As the new Hollywood remake of Robocop hits cinema screens everywhere, it seems that artificial intelligence is on everybody’s mind. While they seem like something that is not due until the very distant future, you would be surprised how often robots are helping the human race take part in its daily activities – here’s a look at some of today’s best real life robots.
QRIO
Meet Qrio – at just two feet in height, little Qrio is the perfect robot for kids’ play. His name, pronounced ‘curio’ stands for ‘quest for curiosity’ in Japanese, and his sole purpose in life is to make household living more fun. Qrio can walk, talk, recognize faces and surf the web, while he can also play ball games and has some pretty sweet dance moves. A cautious little bot, Qrio is a hit for children’s parties.
AIBO
Who needs a real man’s best friend when you have the robot version? Barking mad AIBO is just as loyal as the real thing, with facial recognition and sensors on its head, back, chin and paws for a lovely snuggle. With five basic instincts: love, search, movement, recharge and sleep, any wish is your command with this cute puppy, including taking photographs and emailing.
The Pokerbot
A nightmare for poker champions everywhere, the poker bot was invented in Norway and has been endorsed by Poker Hall of Famers Johnny Chan and Phil Hellmuth. Bluffing and poker faces are no issue for this highly advanced robot, whose physical presence gives it a competitive edge over its online counterparts. Introduced by International Game Technology, the bot has made a name for itself as the ‘steely headless king of Texas Hold ‘Em’ – play if you dare.
HRP
All those who loathe housework can now rejoice – the heavyweight HRP, made by Kawada Industries, has been specially designed to work in human environments and use human tools. The robot boasts strength like no other and is said to be the strongest of all humanoid robots, with the ability to walk on uneven surfaces, grasp objects and get up from awkward positions – perfect for when your house needs a little dusting.
Da Vinci – The Robotic Surgeon
Just when you thought medical advancements couldn’t get any better, along comes Da Vinci, the Robotic Surgeon, to prove you wrong. This clever bot aids doctors in their abilities to use precise laser surgery, but mirroring a surgeon’s hand movements on a much smaller scale. With human-like hands and its own surgeon’s table, you’d be forgiven for mistaking it for the real thing.