It’s been at least a month since we’ve heard any news from Prof. Hiroshi Ishiguro, the inventor of the Geminoids, the remarkably human looking androids. As it turns out though, he’s been busy organizing a “crazy tea party” for his crazy family. In Nara Japan, a Geminoid summit was held where all three of the Geminoids and their respective twins congregated to talk about how weird it was for them to all be in the same room.
I’m not exactly certain who the girl in the video is, or whether she’s a scientist herself but according to a source, it looks like she may just be a model. When the three stand next to their Geminoids, it becomes a lot easier to discern which ones are real and which are fake.
It is a little weird and awkward to watch all six of them interact. This is made even more obvious when you realize that only two of them can communicate with each other in their native tongues. At one point in the video, Prof. Henrik points out their tendency to tidy their duplicates. I imagine this reaction might stem from our own tendencies to do minor grooming whenever we see our reflections. It’s funny to me that they chose to dress the same way as their robots – and I’m sure the Geminoids didn’t get a say in the matter.
I can’t decide whether I’d like the idea of having a robot that looks exactly like me – I mean I have enough problems taking care of myself as it is. I suppose it might be useful if you ever need a really good alibi. Put this thing on the subway and you’re pretty much set to do any kind of nefarious deeds. Like taking a nap in the middle of the day.
If you like robots make sure you check out this Panhandling sculpture and this robot that’ll beat you in chess.
Via: Plastic Pals2
