Is this the future of robotics ? Image Credit: CNET / YouTube
Designed to provide companionship to those who can afford it, this new human-like robot is eerily life-like.
It's not just artificial intelligence that has been advancing in leaps and bounds in recent years - robots are also becoming increasingly sophisticated and when both technologies are combined, you get something that wouldn't look out of place in a dystopian science-fiction movie.
Developed by a company called Realbotix, this life-like female robot is named Aria and aims to provide "social intelligence, customizability and realistic human features", according to the firm.
Aria certainly looks more realistic than anything Tesla or Boston Dynamics have ever put out, though it's unlikely that anyone would ever be fooled into thinking that she is a real person.
With her blond hair, make-up and a black tracksuit, Aria attracted a lot of attention recently at CES - an annual trade show at which companies demonstrate all their latest high-tech products.
The robot is capable of having a conversation through a ChatGPT-style AI that accepts verbal inputs and although its accompanying hand and head movements are somewhat overly robotic and jerky, it can at least offer some semblance of realism.
Several versions of the robot are going to be made available ranging from a head on a table to a full-bodied stand-up version that moves around on a wheeled platform.
Those interested in buying one will need deep pockets, however, as they cost up to $175,000.
You can check out Aria in action in the video below.
I have seen much better than this robot. Her movements are NOT lifelike at all, they are slow, jerky and unstable. Its facial expressions make it look like it is strung out on...something and it takes a long time for it to respond. I am just not impressed.
I don’t want to say how I learned this…but apparently there are much less expensive alternatives to Aria. Very life like well endowed figures that jiggle properly….the problem? They have no heads. Yes. I said that. They just sell the sexy body and leave the head off for one to imagine. Well, I’m sorry….but that just is not right on so many levels I can’t even begin to explain. Aria has a pretty face. The knock-off non-biotic proprietors have a way to go, IMO.
And lip movements don't quite track. Eh, creepy as it is, I don't mind it. It'll take certain males out of the reproductive system (no kids, and less danger to real women), leaving the men who are better parents and better partners a lot of choices for partners. Every incel can have a chance at his very own "Stacy" instead of being stuck with a real-live "Becky." And if they can do some of the eldercare tasks (helping someone up when they've fallen, changing diapers, bathing, companionship for Alzheimers') then I'm all for that.
I can see the future now... Your honor, Stacy presented herself as a robot, I even have delivery papers to prove it! The fact that she became pregnant proves she lied to me...I should therefore not have to pay child support!
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