Researchers Create Radio Controlled Humans

utherdoul writes "Say goodbye to remote-controlled cars, say hello to remote-controlled people. Forbes.com (disclosure: I work there) sent a lucky reporter (further disclosure: I am jealous it was not me) to the SIGGRAPH computer graphics conference in Los Angeles, where NTT researchers debuted a device designed to exploit the effects of Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation. As the story explains, when a weak electrical pulse is delivered to the mastoid behind your ear, your body responds by shifting your balance towards it. If the current is strong enough, it not only throws you off balance, but alters the course of your movement. Reading about it really doesn't do it justice -- you have to check out the crazy video of a remotely controlled woman. (Realvideo)"

Comments

Remote-control women?

[SlashEdsDoYourJobs]

I, for one, hope women will welcome me as their new remote-control-weilding overlord.

I would buy that!

[Jah-Wren Ryel]

I just watched the video and it is way cool.

Unlike those dopey walking and dancying robots which I have no interest in, if Sony would just bring to market the "remote controlled goofy japanese cutey" I would buy one, heck I'd even go for two and get twin models -- they could remotely control each other when I get bored with doing it myself.

Honey would you grab me a beer...?

[The Slaughter]

"Honey, get me a beer?" "I'm busy." "I said... a beer, woman!" *zap* "Thank you." It works in reverse too.. "Honey, can you finish building the deck?" "I'm busy" "I said.. finish building the deck!" *zap* Yknow it really brings new meaning to couples fighting over the remote control....

robots

[racerxroot]

must... watch... video... can't ... control... own.. movements... ahhhhh!! So, we have androids that look and feel alot like humans (earlier /. article), and now we have people that act like robots. this is getting a little too weird for me.

Re:Isn't this what they use to control Dick Cheney

[msim]

In all honesty i think that is the exception to the rule. In all other cases based in reality that i've seen (dude, manga doesn't count), it is the bush that controls the dick.

And your lying if you disagree with me.

Re:Real questions before installing Real

[gfody]

1) Does the player try to take over any other formats than just Real's own?

It associates itself with all the "popular" file extensions.

2) Does it install an icon to the tasktray?

Like it's 1995, yes.

3) How many desktop icons does it install?

just a Upgrade to Real Player Professional shortcut

4) How many processes does it startup on boot?

one to reclaim its file associations every 20 seconds. one to keep a tray icon visible at all times. one to check for updates. and one that sends "usage statistics" back to Real. all 4 are added to the startup registry everytime the player is launched.

5) Does it integrate the codec into the operating system so that any codec-aware player can use it?

Of course not. That would make it too easy to compare against other codecs.

6) How much data does it send back to Real's servers?

Just what your watching, when your watching it and the location of your mouse cursor.

7) Is the installation process simple and straightforward with a single checkbox to opt-in? Or is it a long series of dialog boxes with hidden checkboxes all over the place?

It's completely automated with a final messagebox stating that your computer will now be rebooted and a single OK button.

8) Does it play videos inline in the browser?

Sometimes.

9) When I close the player (assuming it requires opening the player to watch the media), does it try to stay memory resident?

It tries, but then it throws a general protection fault and takes your instance of explorer with it.

10) Is it still Real that makes this? (this is a deal breaker)

All development was outsourced to India.. although I hear the new version was outsourced to Russia