Tokyo–based entertainment company Kokoro (www.kokoro-dreams.co.jp) is proud to announce the release of an uncannily life-like fembot that calls itself “Actroid F”, which is almost an exact replica of a human female model introduced in April, the Geminoid F.
Kokoro has collaborated with Hiroshi Ishiguro of Osaka University to create feminine and creepy androids. Actroid F model has joined the ranks of other Kokoro Actroid robots.
The air servo-powered female robots can be rented for several events including trade shows. Actroid F can move its head, mouth, eyes and back, as well as act as a telepresence robot. Face-tracking software and cameras follow a remote operator to control head movements and facial expressions in a master-slave relationship through an Internet link. Actroid F also features minimal servo motors to save cost and does not have the ability to walk.
Kokoro reportedly announced its plans to sell 50 units of the fembots to hospitals and museums for about $110,000 apiece, aiming to use them as receptionist, guide or patient attendant. According to the company, patients have reacted favorably after a hospital trial.
ATR Intelligent Robotics and Communication Laboratories (www.irc.atr.jp), backed by the government, academia and companies, also collaborated in the development of Actroid F, one of the several robot projects the country has funded as it attempts to create next-generation machines to meet social needs.
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