Christmas may come at the end of December, but for tech lovers, it’s January that holds all the magic. From January 9-12, Las Vegas hosted CES, the world’s largest consumer electronics show. With more than four thousand exhibitors this year, the convention showcased everything from the latest in drone technology to programmable toilets. Each blog entry this week will take a look at one segment featured at the show. Our final blog of the series gets up-close and personal with CES robot companions.
Honda’s 3E Concept Robots
Honda is creating an entire line-up of robot companions – kawaii! Each is being developed through an open invitation approach and each has a different function. The idea is to have companies collaborate with the automotive giant to build devices that ultimately work together as a system.
The three E’s stand for Empower, Experience and Empathy. The goal is helpful robots that learn from their experiences to become better and more empathetic helpers. One example is the 3E-A18, a service robot concept complete with some AI technology. It has a range of facial expressions and is designed to offer information and understand the needs of people. Fun fact: the 3E-A18 looks like a big old lightbulb! Great idea.
Pole Position
Not all of the robots featured at CES appeared at the Las Vegas Convention and World Trade Center. Strip club robots performed at the nearby Sapphire Gentleman’s Club. With CCTV camera heads, gyrating bodies and high heels, the robots were the creation of English scrap metal artist Giles Walker. They were a popular attraction, and distraction, at CES.
Walker maintains the robots weren’t about sex, but instead a comment on voyeurism. The artist also says the robots will be available for appearances at corporate functions. I’m just wondering when the male version comes out.
Simply Sophia
Sophia is a humanoid robot who’s actually been around the block. Created by Hanson Robotics in 2015, she has given speeches, appeared on talk shows and is a citizen of Saudi Arabia. This robot has legs! Not just in the figurative sense, but also the literal sense – a new development for Sophia at CES.
Sophia has many human features with more than sixty-two facial expressions. She blinks, answers direct questions and turns her head to interact. The robot will even ask some questions without being prompted. If you find her nearly-human appearance makes you uncomfortable, you’re not alone. That feeling of unease has been dubbed the uncanny valley.
Everybody’s Buddy
Buddy, the Blue Frog Robotics creation, wants to be a helpful family member. With large, anime-style eyes and a constant smile, the robot is just waiting to assist you. Built on an open-source technology platform, Buddy is a cross between Alexa and a family pet.
This robot can perform a variety of helpful functions. It’s a security system that can patrol your house and alert you to any unusual activity. It’s a calendar that can remind you of appointments and events. Need a babysitter that can teach your children interactive lessons? Buddy is on the job! The robot can even take photographs and videotape events.
Corporate Video Companions
Do you have a new piece of technology that the market needs to hear about? Even if you don’t show off your product at CES, Key West Video can still get you noticed. Call us today for a free quote.
