Japanese Ri Man Robot

[ChrisKnight]

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/robots/riman-hu...obot-160650.php

Meet the latest in Japanese robotica: a droid that cares ... for old people. A team of scientists at Riken's biomimetic-control research center in Nagoya has developed RI-MAN (for Robot Interacting with Human) to look after the elderly. Standing 5-ft. 2-in. tall, the robot can hoist 77 lbs; its 320 pressure sensors and soft silicone skin allow the robot to safely carry a human body. RI-MAN can also pinpoint where sound is coming from and "smell" eight scents--including urine, which signals "diaper change." But RI-MAN needs a brainpower boost before it's ready for consumers. It can't distinguish faces yet, for example. Scientists say they'll smarten it up soon, but will they give this tin man a heart?

Is anyone else thinking what I'm thinking

[DIAPERPHANTOM]

Is anyone else thinking what I'm thinking

I think so, but by the time they perfect it and make it available for consumers, I'll probably be too old to enjoy it or afford it.

[belinda_sue_fox]

I'd not get too excited ..they may be getting more complex and better but they all fall down after like 30 minutes. Battery technology is years and years off being able to power one for any worthwhile length of time