I'd Rather Risk It: Japan's Seeing Eye Robot

This is a seeing eye robot developed by Japanese ball-bearings giant NSK, who actually wants to see the robo-dog hit production lines by 2020. *eying calendar* I'd...work on something I could monetize a little quicker.

With this third iteration, unveiled late last month, NSK and UEC have added a Microsoft Kinect sensor, which allows it to more easily identify and navigate obstacles or stairs...The bot's paws have also been equipped with obstacle-avoiding bumper sensors, and researchers are working on incorporating voice commands, as well. NSK says its guide dog could eventually feature GPS capabilities to provide more accurate directions for the blind and visually impaired, though it'll probably be a while before it hits the pavement; the company hopes to commercialize the dogbot by 2020.

Oh man, this reminds me of the time I locked myself out of my girlfriend's apartment walking her cat and decided to pass the time at a bar until she got home.

*GW puts on sunglasses, enters bar with cat on leash*
Bartender: Service animals only!
Me: I'm blind, this is a service animal.
Bartender: No, that's a cat.
Me: ...THEY GAVE ME A CAT?!

Oldie but a goody. Hit the jump for a video of the seeing eye bot in action.

NSK developing Kinect-laced robotic guide dog for the blind [engadget]

Thanks to Doomie, who'd rather risk it than be caught crossing a flashing "don't walk" street with this thing.

• $500 A Pair Designer Star Wars Themed Eyeglasses

  October 8, 2012

  Because George Lucas believes that absolutely everything should be available with a Star Wars theme, here's a line of glasses from Japanese eyewear manufacturer Aigen. They're available in Luke Skywalker, R2-D2, Stormtrooper, Boba Fett and Darth Vader designs and cost $500 wit... / Continue →
• What Did You Put In This?!: A Robotic Bartender

  May 3, 2012

  Seen here blatantly ignoring a customer to count his Goldfish cracker collection, a PR2 robot programmed to bartend prepares to get the pink slip. Then threaten to kill its manager. See? This is exactly why we shouldn't have robots in the workplace! Based on what I gathered... / Continue →
• Bark Translator Tells What Your Dog Wants

  August 7, 2009

  The Bowlingual Voice bark translator translates a dog's barks into words a human can understand. Words like, "I'm about to pee on the carpet!" Developed by Takara Tomy, a Japanese toy company, this little gadget is supposed to translate your dog's feelings into words you ... / Continue →