China's "Huitong" robot does swordplay
posted Sep 22nd 2005 8:20AM
Apparently China didn't get that whole
"Robots for modern warfare" memo
that circulated a while back, and have instead put their efforts into a robot capable of the ancient arts of swordplay,
shadow boxing, talking to people and standing up. The 5-foot, 139 pound humanoid "Huitong" seems to be the result of
China jonesing for the humanoid innovation
taking place in Japan, and was unveiled by The Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology in Beijing this week. Huitong
has vision and auditory capabilities and is designed to be able to imitate complex human actions, though we're not
quite sure where he picked up a penchant for saber whirling. China might be on to something here; if robots are ever
going to overthrow their human masters, they best be doing it with style. There can be only one. Ahem.
[Via
GoRobotics]
What!? No movie? I wants me some saber-twirling robot action.
- Jasen.
I, for one, welcome our new saber whirling robot overlords...
Okay.
Sword fighting robot.
Why is no one else calling up their friends to set up a human resistance to these first generation terminators?
no sword swallowing jokes yet from anyone?
ahem! didn't we go over this already Igor?! Don't give the frik'n robots swords!
They just might...
Oh crap...
We'll get you a new hand don't worry.
This could come in handy. The next time there is an international incident that requires a little "sabre rattling" on China's part, they will be ready.
I still like the kendo robot better.
Beware of the gun toting robot.
:sniff sniff: I smell a pay-per-view pitting this against that MUSA Kendo Robot from a few weeks ago...
Robot fighting that's not just two heavy metal wedges ramming each other? Awesome!
I am Huitong. Where is RoboCop? I want a piece of that...
I was wondering when someone would build one of these. Imagine if they gave them Evolutionary A.I. Then said fight until you created the best fighting style... then they build a kit and sell it!!! You could download different fighting styles and match them against other opponents. Now THAT would be cool...
"Beep... Beep... Operator. Tank, I need a download of the Northern Eagle Claw Style pronto!"