Newscaster Robots: another job killed by technology

Soon enough, us writers might not be necessary at Walyou once a robot replaces us! But, until then, we’ve got no choice but to report the news.

robot-anchor

A Japanese robotics expert Hiroshi Ishiguro (and that’s got to be the coolest job description in the world) claims that “making androids is about exploring what it means to be human, examining the question of what is emotion, what is awareness, what is thinking.” These machines they’ve created are capable of moving their lips in time for voice-overs, twitch their eyebrows, blink, and many other actions that humanize them, in a way.

Kodomoroid, the name of the robot we’re speaking of here, is capable of reading the news without stumbling once and recite complex tongue-twisters glibly.  It was designed to look like a woman, yet can use several voices such as a very deep, typically manly one, or a girly voice right after. The speech is inputted via text, which gives it perfect articulation.

These robots can be seen at the Miraikan museum, where attendants will get to interact with them, and get to know them. So, should newscasters be afraid of losing their jobs to these machines? Well, not yet. The robots are becoming affordable, but are not glitch-free yet. Plus, there’s one difference between being precise and useful, and being charming and until we don’t develop an AI that matches, we’re gonna guess we’re safe.

Source: Huffington Post

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