Einstein Robot - UCSD Machine Perception Laboratory
Scientists at UC San Diego's California Institute for Telecommunications and Information Technology (Calit2) have equipped a robot modeled after the famed theoretical physicist with specialized software that allows it to interact with humans in a relatively natural, conversational way. The so-called "Einstein Robot," which was designed by Hanson Robotics of Dallas, Texas, recognizes a number of human facial expressions and can respond accordingly, making it an unparalleled tool for understanding how both robots and humans perceive emotion, as well as a potential platform for teaching, entertainment, fine arts and even cognitive therapy.
Introducing the scarily realistic Einstein robot who can tell how you feel
With a big bushy moustache and a shock of white hair, scientists have modeled an ultra realistic robot on Albert Einstein. [...] Using specialised software the machine can recognise and respond to a number of human facial expressions in a natural way.
"In the short-term, Einstein is being used to develop computer vision so we can see how computers perceive facial expressions and develop hardware to visually react," says Javier Movellan, a research scientist in the Calit2-based UCSD Machine Perception Laboratory (MPL). "This robot is a scientific instrument that we hope will tell us something about human-robot interaction, but also human-to-human interaction.
"When a robot interacts in a way we feel is human, we can't help but react. Developing a robot like this one teaches us how sensitive we are to biological movement and facial expressions, and when we get it right, it's really astonishing."
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Another important part of the robot's inner workings is its Character Engine Artificial Intelligence Control Software, which allows the programmer to author and define the persona of the character so it can hold a conversation.
"Einstein has pretty broad conversational abilities, although not like a human," Hanson notes. "In the demo mode, he might say something like, 'I'm an advanced perceptual robot bringing together many technologies into a whole that's greater than the sum of my parts, but here's what some of my parts can do. I can see your facial expressions and mimic them. I can see your age and gender. So why don't we demo some of these technologies?'"
Einstein Returns As A Robot
The robot can recognize and mimic 5,000 facial expressions and is powered by 31 motors and innovative new technology. The Einstein robot could be the next big thing in the world of engineering.
Javier Movellan, a professor at the college, says: "The best expressions that it can recognize right now are expressions of sadness and happiness."
Movellan adds, "You know that children with autism have problems recognizing facial expressions and producing facial expressions in social communication. So we're trying to see whether this robot will actually be useful and helpful to teach children with autism how to communicate with human beings."
Scientists hope to use the technology to improve the way computers relate to people.
Related:Introducing the scarily realistic Einstein robot who can tell how you feel | Mail OnlineCalit2 : It's All Relative: UC San Diego's Einstein Robot Has 'Emotional Intelligence'MACHINE PERCEPTION LABORATORYEinstein Returns As A RobotEinstein robot smiles when you do | Technology | ReutersIt's All Relative: UCSD's Einstein Robot Has 'Emotional Intelligence' (Video)NewsDaily: Einstein robot smiles when you doIt's All Relative UC San Diego's Einstein Robot Has 'Emotional Intelligence'FOXNews.com - Einstein Robot Head Dazzles Tech Conference - Science News | Science & Technology | Technology NewsIs Albert Einstein robot too human? Everything’s relative - Times Online
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