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Nadine the Robot Receptionist (qz.com)

Posted by samzenpus on from the say-hi-to-the-nice-lady-billy dept.

An anonymous reader writes: Nanyang Technological University in Singapore has unveiled an intelligent robot receptionist called Nadine. Modeled after and built by Nadia Thalmann, the director of the Institute for Media Innovation, Nadine can hold a conversation, remember a face, and even remember what she has spoken to a person about. A press release reads in part: "Unlike conventional robots, Nadine has her own personality, mood and emotions. She can be happy or sad, depending on the conversation. She also has a good memory, and can recognize the people she has met, and remembers what the person had said before. Nadine is the latest social robot developed by scientists at NTU. The doppelganger of its creator, Prof Nadia Thalmann, Nadine is powered by intelligent software similar to Apple's Siri or Microsoft's Cortana. Nadine can be a personal assistant in offices and homes in future. And she can be used as social companions for the young and the elderly."

29 of 46 comments (clear)

  1. Re:God DAMN it. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    Calm down, virgin boy. Even a sexbot wouldn't want your micropeen.

  2. A female robot needs only two things by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    Big lips and soft teeth.. Okay, and three tits, *one on the back, for when you're dancing*...

  3. One little problem ... by BarbaraHudson · · Score: 4, Insightful

    There's just one little problem - if you've ever worked as a receptionist, you'll quickly learn that bosses will lie and say it was YOU who forgot to tell them something. Can't do that with a robot with perfect recall.

    --
    "Transparent" is a shit show that trades on every stereotype going. A man in drag is NOT a transsexual.
    1. Re:One little problem ... by Tablizer · · Score: 2

      Well, maybe there's money to be made in Artificial Fibbing research.

      Kissing up to the boss is "recommended" in any field if you want to get ahead, not just receptionist. Truth is often not popular.

      "Dave, meet the Brownnose 5000, your new assistant."

      --
      Table-ized A.I.
    2. Re:One little problem ... by penguinoid · · Score: 1

      Just make sure that the roboceptionist is sufficiently buggy. People have no trouble with "my spam filter ate the email".

      --
      Don't waste your vote! Vote for whoever you want, unless you live in a swing state it won't matter anyways
    3. Re:One little problem ... by hey! · · Score: 1

      Fibbing in many cases is harder than telling the truth, because to tell a good fib you have to understand what the audience wants to believe.

      So I think we will get to the point where a robot will be able to tell (using some kind of mathematical model) that a certain dress makes you look fat. It won't know it should tell you "No, you look fabulous, but the color doesn't flatter your complexion," except as a special case (like Eliza).

      --
      Post may contain irony: discontinue use if experiencing mood swings, nausea or elevated blood pressure.
    4. Re:One little problem ... by sunderland56 · · Score: 1

      Just make sure that the roboceptionist is sufficiently buggy.

      Oh please, no. Took me 3 weeks of penicillin after my last buggy receptionist.

    5. Re:One little problem ... by sunderland56 · · Score: 1

      if you've ever worked as a receptionist, you'll quickly learn that bosses will lie

      If you've ever worked as a receptionist, you'll learn that a low-cut slightly sheer blouse and a coy smile will get you everything you want. I'm sure that Nadine can be programmed to, uh, perform.

      Sadly, advances in technology over the years has not brought us better bosses.

    6. Re:One little problem ... by peragrin · · Score: 1

      of course not technology is replacing the simple jobs. manufacturing, farming, secretaries, etc all the low skilled jobs will vanish.

      when they build a lawyer robot, that is when the shit will hit the fan. because after lawyer robots will come political robots. Once we automate the political process (will bribing a robot politicians include giving it more electricity?) then we can finally achieve the dream world were we can kill all the lawyers.

      --
      i thought once I was found, but it was only a dream.
    7. Re:One little problem ... by BarbaraHudson · · Score: 1

      if you've ever worked as a receptionist, you'll quickly learn that bosses will lie

      If you've ever worked as a receptionist, you'll learn that a low-cut slightly sheer blouse and a coy smile will get you everything you want. I'm sure that Nadine can be programmed to, uh, perform.

      Sadly, advances in technology over the years has not brought us better bosses.

      Never had a female boss, have you? Especially when she walks in and you see she's wearing pretty much the same outfit as you ... though adding a short skirt does wonders when dealing with male sales reps, customers, and employees.

      --
      "Transparent" is a shit show that trades on every stereotype going. A man in drag is NOT a transsexual.
    8. Re:One little problem ... by RockDoctor · · Score: 1

      I tried that. The Boss told me to shave my chest. And my chin. And could I please pop down to the corner store and get her some tampons.

      --
      Birds are not dinosaur descendants;birds are dinosaurs, for all useful meanings of "birds", "are" and "dinosaurs"
  4. singapore has universal health care so people put by Joe_Dragon · · Score: 1

    singapore has universal health care so people put of out work by this don't get cut off.

  5. What utter garbage... by mpthompson · · Score: 1

    How does this stuff make it on Slashdot?

    "Unlike conventional robots, Nadine has her own personality, mood and emotions. She can be happy or sad, depending on the conversation..."

    There are so many things wrong with that statement about the current level of robotics and AI I don't even know where to begin. If you want to that gets happy, or sad, when it sees you, get a dog.

    1. Re:What utter garbage... by Krishnoid · · Score: 2

      Great idea -- here you go.

    2. Re:What utter garbage... by The-Ixian · · Score: 1

      There are so many things wrong with that statement about the current level of robotics and AI I don't even know where to begin.

      Oh, you mean like how we call phones and other devices/software "smart"?

      I am with you, my friend. I roll my eyes every time some new marketing term is used.

      --
      My eyes reflect the stars and a smile lights up my face.
    3. Re:What utter garbage... by justthinkit · · Score: 2

      If you want to that gets happy, or sad, when it sees you, get a dog.

      Happy? Yes. Sad? No. Dogs don't do sad, unless someone has died. Dogs power down but are otherwise in the moment most of the time. Amazing companions and partners, actually.

      BTW, receptionists are dying off, just as secretaries are. People do their own typing these days, and automated phone systems route calls. So this article has no relevance.

      --
      I come here for the love
    4. Re:What utter garbage... by Ol+Olsoc · · Score: 2

      If you want to that gets happy, or sad, when it sees you, get a dog.

      Happy? Yes. Sad? No. Dogs don't do sad, unless someone has died. Dogs power down but are otherwise in the moment most of the time. Amazing companions and partners, actually.

      Dogs have this amazing power - at least they think so, that if the crouch down and look really contrite, they become invisible.

      One more thing about dogs, is shown by this comparison.

      Take your wife, and lock her in a closet. Now take your dog, and lock it in a closet.

      Come back 15 minutes later and open the door.

      Which one is going to be happy to see you?

      --
      The shepherds did so well protecting the flock that the sheep no longer believed that wolves existed.
    5. Re:What utter garbage... by Kjella · · Score: 2

      BTW, receptionists are dying off, just as secretaries are. People do their own typing these days, and automated phone systems route calls. So this article has no relevance.

      Most companies don't want random people roaming their premises, so guests are routed through a reception area that also deals with employees that have misplaced or lost their badge. Likewise they're dealing with random inquiries from the general public, receiving mail and packages and whatever else shows up on your doorstep. Office duties are typically secondary work to fill the time. Maybe in future world where all meetings are virtual, all communication is electronic, phone bots can deal with "other" and so on they'll disappear but most places I've seen with a reception still has one. Don't think they're a dying breed, even if we try to take the routine work out.

      --
      Live today, because you never know what tomorrow brings
  6. been there, done that by Lead+Butthead · · Score: 1

    It's called RealDoll (tm).

    --
    ELOI, ELOI, LAMA SABACHTHANI!?
  7. Uncanny valley by The-Ixian · · Score: 1

    I really don't think we need to be giving robots human-like skin and noodley appendages.

    It's like one of those Halloween manikins that people put in their yards that are motion activated.... makes me jump every time...

    --
    My eyes reflect the stars and a smile lights up my face.
    1. Re:Uncanny valley by Ol+Olsoc · · Score: 1

      I really don't think we need to be giving robots human-like skin and noodley appendages.

      It's like one of those Halloween manikins that people put in their yards that are motion activated.... makes me jump every time...

      Except that the world is going to head that way.

      There is a lot of discussion over so called "sex robots" and it has some folks a litle worried.

      http://philosophicaldisquisiti...

      http://campaignagainstsexrobot...

      There is lots more.

      And some folks have a pretty valid reason for worrying. Here in the days of backlash to third wave feminism, there are a lot of men who have pretty much given up on women. But they still have a sex drive. So a very realistic sex doll might have a powerful attraction to many men. And many women, will presumably be further empowered by men ignoring them completely.

      Now there are some issues, such as women ted to have a reproduction drive, also present in males, but to a lesser extent. Perhaps men can donate sperm as we do with plasma today.

      But without worrying about things like child support, divorce settlements, and all the other messy situations in normal coupling/breakup between real people, a lot of folks might just find a personal robot a easier and cheaper alternative.

      --
      The shepherds did so well protecting the flock that the sheep no longer believed that wolves existed.
  8. Re:Wasn't this on Drudge and other places days ago by Quasimodem · · Score: 1

    Mumble mumble, uncanny valley, mumble mumble.

  9. 2095 by wylderide · · Score: 1

    She has an IQ of 1001, she has a jumpsuit on. She's also a telephone.

    --
    This is the best restaurant I ever eat in
  10. Oh, Nadine. Honey, is that you? by turkeydance · · Score: 2

    Seems like every time I catch you Darling you're up to somethin' new

  11. The Robot companion to the Elderly... by braindrainbahrain · · Score: 1

    ...theme (to include the unintended consequences) was done in an excellent film: Robot and Frank. Recommended!

  12. GPP by fermion · · Score: 2

    Genuine People Personality. We know it is a perfect technology with no drawbacks. I can tell you from the current incarnation of automatic telephone receptionists, this will be the most annoying robot ever.

    --
    "She's a scientist and a lesbian. She's not going to let it slide." Orphan Black
  13. Dude! by sycodon · · Score: 1

    ummm.....she looks like...Bruce Jenner!

    --
    When Fascism comes to America, it will call itself Anti-Fascism, and tell you to give up your guns.
  14. Waste of Money by WhatHump · · Score: 1

    I don`t see a company spending money on an expensive robot receptionist that will wear out and break down, when they can simply install a large LED display, connected to a web cam, that shows an animated image instead.

    --
    "Could be worse...could be raining." Igor
  15. Well, hell. by grep+-v+'.*'+* · · Score: 1

    Nadine can hold a conversation, remember a face, and even remember what she has spoken to a person about.

    Well then heck, she's mostly already GOT my job if she can do that. I only bother to remember a face until about the 6th time I see it (meet them) -- for people I meet only once or twice, or once every N > 4 months, it's not worth my time or effort to include them in my social circle since they AREN'T in my social circle.

    Needless to say, I'm a great hit at parties. (Or to put it another way, I must have a DRAM brain with a week or two refresh time. It takes over a month before you're moved into core memory.)

    --
    If the universe is someone's simulation -- does that mean the stars are just stuck pixels?