China's "Huitong" robot does swordplay

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]

[jasen @ Dec 19th 2005 2:32AM]

What!? No movie? I wants me some saber-twirling robot action.

- Jasen.

[ian @ Dec 19th 2005 2:32AM]

I, for one, welcome our new saber whirling robot overlords...

[Nick @ Dec 19th 2005 2:32AM]

Okay.

Sword fighting robot.

Why is no one else calling up their friends to set up a human resistance to these first generation terminators?

[will @ Dec 19th 2005 2:32AM]

no sword swallowing jokes yet from anyone?

[matt jackson @ Dec 19th 2005 2:32AM]

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.

[Drewsky @ Dec 19th 2005 2:32AM]

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.

[Mike @ Dec 19th 2005 2:32AM]

I still like the kendo robot better.

[Wootie @ Dec 19th 2005 2:32AM]

Beware of the gun toting robot.

[Terry @ Dec 19th 2005 2:32AM]

: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!

[Huitong @ Dec 19th 2005 2:32AM]

I am Huitong. Where is RoboCop? I want a piece of that...

[Astrantorastor @ Dec 19th 2005 2:32AM]

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!"