majorhan
12-06-07, 05:10 PM
Poor robots. All they want to do is rule the planet and punish us puny humans. All they are allowed to do is play the violin.
A new hunk of metal was unveiled today which can play the screeching instrument. Aptly named the 'violin-playing robot' by its maker Toyota, it could be coming to your home soon.
The company, known for making cars, plans to put its advanced robots to use within the next four years to help people in factories, hospitals and at home.
Researchers in Japan are racing to build robots smart enough to serve the needs of the elderly in a country where 40 per cent of the population is expected to be over 65 by 2055.
In a demonstration of the new achievements, Toyota brought out the 152cm (5ft), two-legged violin-playing robot, which gave a brief performance - complete with vibrato sound - from Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance Marches. Toyota plans to advance the robot's flexibility to enable it to assist with domestic chores and medical care. The robot has 17 joints in both of its hands and arms.
It also unveiled its new mobility robot, aimed at helping people with short-distance transport.
It can be remotely controlled to go to a person's bedside.
http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/4oYkbzZ5i3ro9pWIH
A new hunk of metal was unveiled today which can play the screeching instrument. Aptly named the 'violin-playing robot' by its maker Toyota, it could be coming to your home soon.
The company, known for making cars, plans to put its advanced robots to use within the next four years to help people in factories, hospitals and at home.
Researchers in Japan are racing to build robots smart enough to serve the needs of the elderly in a country where 40 per cent of the population is expected to be over 65 by 2055.
In a demonstration of the new achievements, Toyota brought out the 152cm (5ft), two-legged violin-playing robot, which gave a brief performance - complete with vibrato sound - from Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance Marches. Toyota plans to advance the robot's flexibility to enable it to assist with domestic chores and medical care. The robot has 17 joints in both of its hands and arms.
It also unveiled its new mobility robot, aimed at helping people with short-distance transport.
It can be remotely controlled to go to a person's bedside.
http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/4oYkbzZ5i3ro9pWIH