Most definitions* require a "robot"** to physically interact with it's environment using mechanical dexterity. I suppose we have to let this little guy into the robot club because it can nod and "smile" (thereby communicating with a human using mechanical means). I'm still inclined to call these*** machines "mechanical-visual interfaces", IMHO.
* Robot mentions that there are so many robots in Japan partially because Japan's definition of the word is looser than others.
** Gone are the days when robots were a type of bio-engineered humanoid. RIP, Capek.
*** Most popularly, Kismet from MIT. (I wonder if he ever bit anyone...)
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Most definitions* require a "robot"** to physically interact with it's environment using mechanical dexterity. I suppose we have to let this little guy into the robot club because it can nod and "smile" (thereby communicating with a human using mechanical means). I'm still inclined to call these*** machines "mechanical-visual interfaces", IMHO.
* Robot mentions that there are so many robots in Japan partially because Japan's definition of the word is looser than others.
** Gone are the days when robots were a type of bio-engineered humanoid. RIP, Capek.
*** Most popularly, Kismet from MIT. (I wonder if he ever bit anyone...)