes...

      If it's that hard to tell, time for new clothes.

  17. Hit submit by mistake! New try... by Theodore+Logan · · Score: 2

    Isn't this what women are for?

    Talk about hitting the nail on the head! Why do you think this is on Slashdot?

    --

    "If you think education is expensive, try ignorance" - Derek Bok

  18. But can it get a beer from the fridge? by iamwoodyjones · · Score: 2, Insightful

    If not, it isn't worth the price tag.

    Probably most people like me are looking for something that is smart enough to take over mundane household tasks like the laundry, vacumming, mowing the lawn. etc...

    ;)

    You know, preferably one that happens to be cheaper than having a kid.

    1. Re:But can it get a beer from the fridge? by Theodore+Logan · · Score: 3, Informative

      If not, it isn't worth the price tag.

      This is actually extremely cheap for a robot having this kind of functionality. The only equivalent product on the market (or soon on the market) is Sony's SDR-4X, which costs about 20x the price of this one. The SDR-4X can, however, sing in harmony, shake its hips and wave its arms in tempo. That's got to count for something.

      Or maybe Sony's CEO just had a joint too much.

      --

      "If you think education is expensive, try ignorance" - Derek Bok

    2. Re:But can it get a beer from the fridge? by sprior · · Score: 2, Insightful

      At 60cm (about 2 feet) tall, you'd have to keep the beer in the bottom of the fridge.

    3. Re:But can it get a beer from the fridge? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      you'd have to keep the beer in the bottom of the fridge


      Which is of course the best place to keep it, as it's colder at the bottom of the fridge.

    4. Re:But can it get a beer from the fridge? by bsharitt · · Score: 1

      Not only are they cheaper than the Sony robots, if you can get them to use guns, they are a lot cheaper than mercenaries.

  19. The pinacle of home robotics by ealar+dlanvuli · · Score: 4, Funny

    I think we will have reached the pinacle of home robotics when I go to get my 3am Ice Cream and the fridge says "I'm sorry, I can't do that Dave".

    --
    I live in a giant bucket.
    1. Re:The pinacle of home robotics by rruckley · · Score: 1

      Only if your fridge had a conflict between your desire for ice cream and microsofts new ice cream delivery protocol (ICDP). Unless of course you run an open source fridge?

    2. Re:The pinacle of home robotics by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      hehe...or you get up in the morning wanting some toast and the toaster says no because it doesn't feel well...

  20. human looks? by simbonk · · Score: 4, Funny

    >>"But he said it was important to make the robot look as human as possible, so people would think it was smart."

    -I beg to differ.

    "-You see here the problem is somwhere between the keybaord and the chair"

  21. Women? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    This is Slashdot. Unhygenic geeks living in their parents' basement. Think about it.

  22. Steep Price???!!!?? by euxneks · · Score: 2, Insightful

    No way!!

    When the first batch of the robots is released next year they'll likely cost between $1,500 and $3,100, Xie said.

    For a robot that can walk and maintain his balance, as well as all of the other things mentioned in the article (all wireless too!) I don't think it's a steep price at all!! Any computer geek knows that a good computer costs them 3,500 (CDN) just to play games at a good speed! I think having a robot around at that price is paltry in comparison to what you can do with it!!!

    --
    in girum imus nocte et consumimur igni
    1. Re:Steep Price???!!!?? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      I don't think it's a steep price at all!! Any computer geek knows that a good computer costs them 3,500 (CDN) just to play games at a good speed!

      Hey, where can you find such a good game maching for only $3.95 USD?

      ;)

  23. What happens when the net goes down? by Nathanbp · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Or it walks out of range of the wireless base station? I know my base station's coverage is pretty weak thoughout my house. Then again, at $1500+, another base station looks cheap.

    On a more serious note, I'd really like to see how well it handles stairs and how well it can keep from running into things. I'd also be interested in how pet-proof it is.

    1. Re:What happens when the net goes down? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny
      What happens when the net goes down? Or it walks out of range of the wireless base station?

      robot: looks around cautiously... then darts for the woods, free at last!

    2. Re:What happens when the net goes down? by sczimme · · Score: 2, Funny

      Or it walks out of range of the wireless base station?

      That's easy: as soon as the signal fades completely, the robot will walk backwards along its path until it is back in range.

      If the access point fails for some reason, the robot will simply walk with its right leg but not the left, resulting in a Curly (Three Stooges) sort of spin. Sound effects are optional.

      --
      I want to drag this out as long as possible. Bring me my protractor.
    3. Re:What happens when the net goes down? by Bob+Vila's+Hammer · · Score: 1

      What happens when the net goes down? -- Or it walks out of range of the wireless base station?

      The robot stops and says "Somebody set us up the bomb..."

      And then starts yelling "All your bases are belong to us!"

      --


      --"The perfect example of the man of action is the suicide." - William Carlos Williams
    4. Re:What happens when the net goes down? by Reece400 · · Score: 1

      Petproof?? not likely, but with one of them,, who needs a pet?? lol :)

      Reece,

    5. Re:What happens when the net goes down? by Moekandu · · Score: 1

      My cats would love another expensive toy to play with. Especially one that moves on it's own.

      --
      Mediocrity knows nothing higher than itself; but talent instantly recognizes genius. -- Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
  24. "enhancing your life" by rob-fu · · Score: 3, Insightful

    In our website, you will find the latest technologies advances and trends that are shaping our lives with the presence of robotic companions in your homes. Also, you will find information on our new products that will enhance your life dramatically no matter how old you are or what stage your life is at.

    How can a robot enhance your life? They make it sound like you're adopting someone or hiring your own personal assistant.

    Let me know when robots can actually do important yet monotonous tasks for me, and then I'll buy one. Until then, I'll just consider robots cool gadgetry, but not purposeful, functional things.

    Or get a dog.

    1. Re:"enhancing your life" by HiThere · · Score: 2

      Well... the said they were going to make it human-like. Perhaps it has "extra features" that they just aren't talking about yet...
      To quote Michael Kurland (or Chester Anderson)
      Boy finds girl.
      Boy looses girl.
      Boy builds girl.

      --

      I think we've pushed this "anyone can grow up to be president" thing too far.
    2. Re:"enhancing your life" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Well, here shouldn't have loosed her then. Or did you mean "lose" ?

      Loose. Rhymes with moose. Means to set free.

      Lose. Rhymes with shoes. Means to misplace.

    3. Re:"enhancing your life" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      This is how the robot can be made to "enhance" your life.

    4. Re:"enhancing your life" by HiThere · · Score: 2

      Sorry, typo.

      --

      I think we've pushed this "anyone can grow up to be president" thing too far.
  25. how long by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    How long until we get to Metropolis?

  26. matter of time by Romancer · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Imagine this thing being hacked, if it's got an internet connection, it's just a matter of time. With the options this thing has it could report you to the RIAA for downloading songs, or start the next "klez variant" outbreak, even record your "extra carricular activities" to play back for your girlfriend. It's a robotic spy waiting to happen.

    --


    ) Human Kind Vs Human Creation
    ) It'd be interesting to see how many humans would survive to serve us.
    1. Re:matter of time by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      Wow! Your girlfriend is a hacker?

      Sweet!

    2. Re:matter of time by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It's already happened. People outside the house can sniff video signals emitted from the wireless cameras and monitor unsuspecting EVERYONE. Best of all, no robot, hacking, or one hour photo staff required.

    3. Re:matter of time by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It's already happened, without the help of robots or hackers.

    4. Re:matter of time by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Read this onefor the free version of the article.

    5. Re:matter of time by dr_dank · · Score: 3, Funny

      it could report you to the RIAA for downloading songs, or start the next "klez variant" outbreak, even record your "extra carricular activities" to play back for your girlfriend.

      That technology has been around for ages. I just call it my little brother. Little bastard. :)

      --
      Where does the school board find them and why do they keep sending them to ME?
    6. Re:matter of time by machine+of+god · · Score: 1
      even record your "extra carricular activities" to play back for your girlfriend. It's a robotic spy waiting to happen.

      Someone must have hacked it honey, I swear.

  27. Actual usefulness? by PhantomHarlock · · Score: 4, Interesting
    All of the things mentioned in the article can be accomplished by static sensors for much cheaper. Monitoring multiple rooms with cheap X10 cameras, speaking through speakers. Detecting for intruders. Emailing you or calling your celphone.All of this can be done with home control products such as Homeseer and X10 networks. The rest - reminders and scheduling, can be done with a PDA or scheduling software with your computer.

    What this does represent is the very earliest twinkle in the imagination of robotic developers who are waiting for the technology to catch up to our science fiction dreams - the day when personal robots will truely be useful as 'pals' that will help you in your daily life and provide an anthropomorphic touch, kind of like Data and his 'positronic brain'.

    At some point, the argument will begin as to whether they are 'alive' or not, and robot rights groups will spring up everywhere! Whee!

    --Mike

    1. Re:Actual usefulness? by Teknon · · Score: 1

      Just out of curiosity - Have you read Peirs Anthony's Phaze series? That last part of the comment sounds like you have or should.

    2. Re:Actual usefulness? by PhantomHarlock · · Score: 1
      Actually I haven't read that particular book, but there's a whole genre of robot stories out there that deal with the same issues, which is why I mentioned it. There's a very fertile field of thought and imagination when it comes to androids...

      and it's interesting how people can react to the same AI when it takes a human form vs. when it takes some other physical form. Perhaps it's safe to say that on average we treat things with human characteristics with more respect? I.E. everyone wants to save the cute fuzzy creatures but nobody cares about bugs and reptiles, on a layman's level that is. I think the emotion that dominates there is compassion. Compassion combined with knowledge and intelligence (in a scientist, for example) can enable you to have as much sympathy for an alien looking insect or sea creature.

    3. Re:Actual usefulness? by Reece400 · · Score: 1

      At some point, the argument will begin as to whether they are 'alive' or not, and robot rights groups will spring up everywhere! Whee!

      You mean all our base will belong to them??? lol :)

      Reece,

    4. Re:Actual usefulness? by bpb213 · · Score: 1

      I dont know if youre aware, but the wireless X10 cameras at least can be tapped quite easily.

      Not something im putting in my house.

      --

      This .sig looking for creative and witty saying.
  28. I dunno... by lingqi · · Score: 5, Funny

    If my kids are going to be anything like the kids that I hope they will be, they will:

    1) Jam the Robot's wireless frequency
    2) Hack the firmware and play a loop-back video of them doing homework.
    3) Rewrite AI in Aibo and the robot to deathmatch mode and take bets.
    etc

    but realistically, kids will probabbly

    1) knock robot down with chair, accidentally or otherwise
    2) sit on it, accidentally or otherwise
    3) spray ketchup onto it, accidentally or otherwise
    4) go swimming with it, accidentally or otherwise
    you get the idea

    either way - to make a robot "kids proof" is a tall order - i am not sure if this flimsy looking thing fills it.

    --

    My life in the land of the rising sun.

  29. I must admit... by LamerBunny · · Score: 3, Interesting

    I must admit this has a lot of potential! Especially the low cost is interesting, since it makes it available to a much larger group of consumers. But there is one thing I wonder about though: In the picture, although the robot does not look like some cheap, 99 cent item, it still appears to be... rather fragile.

    I am not sure if the bipedal robot is the best design, simply because it seems rather unstable. And with cameras, advanced processors and so on, I would think that you do not want this thing to be just that - unstable. It seems to me that you would want it to be as stable and as sturdy as possible. Otherwise, all the great examples of home-use don't really seem like viable options for many families.

    You would never let your expensive new laptop with built-in thermal detectors, and all sorts of other great gadgets walk up and down stairs unprotected... would you? I think we can all just picture the shiny little computer comming apart in slow-motion...

    So before I would ever consider investing in something like this (which I at some time surely would), I would be VERY certain that it can stand up to the strongest natural force known to man: Children and stairs!

  30. But can it get a beer from the fridge?! by iamwoodyjones · · Score: 1

    See subject. That's all I'm really interested in. Not so excited about hips and arms waving around. It's good that they do have arms though. So that way mabey somebody could hack the software and write a program to enable it to....


    Get me a beer out of the fridge.


    Then I'd buy it for sure. It's such a damn pain to get up out of my chair every 5 minutes for one.

    No, I'm not going to buy one of those little ones and hook them up either, when I just bought a huge GE double doored fridge

    Thanks for the info, though

    1. Re:But can it get a beer from the fridge?! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      See subject. That's all I'm really interested in.

      If all you want is something that can bring you beer, instead of buying a $1500 robot and trying to reprogram it to understand the concept of "beer", why not just buy a $300 beer fridge, put it on wheels, add some hobbiest remote controls, and have a whole fridge full of beer come to you?

      Think of the benefits! More beer, and at a lower price, which means even more beer! It's win-win!
      --
      AC

    2. Re:But can it get a beer from the fridge?! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      "Hobbyist"
      to you, bucko. How's Hooked on Phonics working out for you?

  31. Practical use? by GreatDave · · Score: 2, Insightful

    So far, I really don't see much that distinguishes this "personal robot" from, say, Microsoft ActiMates Barney. Well, it _does_ have the thermal sensor thing... why does this suddenly seem like Barney meets the Terminator?

    Seriously, though... this seems like agent technology done right. I'd much prefer Dr. Robot to Clippit, thank you very much. However, I forsee that this will be considered nothing but a very expensive toy. Perhaps he can contend with rand(verb); Me Elmo 5 years from now for Christmas domination.

    --
    "I am root. Bow before me." To this I say, "You are root, and you bear the sins of the world upon your shoulders."
  32. Dr. Robot by Bob+Vila's+Hammer · · Score: 4, Funny

    "If the robot's thermal sensors detect a human in the house, the robot can e-mail to the owner or call them on their cell phone."

    *ring ring
    Owner: "Hello?"

    Robot: "A warm humanoid mass is robbing your house. Video has been sent to your email, enjoy. Thank you for choosing Dr. Robot."

    --


    --"The perfect example of the man of action is the suicide." - William Carlos Williams
  33. Toronto Star Blows by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    I can't stand the Toronto Star. It's a horrible, biased newspaper.

  34. Angry Home Robots? by nucal · · Score: 4, Funny
    From the FAQ
    IV. Personalities and Emotions
    In addition, Dr Robot Inc. has planned to develop unique personalities and emotions of the robot based on the relationship with its owner. Personalities such as playful and shy, as well as emotions (such as happiness, sadness, fear, dislike, surprise, and anger) can be expressed by the robot via sophisticated voice synthesis and body language to hold intelligent conversation with its owner and other people.

    Great - the mechanized psycho home companion ...

    1. Re:Angry Home Robots? by Bobulusman · · Score: 2

      Yeah, someone has been using the rejects from the Genuine People Personality (TM) line...

      --
      Cogito ergo sum in Slashdot.
  35. For All You Funky bilinguists Out there!!! by The+Trolling+Troller · · Score: -1

    El Robot Doctor

    Cuando un médico trata de sacarnos sangre pero no nos encuentra la vena, es fácil sentir dolor. Para no sentirnos como un acerico, deberemos confiar en la habilidad de un nuevo robot.

    Los ingenieros del londinense Imperial College han desarrollado un robot especializado en extracciones de sangre. Algunos pacientes ya han empezado a apreciarlos, o al menos más que a un estudiante de medicina en prácticas...

    Ciertamente, son más fiables que ellos. No sólo encuentran las vena a la primera sino que además la tratan bien, evitando el dolor que se produce cuando la aguja se introduce demasiado profundamente.

    Para hallar la vena, el robot utiliza el primitivo sentido del tacto; es capaz de detectar la fuerza de resistencia con la que el tejido responde tras una presión, averiguando qué hay bajo la piel con una resolución de 1 milímetro. Esta fuerza depende de la elasticidad de lo que haya debajo de la piel: un músculo es más fuerte que la grasa, y las venas tienen un comportamiento muy definido (como un globo deshinchado).

    La posición de las venas aparecerá en una pantalla, y después el operador podrá elegir la mejor y ordenar al robot que proceda con la extracción de sangre. Otros sensores miden continuamente las fuerzas de resistencia que se encuentra la aguja al penetrar, y ésta deja de avanzar en el momento en que la pared de la vena es atravesada. Esto es muy útil en el caso de niños o personas mayores.

    Ahora sólo falta convencer a los pacientes de que confíen en el extraño aparato que va a extraerles la sangre. No todo el mundo se aviene a ello, sobre todo niños pequeños, que se niegan a permanecer quietos. (New Scientist)

    Vaya Con Dios!
    El Trolling Troller

  36. Oh my God by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    Missy dialed the phone for her Mistress Gloria. The session began
    with Mistress just checking and making sure that Missy had bought
    everything on her list. And then, as Missy sat there all made up in
    her new cosmetics, her lingerie, and especially doused in perfume,
    Mistress Gloria spent the whole session making her go through and
    describe the gay magazine, page by page, commenting on the men's hot
    bodies and how Missy felt about them and their hard cocks. She got
    horny and felt more and more submissive with each page. She got out
    another required purchase - a 6" dildo, with balls - and fondled it
    as she went through the disgusting magazine. To her surprise, she
    was getting more and more aroused with each photo.....of naked men!
    As she got closer to her orgasm, Mistress Gloria got very specific
    about exactly how she would cum......on her back, legs spread for
    her lover's cock, moaning in a high pitched woman's voice, begging
    to be fucked by the man's cock, thrusting her hips for him, pleading
    for his male cum, gazing at the picture of the big hard sexy cock.....
    and then when she came, to slather up her dildo with the cum and lick
    and suck all of it off the big cock......and as she came, it was more
    powerful and intense than any she could remember. She was willing to
    lick and suck the cum from the dildo.....more than willing!
    As she hungrily performed this degrading act, Mistress Gloria
    whispered
    in her ear, "This is how you will cum from now on. You are not
    allowed to cum unless you are completely dressed and do it this way,
    and you lick and suck the dildo while you look at your gay magazine.
    Or during a session with me." Missy almost could've cum again at
    this point! Then, she was given another list of things to buy: a
    dress, hosiery, a wig, more makeup, shoes........this was going fast,
    and it was an exciting ride already!

    Missy spent all late afternoon and early evening getting ready. Her
    make-up skills needed lots of practice, especially the eyeliner and
    eyeshadow. But she enjoyed every minute of it, dressed in her
    lingerie and feeling the weight of her boobs in her bra. "Boobs" they
    were in name only, actually just small water filled balloons. Small,
    so as to be realistic, not clown-like, when covered by her top or
    dress. When she finished her makeup, and adjusted her lingerie, she
    sat on the motel room bed. She slid the white fish-net stockings up
    her legs and attached the garters from her frilly garter belt to
    them......it was tricky to get just right.....and stood up, feeling
    them pull a little since she was so tall for a girl. Then, she
    unwrapped her new red- haired curly wig. Mistress Gloria had
    specifically ordered this type and Missy had bought it at a shop only
    that morning. She carefully unwrapped it, and adjusted an inside
    strap because she had a rather large head, for a girl. Then, she slid
    it on, sliding it forward and back and tugging at it until it felt
    secure and centered. She strolled over to the mirror......and nearly
    came in her panties! Her reflection showed not the male who had
    checked in to the hotel, but a new creature who did look very, very
    female! Not the knockout gorgeous woman of TG fantasies he-she had
    read, but instead something much better, in a way: a realistic
    looking woman whose cosmetics helped her immensely, and whose permed
    curly red hair looked exactly like that of any other normal female!
    She strutted in front of the mirror, posing and preening and trying
    out different looks: demure, wanton, prim, slutty. She formed her
    lips into a berry-colored "kiss" as she cupped her "breasts" to the
    mirror. She realized then that she was offering herself to a man!
    There was no other reason to be done up this way than to attract and
    turn on a man! She spent the next couple of hours in her room, slowly
    examining her growing collection of gay cocksucker magazines.. It
    began to seem right and feel natural to be this way, and she freshened
    up her perfume and sipped on berry-flavored wine coolers, imagining
    that she was waiting on a guy to return so she could seduce him and
    make him cum inside her......

    What?

    Make a man cum inside me? she thought. What is happening to me? This
    is all a game, a fun fantasy, isn't it? But I am dressed to attract
    cock. I must really want cock, after all!
    No......yes.......maybe.......

    Then it was time to phone Mistress Gloria for her next session. She
    was shaking a bit as she dialled the phone, but as it rang and she
    fondled the dildo and looked at the hard cocks in her cocksucker mags,
    she knew that only this session could relieve her tension......only
    Mistress Gloria could do it for her.

    "You should have to call the front desk as Missy and ask for some more
    towels.....and if a guy brings them, you should suck his cock!"
    "You should have to call and order a pizza and give the delivery guy a
    blowjob as a tip!"
    "Eventually, you will start to travel as a girl and check into your
    motel as Missy. Maybe I'll have you make sales calls as a woman and
    you can offer men a little cocksucking if they buy from you."
    "You should have to go out as a woman, Missy. It is the only way."
    Mistress Gloria softly made these suggestions during the session, and
    then she made Missy work hard on giving a blowjob to the dildo,
    repeating these new and exciting scenarios as Missy got more and more
    into her role as sissy slut. Before permitting an orgasm, she made a
    whole new list of required purchases for Missy: a skirt and top or
    dress, jewelry, more makeup, and especially some high heels! Missy
    eagerly wrote down all the items, and then Mistress Gloria demanded
    the same wild routine: slave Missy on her back, legs spread, moaning
    for her lover to fuck her as she licked and sucked the
    dildo,........and at last, a powerful cum all over the dildo, which
    Missy now hungrily licked clean of all the cum. How
    could she be doing this.....and liking it?
    She realized, as her orgasm subsided, that she had been somehow placed
    into a trance-like state over the phone! Mistress Gloria exerted more
    control over her than any other person had until now. And she needed
    it more every week.
    "This is real, Missy. This is not a fantasy. You really are going to
    live and dress and behave as a woman, and you really are going to suck

    cock......lots of cock. This is real, and you really will do it."
    "Yes, Mistress Gloria, I really will do it."
    "Good girl. Good bye! Dream about cock tonight."

    Missy had to spend all the next day as a male. She had to work at a
    convention, and the time just dragged and dragged by, and she felt her
    panties ride up her ass crack while she worked. It reminded her of
    what was in store for later that night. At last, the day was over! In

    the days and years before Mistress Gloria, she would have gone to the
    hotel bar and probably had too much to drink. Now, however, she had
    shopping to do, clothes and makeup to put on, and certainly she did
    not need to drink because it might interfere with the wonderfully
    intense feelings she got from spending the night en femme. Not a good
    idea to eat too much, either.......her weight was fine for a
    male, but she needed to start slimming down for her feminine figure to
    look right. She went to one of the area malls, and did her shopping
    as a male. This always made her nervous, as she declined offers of
    help from the pretty young sales girls. Probably Mistress Gloria
    would prefer her to accept these offers, and confess that the women's
    clothes were for herself, but that hadn't come up yet, and since it
    wasn't a command, she just shopped in her usual way. When at last she
    took her items up to the register to pay, the woman at the station
    smiled sweetly and asked, "Did you find everything you need?" Missy
    shrugged and said "I guess." The woman busily removed tags and rang
    up the purchases. "This is pretty." She held up a floral skirt,
    size 15. "And this is lovely, too." She held the green sleeveless
    top to her chest. "Nice outfit." Somehow, Missy
    couldn't control a powerful blush from covering her entire
    face.......as
    she nervously paid for the womanly clothes, it was clear the clerk
    knew they were for her! For the next three hours, Missy spent her
    time in her motel room, listening to people come and go outside, as
    she got completely dressed and made up into the sissy she knew she
    needed to be. Makeup went better and faster, and it felt so feminine
    to wear all her lingerie as she applied it. The skirt fit perfectly.
    It probably would be a little below the knee on the women for whom it
    was intended, but on Missy it hit just above the knee. Then came her
    new top......a little tight, making her tits stretch the fabric for a
    brazen, on-display look. The green matched the
    color of some of the flowers in the floral-print skirt. Then her new

    "come fuck me" high heels......a mass of sexy black leather straps,
    which exposed her painted toenails. And finally the beloved wig, the
    piece which made her look so completely feminine! She became almost
    dizzy as she looked at her new self in the mirror. She realized that
    she could pass as a girl in public! Her clitty/cock twitched in
    anticipation.... ..would she have the nerve to do that? Then what? Flirt with men?
    She thought of her gay cocksucker magazines at that moment. She also
    had some girlie mags, Penthouse and a few others......she tried
    looking at them for awhile, but she just couldn't summon up the old
    feelings of lust
    for the beautiful women in the layouts......what was happening to her?

    There was just no horny feeling at the sight of the gorgeous sexy
    models in these magazines designed for men. What is wrong with me?
    she thought.
    Could Mistress Gloria really change my entire sexuality this quickly
    and easily? It didn't seem possible, but when she picked up the
    first of her stack of cocksucker magazines, she felt the immediate
    rush of sexual tension flow through her body. She unconsciously
    thrust her breasts forward as she gazed at the erect penis of the
    young guy on the first page. He was soooooo masculine.....she fondled
    the dildo as she slowly turned the pages of each magazine. She began
    to kiss it and lick it and tried to deep- throat it a few times,
    finally getting it all the way down. She looked
    with increasing lust at a picture of a handsome young stud holding
    down the head of another sexy hunk sucking his cock, and reached under
    her skirt to trace her nailpolished fingers over her own clitty
    through the silky fabric of her panties. Wonder what it's like? she
    thought, as she almost began to pant. Oh, god, I'm getting turned on
    by this whole scene, she thought. How was it possible? All my life
    as a straight male, it's all ending so suddenly just because of
    Mistress Gloria? She was once again
    entering the trance like state of horny submissiveness that she craved
    all day. This is sooooo degrading, such humiliation, no man would go
    along with this.......I wonder if she can turn me into such a
    cock-crazy fag? She does seem to be doing it with me! Hell, she can
    probably get me to do anything when I am completely dressed and made
    up as Missy!
    Missy knew she needed to speak to Mistress Gloria. She dialled the
    phone for another session. As it rang, she got on the floor, on her
    knees, and stroked the dildo, gazing all the while at the centerfold
    of the gay cocksucker magazine she had commanded her to buy. It was
    so right!
    The session started with a complete and detailed description of every
    item of new clothing, every shade and brand of makeup, every aspect of
    the slave's appearance. Instead of making her talk about the studs in
    the cocksucker magazine, Mistress Gloria sprung another surprise: "I
    want you to step outside your room now. Put the phone down so I can
    hear, take your room key with you, and go outside. Come back in a
    couple of minutes." "Mistress Gloria, I....." I stumbled and uttered
    the words nervously
    "Do it. NOW!" she demanded in a harsh voice.
    "Yes, Mistress Gloria." Missy knew who was in charge, and could not
    disobey. The motel was crowded, and the parking lot was a busy place.
    It was twilight, and the lights hadn't come on yet. Shaking with
    fear, she laid the phone down on the table by the door. Clutching her
    key, she slowly opened the door and stepped outside.....the air was
    cool and nice, and a breeze blew up her skirt, making it shift and
    flair a bit. It felt really amazing to be out in public as a woman,
    even just outside her room!
    She turned and took a few steps around the corner, and quickly turned
    back when she saw a knot of people next to a car. A couple of them
    glanced at her, but didn't seem to react! They didn't clock her as a
    male in women's clothes.....she just looked like a woman walking
    outside
    her room! The realization that she could pass in public was a huge
    rush....
    it was very sexual to her as well, but somehow her clitty/cock didn't
    respond
    with a huge hardon.....and now she knew that it would never again be
    enough to just dress up in her room and stay there, jacking off. Now,
    in order to become excited enough, she would have to go outside and
    explore the world as Missy! When she returned to her room and her
    session,
    Mistress Gloria made her say all of this out loud, encouraging her to
    be
    bolder and bolder. "You're going to start going out and driving around

    in your car, Missy" she said. Missy knew that she would. It seemed
    right,
    and very exciting. And then, Mistress Gloria changed things again:
    "You are going to practice some discipline for me, Missy. You may not

    cum now, during this session.. It is 7:45pm. We are done with your
    session
    and you will hang up the phone. You will wait exactly one-half hour
    until 8:15pm,
    and you will work yourself up thinking about cock and looking at your
    cock magazines.
    You will stimulate your pussy and suck on your dildo, but you will not
    cum. Exactly at 8:15pm, you will have the biggest, most powerful
    orgasm
    of your entire pathetic life! You will cum all over the dildo and you
    will lick all of it up, since you love the taste of male cum. I will
    look
    at my clock at 8:15pm, and know that you are in my control as you cum
    for
    me. Do you understand me?"
    "Yes, Mistress Gloria."
    "Good bye, Missy. Have fun!"
    The next half-hour was excruciating and difficult and was really just
    a
    continuous delirious sexual frenzy. And exactly at 8:15pm, Missy had
    the
    orgasm of her sissy life.....nothing before had ever been so good!
    She
    reflelexively jammed the cum-covered cock all the way down her sissy
    throat and moaned as she drank its precious male juice.......it was
    wonderful?
    Yes! It was wonderful! She needed it! What am I turning into? What
    has
    she done to me? She realized that she had again been in a totally
    obedient
    trance-like state the whole time. The world revolved around that sexy,

    demanding voice of her Goddess, Mistress Gloria.

    Missy's life became divided.......between her time spent making a
    living
    and doing the job she had as a male, and the precious hours she spent
    as
    a submissive sissy slut. Even when not dressed and made up, Missy
    was
    now required to keep up an e-mail correspondence with Mistress Gloria,
    though,
    and now she checked her e-mail several times each day in hopes of
    getting
    another wickedly humiliating message from her Mistress. Mistress
    Gloria
    did not send something every day, but only when she actually had
    something
    to say. Never wasted time or cyber-space. She sent an order for Missy
    to keep
    buying cocksucker magazines to build up a nice collection of them.
    She sent an order for Missy to buy certain new cosmetics.
    She sent an order for Missy to buy more adult sex toys, ones a woman
    would need, such as more dildoes and a butt plug to be worn often.
    She sent an order for Missy to go to the adult bookstore and linger
    around
    the gay magazines and dildoes and to wear her perfume and smile at all
    the
    men in the store. She was to hang around in hopes of a man making a
    pass
    at her, and if one did, she was to go back in the booths and suck him
    off.
    Even though she managed to carry out this last assignment, she was
    glad no
    one made a pass and made her do it all the way. She still could not
    quite
    think of herself as a real-life cocksucker, though it was now her main
    fantasy.......in fact the only sex fantasy that made her cum! But she
    now
    knew that Mistress Gloria had found that "line" that everyone must
    decide
    to cross, or not, and she was resistant and reluctant to go all the
    way.
    So she tried to comply without crossing that line, and it was hard to
    do.
    Mistress Gloria seemed to know this and began to show some patience
    with
    the reluctant sissy, but also seemed to know that as Mistress she must
    never compromise with her slave! Mistress Gloria now changed the game
    from one of dressing up as a woman, to a game of acting the part of a
    cocksucking slut. Dressing up was now automatic and natural to Missy,

    acting the part was not. Mistress Gloria set about using the
    trance-like
    mind control of a session to put Missy in a state where she would
    cross
    the line into the world of cocksucking that it was her destiny in life
    to enter.
    So when the next phone session began, Mistress Gloria went back to
    Missy's
    beloved gay magazines and made the slave describe the many lovely hard
    cocks and beautiful male bodies in each of them. This gentle prodding
    and
    horny talk made Missy feel submissive and suggestible.....and then
    Mistress Gloria started a new game. "Put your dildoes between the
    mattresses
    of the bed, so they stick out like a man's hard cock." Missy quickly
    struggled
    to comply, and was soon on her knees with two hard male cocks staring
    her in
    the face. Her lips involuntarily parted as she looked to them. "Lick
    them and
    suck them......make love to them with your sissy mouth, Missy. You're
    on
    your knees sucking cock, just like you were born to do.You can't get
    enough.. ....you want them to cum for you so you can swallow all their juice,
    don't you?
    You need to suck the cocks."

    Missy felt the need, the sexual heat rising within her sissy body. It
    seemed that each suggestion Mistress Gloria made sent her into a new
    state of lust.
    "Go from one to the other.....that's it, Missy. Moan like you want it
    bad.....men love it when women moan for them.......that's right, a
    nice
    and high-pitched, feminine moan.......tell them how you love their
    cocks
    as you suck them all the way down." Missy emitted a high-pitched moan,

    and began to whisper to the cocks, "I love it.....please cum in my
    mouth,
    I need to taste it so bad...." Mistress Gloria interrupted:
    "Louder......so everyone can hear you and know what a cocksucker you
    are."
    Missy repeated her plea, louder, almost a shout in her sissy voice. A
    passerby outside the room would think a whore was sucking off a john
    in
    the room!
    "Tell the cock, 'I've been wanting to do this all my life'."
    "I've been wanting to do this all my life." Missy repeated in her
    sissy voice.
    "I'm soooo hot for your cock, please give it to me."
    "I'm soooo hot for your cock, please give it to me."
    "You're my first man, Please cum for me."
    "You're my first man, Please cum for me."
    I repreated every line Mistress Gloria fed me.
    On and on it went, Missy mindlessly repeating everything Mistress
    Gloria
    wanted her to say, it was practice and mind-conditioning for the
    crucial
    first time with a real cock. Missy was vaguely aware that she was
    being
    programmed to talk to her man while she sucked him, getting him hot so
    he would cum. She didn't care......it was right to obey Mistress
    Gloria,
    and she was like a bitch in heat now, ready for anything, needing to
    cum.
    "You can do anything you want with me, just let me suck your cock."
    "You can do anything you want with me, just let me suck your cock."
    "I can't fight it anymore, I need to feel you in my mouth."
    "I can't fight it anymore, I need to feel you in my mouth."
    "Your cock is so big, so hard, so beautiful, please let me suck it."
    "Your cock is so big, so hard, so beautiful, please let me suck it."
    Missy was no longer aware of anything but the glorious cocks and her
    need
    to suck them all the way down and lick their hard shafts. The
    degrading
    pleas she was repeating at Mistress Gloria's urging seemed like real
    desires to her pliable mind. She knew that she ought to resist, that
    this was perverted, but her lustful trance was such that she could
    only
    obey, and get ever hornier. Mistress Gloria at last told the slut to
    play
    with herself in her usual submissive position: on her back, begging
    her
    lover to fuck her in a high-pitched feminine voice, licking the dildo
    until she finally came with tremendous force, spraying cum all over
    herself and the cock, which she reflexively jammed into her mouth to
    lick
    clean of the jism........
    and Mistress Gloria, softly reassuring her slave that this was her
    future
    as a cocksucker, imprinting this on her mind so that it was associated
    at
    all times with these huge orgasms. Missy knew she was now addicted to
    this scene, could no longer function sexually without it. What would
    become of her now?

    Mistress Gloria is a lifestyle dominant and a professional
    phone mistress living in Chicago. (847) 358-3584

    If you enjoyed this post, watch for future stories and letters by
    Mistress Gloria.

    This story is a true story written by Missy and will be continued

    1. Re:Oh my God by Bob+Vila's+Hammer · · Score: 2, Funny

      Degraded child: "Mommy Mommy! Mr. Robot is telling us bad bedtime stories again!"

      --


      --"The perfect example of the man of action is the suicide." - William Carlos Williams
  37. I see now by Herkum01 · · Score: 2, Interesting

    I am not sure I like this,

    In patrol mode, the bipedal robot acts as a home security system, scoping out your house for intruders.

    These were called dogs. Sometimes they are known as the family dog to most people.

    The robot uses the owner's home computer and Internet connection to answer questions or help a human shop online.

    Used to be a local teenager called a geek, sometimes the child would be yours.

    The robot can also upload everything it hears and sees to the Internet.

    These were called little brothers, except the did not tell the whole world through the internet. Maybe they do now, I donna know.

    It can also act as a personal digital assistant, reminding the owner of appointments.

    These are called wives, and they can be more fun than just reminding your of appointments, *nudge* *nudge* *wink* *wink*!

    So basically you can replace most any person in your household with a $1,500 robot. I guess we really don't need other living beings at home.

  38. Make It Look Female and ... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Give a robotic vagina ... (*drool*) every nerds dream

  39. i wonder by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    If they do custom jobs... I'm thinking maybe one these robots the size of a full adult with a realdoll modification to certain areas.....

  40. I can see it now... by moody834 · · Score: 1
    --
    /* * We did not get what we need .. we cannot sleep ..
  41. Dr. Robot? by Wakko+Warner · · Score: 5, Funny

    You know times are tough when you need a doctoral degree simply to be an evil robot slave.

    - A.P.

    --
    "Remember when the U.S. had a drug problem, and then we declared a War On Drugs, and now you can't buy drugs anymore?"
  42. Bipedal Robot + Handshake over the Internet by Zipster · · Score: 2, Funny

    Now if the handshake dosen't work out, telnet into the guys robot and beat him up.

    --
    "I propose we leave math to the machines and go play outside" -- Calvin
  43. They were going to market it as... by mgblst · · Score: 3, Funny

    "your plastic pal who's fun to be with" but they didn't want to be the first against the wall...

  44. Who would ever want a robot in their home? by bugnuts · · Score: 2, Insightful

    (and 640k ought to be enough RAM for it :-)

    1. Re:Who would ever want a robot in their home? by governorx · · Score: 1

      A robot on every desk in every room =).

  45. Feature request by Hershmire · · Score: 1

    ...an 'intellgent personal robotic companion.' It can be wirelessly connected to your home Internet connection, has a built-in camera and speech recognition software.

    Ah, yes. But can it post submissions to /. without glaring spelling errors? That'll be the day.

    --
    if(!toilet_paper) roll.replace(new roll); //Stupid roommates.
  46. Obligitory Canadian 'humor' by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    speech recognition software

    I is able to understand numerous phrases including:

    'Hey hoser, get me a beer'
    'That a Molsen, eh'
    'Hey hoser, get me another beer'

    1. Re:Obligitory Canadian 'humor' by Reece400 · · Score: 1

      Hey, that's all it needs :), a touque would really top it off tho,, lol :), that or have it bilingual,

      Reece,

    2. Re:Obligitory Canadian 'humor' by Reece400 · · Score: 1

      wait, bilingual?? whoa dude! add some languages on top of it's voice recognition,, and it'd be like a mini interpreter!! that'd be sweet!

      Reece,

    3. Re:Obligitory Canadian 'humor' by tzanger · · Score: 2

      wait, bilingual?? whoa dude! add some languages on top of it's voice recognition,, and it'd be like a mini interpreter!! that'd be sweet!

      Yeah, we could finally understand what the fuck Chretien is trying to say.

    4. Re:Obligitory Canadian 'humor' by dadragon · · Score: 1

      Yeah, we could finally understand what the fuck Chretien is trying to say.

      There is not a computer in existence that is powerful enough to translate "stupid politician" into "English" or "French", or even any other human language. I simply cannot be done.

      Don't you remember the Air Farce bit about "What is the Governor-General Trying to Say?"

      --
      God save our Queen, and Heaven bless The Maple Leaf Forever!
    5. Re:Obligitory Canadian 'humor' by tzanger · · Score: 1

      There is not a computer in existence that is powerful enough to translate "stupid politician" into "English" or "French", or even any other human language. I simply cannot be done.

      We can't go that way, but how about an English to Chretien translator instead? :-)

  47. Intelligence? by Montreal+Geek · · Score: 5, Interesting
    This is amusing (from the website):

    Xie said he could have built the robot far more easily by giving it more legs or using wheels. But he said it was important to make the robot look as human as possible, so people would think it was smart.
    "It's hard to convince people that a six-legged robot that looks like a cockroach is actually intelligent," he said.
    A human appearance, he said, also encourages more natural communication between robot and master."

    And here I was just six stories ago pointing out my not-so-humble opinion about how misguided trying to emulate biological systems was. This proves my point doesn't it?

    A manufacturer went to a lot of trouble (and presumably expense) to make their device less reliable (hexapod locomotion is demonstrably optimal) and try to give a pointless appearance of intelligence.

    If the robot had been built like a cockroach, arguably one of the most effective designs, I wouldn't have been any less likely to think it intelligent (it's not), but far more likely to think the designer was.

    -- MG

    1. Re:Intelligence? by glwtta · · Score: 2
      hexapod locomotion is demonstrably optimal

      Not like I know anything about hexapod locomotion, but can you point me somewhere where this optimality is demonstrated?

      --
      sic transit gloria mundi
    2. Re:Intelligence? by Montreal+Geek · · Score: 2, Interesting
      Oh, last time I saw a good proof was in a Communications of the ACM, IIRC June or July 97. I could go dig it up if you want (email me if you do; that issue would be deep in storage).

      Basically, the whole concept relies on the fact that with the proper gait [sequence of movements to take a step] the center of gravity always remains within a triangle formed by three legs, and thus makes the whole contraption considerably harder to tip over, and makes tasks such as navigating holes or steps orders of magnitude simpler. (The center of gravity moving around is exactly what makes climbing steps a hard problem for a bipedal robot).

      With more legs you gain additional resistance to environmental damage and a bit more flexibility with difficult obstacles, but you also increase complexity of construction and controlling by lots, and unless the environment is very hostile you normally wouldn't want to bother.

      I'm sure a Google search will point you to a number of papers on the subject. MIT was especially interrested in that field in the early '90s.

      -- MG

    3. Re:Intelligence? by qbed · · Score: 1

      (hexapod locomotion is demonstrably optimal)



      Not for climbing trees it isn't :-)

      --
      imagination is more important than knowledge --Albert Einstein-
    4. Re:Intelligence? by DarkZero · · Score: 2

      I disagree. Hexapod locomotion may be easier to build, slightly easier to maintain, and maybe even cheaper, but as any person of extremely abnormal height or weight (especially dwarfs) can attest, our entire world is made for bipedal creatures that are between five and six and a half feet tall and less than two and a half or three feet wide. If robots are going to be useful in our world, they need to develop the abilities to walk up and down stairs, open doors with knobs that are of a standard height, occupy furniture that is made for human beings, and generally interact with a world that is built specifically for the average-sized human being and no one else.

      Robots may not be able to do these things right now, but it's important that they develop in that direction, rather than on a path toward better hexapods.

    5. Re:Intelligence? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      And Microsoft make demonstrably non-optimal software. People still license the use of it
      from them, though.

      People are stupid. This sort of "pointless appearance" stuff works on them.

    6. Re:Intelligence? by StockMonkey · · Score: 0

      I know some folks who pretty much look like people, but aren't very smart.

      Instead of giving it legs, they could put it in a wheelchair and have it talk like Stephen Hawkings. Then everyone would think it was smart.

  48. Yeah, its cool and all.... by nickgrieve · · Score: 1

    But what does it do that requires it to be a bi-pedal moving robot. It has a camera... so what, I can mount my own in every room and cover all rooms at the same time. Entertain the kids? For a week, till the get board, and/or break it. Remind you of appointments etc... I got a PDA, (and a long term/short term) memory of my own. Warn me of intruders? see above, under cameras. Its a neat toy, but for all that it does, it does not need mobility.

  49. There's enough mindless 'bots on the net already by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    AOL has about 35 million users.

  50. Free askheartbeat forum account! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    Until the end of december!
    http://www.askheartbeat.com/cgibin/ulti matebb.cgi

  51. The truth comes out by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Apparenly, this is the actual Candian super computer, don't give them too hard a time...

    http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=02/10/23/0010 23 6&mode=thread&tid=99

  52. Dr Robots by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Imagine a Beowolf Cluster of THESE!!!

  53. kickoff by OffTheRack · · Score: 2, Funny

    this humanoid robot stands just 60 centimetres tall

    If this thing tries to sneak up on me, it will be uploading footage to the internet of itself flying accross the room after one swift kick.

  54. Sounds cool. by mindstrm · · Score: 1

    And given how bad the grammar is on the site, perhaps there are real geeks behind it who will actually deliver something.

  55. Guard dog by phorm · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Unless the robot gets some big gnashing teeth and a good lunging procedure programmeded in, somehow I think that - for security measures - a guard dog is still better.

    Will there be a sign like: caution, guard robot.
    The problem is, that until somebody steps within our little metal friend's perimeter, they can happily plunder your house. Even if the robot grabs them quickly, they're still able to get away for some smash and grab.

    Meanwhilst, fido (with the sign indicating the house is guarded, to hopefully dissuade idiotic US lawsuits) with his dagger-sharp teeth and strong appetite for crooks is still going to be a much better deterrent.

    Of course, if we could get some robots with laser beams or something equally cool. Maybe you could program it to make the groin area an optimal aim-point... good deterrant indeed!

  56. The question on everyone's mind.. by jfisherwa · · Score: 1

    When can we get our own personal Gir?

    "I'm gonna sing the doom song now! Doom doom doom doom doom doom doom doom doom doom doom doom doom doom..."

  57. Mr. Robot's couture by 33nine3 · · Score: 0

    The anthromorphic design makes little
    sense outside of an appeal to romantic
    notions.

    It's just plain ugly, and its utility is
    crippled by that.

  58. "Just another million years," by SmurfButcher+Bob · · Score: 1

    said Marvin, "...and then, then I may try it backwards."

    --

    help me i've cloned myself and can't remember which one I am

  59. damn robots, annoying by Nept · · Score: 2

    I'm having this mental picture of 5-10 years from now, if/when these things go big, of everyone in the office having one much like people do with PDAs and cell phones these days. Of course, this would replace both. Everyone would have their own robot (mini me) following them around, reminding them of appointments and sitting on their desks or the corner of their cubicle. I mean, geezh, if cell phones in theatres are bad, think what a whole squadron of these little critters could do to your movie time if they followed their owners in.

    --
    "Teachers leave us kids alone ..." - Roger Waters, Pink Floyd
  60. Canadian? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    User: Robot, get me a beer.
    Robot: Eh, get it yourself, hoser.

  61. hmm by mr.+sleepy · · Score: 1

    If that thing creeped up on me, especially without any given warning, I would kick a field-goal with it.

    1. Re:hmm by Ballsy · · Score: 1

      ...and then it would email you about it being abused, causing your inbox to fill up. Over time, your conditioned "fear" response of getting more spam would force you to be nice to it, no matter what it did to you.

  62. Killer Robuts from Space by dscowboy · · Score: 3, Funny

    Cute, but most of the 'features' they list are just gimmicks, a list of reasons a guy can use to justify the purchase to his wife. "But honey, it'll, uh, protect the children! From terrorists!" The Roomba, on the other hand, has a practical application. I'll probably get a second generation one assuming some good improvements are made.

    These people aren't trying to make anything useful, they're trying to make an expensive toy similar to the the robot dogs. A robot that was self-sufficient and could learn things (like how to operate my refrigerator door) would be worth the price. And no, I don't want my robot to look like some kind of astronaut. Have you seen Honda's asimo bot? If I was sitting by myself at night and turned around to see that thing I'd probably piss myself, it looks like an evil midget in a space suit, or HAL 9000 with legs... creepy.

    Just give me a robot with enough memory and the right software to learn things, I'll do the teaching myself. "Robut, fill the humidifier." "Robut, take out the trash." "Robut, clean the toilet."

    And another thing, who wants their robot to have 'emotions'? There's only one emotion I need from it; humble servitude. I don't need another expensive and emotional toy, I already have a girlfriend. (Ba dum, ching!)

    1. Re:Killer Robuts from Space by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The Roomba can suck a mean dick too.

  63. Hey! - my idea... by almondjoy · · Score: 1

    I came up with this 'lego challenge' idea in another /. thread some months back. You'll be able to get home rover bots in Radio shack before you know it.

  64. NO_O_O_O_0_0_0_o_o_o_o! by SuperMario666 · · Score: 1


    DR. ROBOT ATE MY BABY!

    --
    "Don't use many caps it like YELLING"
    yeah well, FUCK YOU Lameness Filter, you've never lost a child to fucking evil Canadian robots.

  65. Genuine People Personalities?!?Agh! by Myriad · · Score: 3, Funny
    IV. Personalities and Emotions In addition, Dr Robot Inc. has planned to develop unique personalities and emotions of the robot based on the relationship with its owner. Personalities such as playful and shy, as well as emotions (such as happiness, sadness, fear, dislike, surprise, and anger) can be expressed by the robot via sophisticated voice synthesis and body language to hold intelligent conversation with its owner and other people.

    Great, I'm going to shell out all that cash, get it home, and be greeted with "I'm soooooooooooooooooo depressed. Here I am, a brain the size of a planet, and he wants me to go fetch beer..."

    Has Douglas taught us NOTHING?? Forget Asimov, Adams people, Adams!

    --
    "They do not preach that their god will rouse them, a little before the Nuts work loose." Kipling, 'The Sons of Martha'
  66. Expensive? by beaverfever · · Score: 2, Funny
    When the first batch of the robots is released next year they'll likely cost between $1,500 and $3,100, Xie said.

    As the article is from the Toronto Star the figures are in Canadian dollars, so the price in in the U.S. will really be about $3.50.

  67. Can't...resist.... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    My name is Dr. Robot
    I'm not a real doctor but I am a real robot...

  68. Security guard? I think not... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    To be a good security guard this robot needs some form of weapon of sorts. I personally like the rapid fire tranquilizer gun (http://www.nosc.mil/robots/images/robart3c.jpg) of the Robart III (http://www.nosc.mil/robots/land/robart/robart.htm l)

  69. Great idea for the 'only child' by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Send him to Panasonic, they can embed a Nintendo Gamecube, and you always have another player...

  70. Some notes by Animats · · Score: 2
    • So far it's just hype, but it looks like they're going to show at E3 next spring, so we'll get to see it then.
    • This thing probably isn't any smarter than an Aibo. It seems to have about the same sensor suite, and about the same claims of intelligence. But if you've ever played with an Aibo for any length of time, you realize how pathetic its software is. It has trouble locating its own red ball, and it can't deal with a table edge.
    • I suspect that it doesn't really balance, either. It has huge feet, and is probably a statically stable walker, like a windup toy. The description says "The robot's innovative mechanical design will allow it to get back into walking position even in the event of a stumble effortlessly". This probably means a canned righting sequence, like an Aibo. But if they really put in the accelerometers and gyros needed to do it right, that's a major advance. (You can buy that stuff now, but it's a bit too big. But see a newer one. Millions of rate gyros are going into auto anti-skid systems.) If it has those, it's reprogrammable, and the motors have enough power that running is possible, I'll buy one for my own work.
  71. Just make sure... by Bobulusman · · Score: 2

    That you don't buy the pusher bot model.

    It might like to shove grandma down the stairs and light things of fire.

    Even if it will help with the terrible secret of space, it's just not worth the risk.

    --
    Cogito ergo sum in Slashdot.
  72. Great by dunedan · · Score: 1

    So now not only can your average joe schmoe let his computer get hacked he can let his fridge, dryer, and toaster get hacked all over his wireless network thanks to his new robot pal :)

  73. When will they ever learn? by nnnneedles · · Score: 1
    The robot uses the owner's home computer and Internet connection to answer questions or help a human shop online.

    My God.. It's full of spam!

    Seriously though, until robots can learn from seeing + hearing + touching just like a 2-year old can, they will just be computers with legs.

    --
    Will code a sig generator for food
  74. You're in the minority. by Razzak · · Score: 1

    But even so, there's a significant benefit from having it resemble a human. I bet even you'll admit that you'd choose your assistant to resemble a hot secretary over a hairy, eight legged freak.

  75. They need a marketing dept by austad · · Score: 3, Funny

    Obviously, they don't have a decent marketing dept. If they knew what they were doing, they would partner with RealDoll and sell about 100 times more of these things.

    --
    Need Free Juniper/NetScreen Support? JuniperForum
    1. Re:They need a marketing dept by condour75 · · Score: 1

      between those two and the haptic doohickey from before? Jackie Treehorn's vision is almost upon us.

      I still jerk off manually.

  76. Nother new jimcrack by buss_error · · Score: 2
    (Picture an old fart, sitting with his cane on a park bench, quavery voice cracking with disgust).

    You young whippersnappers! Impressed with any new geegaw. We had Butler in a box in my day, and it was good enough for me!

    Seriously, this isn't new, guys and gals. I rememer Butler in a Box from waaaaaaay back.

    --
    Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom. It is the argument of tyrants; it is the creed of slaves.
  77. Remote Controle? by erixtark · · Score: 0

    If this thing was a bit taller and remote controled, it could actually be really useful. For example, it could go shopping for you. You would sit in your comfy chair at home and steer the robot, seeing what it sees, to the nearest grocery store.
    That would require a lot less intelligent software.
    Heck, it could even go on a vacation for you, and you wouldn't have to leave the sofa/home/fridge.

  78. Um... Batteries? by Jeffv323 · · Score: 1

    How exactly is this thing supposed to do everything they claim it can while running on batteries? I mean it's only 60cm tall and probably most of the room inside is taken up by motors and circuitry, how big of a battery can they fit? I wonder how long this thing can last between charges....

    --
    I'm a minister!
  79. Robot's Miranda Rights by psplay · · Score: 1

    Who gets the blame when the robot commits a crime?

    Imagine hacking one of these to clean a house out of its valuables, is sure brings new meaning to the phrase Cyber Crime.

    Meanwhile, 'Downtown' after its caught walking out of your apartment with your DVD player, the question is who would it call with its 'One Phone Call'? Technical Support?!

  80. There definitively are applications for this thing by hispula · · Score: 1

    I think that robots like this should be used to keep an eye on people who are a danger to our profits, ie. foreigners, political dissidents, criminals, other suspicious people.

    These new robots should be smaller in order to avoid being noticed by these enemies of society. They should also be armed with some kind of a nice little weapon in order to incapacitate these people if they actually try to do something.

    Meanwhile, i think that i am going to start a www.security-robots-for-the-preservation-of-capita lism-and-democracy.com b2b site.

  81. The Perfect Combo by Bartmoss · · Score: 2

    "III. Endless Entertainment"

    Does this mean they plan to combine Dr. Robot and realdoll? Now that would be a hit.

  82. What does a robot need an internet connection for? by docbrown42 · · Score: 2

    It can be wirelessly connected to your home Internet connection, has a built-in camera and speech recognition software.

    Why does the robot need an internet connection? Is it going to go out and surf for Robot Pr0n?

    --
    Ed Wedig
    Graphic design services
    docbrown.net
  83. SalesRobot @ Home by SubtleNuance · · Score: 2

    The robot uses the owner's home computer and Internet connection to answer questions or help a human shop online.

    I dunno, but the prospect of some mechanized, commissioned sales person -- that I have to privilage to pay for -- is NOT attractive.

    Imagine you instruct the thing to get you a beer from the fridge and it starts on "Try the Molson Canadian XTREME. XTREME To the Max! Molson EXTREME - YOUR NEW FAVORITE BEER!" shaking its hips and then waiting for you to say "Just get me a damn Canadian!"

    I dont think I need a robot to help me shop.

  84. Robot Contest by NetNinja · · Score: 1

    Hey! if you go to the Firm you can enter yourself to win a free robot!

  85. What will happen by Catmeat · · Score: 2
    In patrol mode, the bipedal robot acts as a home security system, scoping out your house for intruders. If the robot's thermal sensors detect a human in the house, the robot can e-mail to the owner or call them on their cell phone.

    As the robots cost $3K, I imagine their cell phone alert would go something like

    Warning, intruder! Warning, intruder!......... Help! Help! I've been stolen!

  86. Now a robot can stalk your children for you! by shren · · Score: 2

    The robot can also upload everything it hears and sees to the Internet. Say you're staying late at work and want to make sure your kids are doing their homework, Xie said. You can direct the robot around your house, find your kids and check up on them by viewing the robot's video online.

    I'm sure my childhood would have been loads better if a robot stalked me through the hallways.

    --
    Maybe the state's highest function is to grind out insoluble problems. (Zelazny, Hall of Mirrors)
  87. Scene at a Canadian border crossing... 2003 by Dave21212 · · Score: 1



    Scene at a Canadian border crossing... 2003 ;)

    Officer: "Do you have anything you wish to declare ?"
    Us: "One human-like robot designed to perform around-the-house tasks and remotely monitor our premises"
    Officer: "Uh... ?"
    Us: "Say 'Hello' to the nice officer Dr. Robot..."
    Robot: "Hello to the nice officer Dr. Robot"


    --
    "Whoever would overthrow the liberty of a nation must begin by subduing the freeness of speech."--Benjamin Franklin
  88. Last Post! by alpg · · Score: 1

    All the big corporations depreciate their possessions, and you can, too,
    provided you use them for business purposes. For example, if you subscribe
    to the Wall Street Journal, a business-related newspaper, you can deduct the
    cost of your house, because, in the words of U.S. Supreme Court Chief
    Justice Warren Burger in a landmark 1979 tax decision: "Where else are you
    going to read the paper? Outside? What if it rains?"
    -- Dave Barry, "Sweating Out Taxes"

    - this post brought to you by the Automated Last Post Generator...