Nadine can engage in lively social conversations.
Meet Nadine, the social robot, created by a team of researchers from the NTU’s Institute of Media Innovation. The scientists managed to create a social robot that can talk, walk and keep you company.
When you look towards Nadine, one won’t tell if she’s a robot or an actual human being. In order to facilitate the interaction between man and robot, the newly designed automation received the face of Profess
or Nadia Thalmann, chief researcher at the NTU institute and also its director.
Far from being another mindless drone, Nadine could be considered the crowning achievement of modern robotics. Her appearance, her gestures and the way she speaks makes her the ideal companion.
But the team of scientists have a more ambitious plan for the automaton. The research team behind this novel concept wants to create a new line of intelligent robots, capable of doing the same thing we do. For example, it won’t be long now until we see such an automaton preparing our coffee when we arrive at the office.
The robot is also suited with other protocols, such as greeting clients and engaging them in work-related conversations. Once could use such an automaton, when a translator is unavailable and the firm has to deal with lots of clients who do not speak the same language.
Moreover, because the robot was designed for social interactions, certain establishments such as hospitals, orphanages or nursing homes could use them in order to care for patients.
According to the scientists, Nadine’s learning module was based on Siri’s and Cortana’s technology. Nadine is capable of engaging in lively conversation and has certain algorithms that help her recognize certain persons. Moreover, it would seem that the robot is even capable of empathy due to the fact that the team actually managed to make her recognize certain patterns in the tone of our voices and facial expressions.
Unfortunately, Nadine’s only limitation is that the robot cannot think of its own. Still, the robot can be controlled from very large distances using the telepresence technology.
In conclusion, it won’t be long now until we can afford our very own mechanical maid. Moreover, this robot can be beneficial for someone who is lonely or simply does not wish the company of other people. Nadine is understanding, condescending and she has all the air of a companion that understand your needs and thoughts.
We are unsure if Nadine will remain the first and last one of its kind, but if we take a closer look of how technology moves, we can clearly state that we will see more robots in the near future.
Photo credits:www.pixabay.com
