Remote-control TeacherA new robot made in Japan is giving new meaning to the idea of a "ghost" in the shell.The Telenoid R1, which debuted in Osaka this week, is a minimalist humanoid robot controlled remotely via a computer-mounted camera. The Telenoid can move its head and wiggle its arms using motors in its ghostly body. Above, the robot relays a teacher's head movements and voice to a young girl during a demonstration.Osaka University professor Hiroshi Ishiguro designed the robot to be a low-cost surrogate for teachers and social workers, allowing for remote interactions while creating the impression of a person in the room.—Tim Hornyak
Photograph by Yoshikazu Tsuno, AFP/Getty Images

Pictures: "Ghost" Robot Lets User Cuddle, Chat Remotely

Part phone, part ventriloquist's dummy, the Telenoid R1 robot can stand in for distant relatives, friends, or teachers, its creators say.

Published August 7, 2010

Related Topics