Slashdot Mirror
Nadine the Robot Receptionist (qz.com)
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."
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.
Great idea -- here you go.
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
Seems like every time I catch you Darling you're up to somethin' new
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
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.
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