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New Robot Can Help You Find Your Way

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the ceiling-bot-watches-you-navigate dept.

BoingBoing is reporting that a new robotic assistant may soon be able to help you find your way the next time you are lost in a mall or a supermarket. The latest demonstration from the Osaka-based Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute (ATR) showcased "Robovie", a semi-humanoid robot designed to monitor up to 20 people at a time and classify each person's behavior into one of 10 categories (waiting, wandering, walking fast, etc). Whenever it was able to classify someone as disoriented it would approach them and ask "are you lost", if the answer was yes it provided directions, otherwise it just recommended nearby shops and restaurants.

11 of 77 comments (clear)

  1. Obligatory Styx by OldeTimeGeek · · Score: 3, Funny

    After which I could say "Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto"?

  2. Better Than Just A Map? by Dr.+Eggman · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Why would this be better than a couple of those big store maps with a you-are-here marker and a store legend? Unless it actually directs you to follow it to your destination like a stormtrooper following a mouse droid down the halls of the Death Star. Then it'd be awesome!

    --
    Demented But Determined.
  3. Clippy come back... by ribuck · · Score: 4, Funny

    Clippy come back, all is forgiven!

    --
    Paid Q&A/Research
    1. Re:Clippy come back... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      it looks like you're trying to resurrect me, would you like to:
      BRAIINNSS

    2. Re:Clippy come back... by Radon360 · · Score: 4, Funny

      I guess the folks that came up with Clippy found a new job and some venture capital...

      "It appears that you're lost, would you like me to:

      • show you to a store with expensive, but poorly crafted consumer electronics.
      • lead you on a meandering, fifteen minute walk to a restroom.
      • cover for you when your wife accuses you of eyeing up those hot babes you spotted walking into Victoria's Secret.
      • go take a running start down an escalator.
  4. Re:I for one... by Walt+Dismal · · Score: 4, Funny
    Models come with optional dialog:

    "Spare change?"

    "You lookin' at ME?"

    "Mister, buy me a drink?"

    "Are you sure you're not Richard Stallman?"

    "I think my nuts are loose. Check 'em for me?"

  5. Perfect loss control system by lotho+brandybuck · · Score: 5, Funny

    Damn lameness filter. Please read in all caps.

    What are you doing?
    ARE you shop lifting??
    you are SHOPLIFTING
    shoplifter... shoplifter
    exterminate!
    exterminate!
    ex - term - i - nate!

  6. Re:I for one... by joey_knisch · · Score: 3, Funny

    I just hope it says "DOES NOT COMPUTE" when it doesn't understand something.

  7. Re:I for one... by ushering05401 · · Score: 3, Interesting

    "...welcome our well-meaning, friendly robotic overlords, and greatly appreciate their help."

    Hmm.. I can see this help you speak of getting old very fast. Will these robots have the ability to identify individuals who have already been asked if they need assistance?

    When I end up in places like malls it is usually because someone I know needs something, and I just end up meandering around aimlessly. I could see these things - even the same robot - asking me over and over again if I need assistance.

    And what about people uncomfortable with the technology (many seniors perhaps). These people would decline the assistance and then be confronted with the bots endlessly throughout their trip to the mall?

    Unless they can ID people who have already declined assistance these bots will fail.

  8. Scenario #8 by Anachragnome · · Score: 3, Funny

    Robot: Are you lost? May I assist you?

    Foreign Tourist: Why, yes. Can you direct me to the....(consults foreign-language/English dictionary)...."Deep Fried Human Babies" store?

    Robot: Yes, McDonald's is located in the Food Plaza, located at the top of the escalators. Good day and thank you for shopping MegaMall!

  9. Re:I for one... by Seiruu · · Score: 4, Funny

    Unless they can ID people who have already declined assistance these bots will fail. Version 2 is specially designed to solve this issue: they come equipped with RFID chips that will be stapled onto your hand while asking whether you're lost. Version 3 will come with a tranquilizer.