Giving Avatars Real Bodies

trogador writes "Researchers are working to associate online avatars with physical bodies, connecting virtual reality robots with steel and software counterparts. The unification of software and mobility like this results in the so-called 'Ubibot' (ubiquitous robot), which the researchers predict is the future of interactive robotics. In the future, avatars on your pc/cell/pda screen may be able to bring you your tea or scratch your back. 'Two key components of the interface involve the sensor mapper and behavior mapper. The sensor mapper helps Rity get physical (ultrasound) sensor information from Mybot, enabling the virtual avatar to use physical information. The behavior mapper helps Rity actually perform physical behaviors using Mybot in a real environment, enabling the avatar to interact physically with human beings in real environments.'"

Comments

Re:Ultimate outsourcing

[syousef]

So basically you're saying you want a 3rd world slave in the comfort of your own room.

Disgusting! Even a half decent human being would feel bad about having a virtual slave like this. (That's okay Rapalumdi, if you want to quit you can always go back to starving. I knew you'd see it my way. Now hurry up with my crisps!). Even better if OLPC supplies the hardware so you don't have to fork out any extra.