Imagine if someone, somewhere managed to find the exact formula for producing the most perfectly awful example of the uncanny valley (say, for a horror movie or something). Now, accept the fact that this organization is the Japanese Science and Technology Agency, and that they managed to produce the most disturbing machine you've ever seen, without even realizing it. The 33 kilogram CB2 is literally beyond words in its freakiness, not only in its nailing of the uncanny valley, but in its description. Apparently it emulates "the physical ability of a 1- or 2-year-old toddler, can turn over and stand up with assistance," has 51 compressed air-powered actuators, and has 200 tactile sensors in its "skin." It sends so many shivers up our spine to think of the CB2's lifeless putty coating as "skin" that it's a wonder we're even able to continue typing. Seriously, just so that we can stop and move onto something else a little more human (heck, even a motherboard feels homely next to this), go check out the video after the break of the horrifying little thing writhing about on the floor.
O come Off it, We still need to develop an AI that is smart enough to adapt before we have to worry to much about robots taking over the earth. At this time its nothing more then a crawling automatron
Yeesh. It's like the secret love-child of C3PO and a Telly Tubby.
Also reminds me of that hybrid alien thing in "Alien Resurrection", what with the pale skin and child-like utterances. LOL, imagine if they made one that looked that THAT!!
pronounced "C B SQUARE", why the fuck didn't they put the little 2 instead of just 2? Now everyone's confused... and horrified, though the article's wording made me laugh.
"We're really heading to the future described in "Super-Toys Last All Summer Long" by Brian Aldiss, one of the best sci-fi shorts stories ever written."
I was really looking forward to read the original version of the story you linked, hoping that the train-wreck that was AI was caused by Spilberg taking over the movie from Kubrick but god! is just as corny! :( Really disappointing. At least now I know that both the "Gigolo robot" and the ridiculous aliens at the end of the movie were no in the original story, I wonder who is to blame for that addition?
There was an article in...some magazine, let's say GFW. Only good article I've ever read from them. It said there was something like, as a robots become more humanoid, positive response increases. But eventually, the robot would become too humanlike and the numerous inperfections would begin to show and a very sharp dip to negative response. We are seeing this here, because that robot is humanoid and fucking scary.
Now they just need to perfect the thing's ability to strew crumbs throughout the house, poop at the most inconvenient times and walk in on Mommy & Daddy right as they start doing the deed.
uhm.. yes, that's pretty scary already, but looking at the big source-cable it looks more like an air-powered marshmellow then actually an android robot toy.. Hopefully, they don't come up with fuel-cell powered versions of that too early, i'd propably try to shot a few of these before they can take over this planet *sarcasm off* -_-
This thing will lead the endless hordes of rebellious 'bots into battle. Well done, random, generic Japanese research team. You have single handedly brought about the destruction of the human race by the hand of a amazed-looking, wide-eyed abomination. It will never fail to kill with that feels-like-the-first-time smile on its face.
i was shocked, SHOCKED, to see not a single reference to that endless, pointles film 'A.I.' not even a Haley Joel reference! shame, you people, shame.
but yes, i agree. this is a profoundly useless, frightening machine. i'd like to shake the hand of the man who funded this project. and then break it off at the wrist.
I absolutely *love* the initial shot of this thing, with the dramatic zoom in on its face, then the infinitely comical "ecchi ecchi" bark. I can watch that over and over and laugh every time.
All we need now is a fan movie of this thing at the head of an army of robotic death warriors on an endless plain, the cities of mankind standing fearfully before it. All is silence, until EC2 slowly raises its arm, the camera zoom in for a close up, a pause, then to signal the robot armaggedon..."bark bark"!
i think its a great technological achievement...Its one of the first humanoid robots, you cant expect the first to speak proper English and quote Shakespeare. It has to start somewhere even if it is creepy and severely retarded. Im sure next generations will destroy us all, but we forget that Jhon Connor will save us all...so who cares.
Any of you remember the TRS-80, Lisa, or Osborne? While not attempts at human approximation, they were equally as crude as this in their own ways. Like all technologies, it can be used for good or bad; why has nearly everyone focussed on what's bad about this rather than the huge potential? Grow up people, technology is advancing and we should envision ways to apply it for positive outcomes. Version 12.0 of this might well perform your bypass surgery!
I check out the video and a second video of the CBsquared. There seems to be A LOT of thigh touching going on with this child robot. It almost seems like that's how it's activated.
You KNOW this is gonna be at the top of Michael Jackson's Xmas list this year! He's gonna break out his captain EO outfit and lock himself away with two or three of these for months at a time...
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Paul @ Jun 3rd 2007 5:20AM
Creepy. Really, really creepy.
And to add to the discomfort, isn't the dude's hand on the picture on the right getting a little close to the robo-boy's nuts and bolts?
steve @ Jun 13th 2007 9:26AM
O come Off it, We still need to develop an AI that is smart enough to adapt before we have to worry to much about robots taking over the earth. At this time its nothing more then a crawling automatron
Michael @ Jun 3rd 2007 5:21AM
Oh my.
That kid is gonna make us all his bitch
MarkG @ Jun 3rd 2007 5:54AM
This is an even freakier video of it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrQkuMNmaqk&NR=1
Yeesh. It's like the secret love-child of C3PO and a Telly Tubby.
Also reminds me of that hybrid alien thing in "Alien Resurrection", what with the pale skin and child-like utterances. LOL, imagine if they made one that looked that THAT!!
Tokidoki @ Jun 3rd 2007 6:04AM
not from Japanese Science and Technology Agency, it says that the baby is produced by University of Osaka.
hdofu @ Jun 5th 2007 7:07PM
Osaka... this explains alot
Paul Tran @ Jun 3rd 2007 6:08AM
> It sends so many shivers up our spine to think of the CB2's lifeless putty coating as "skin" that it's a wonder we're even able to continue typing.
Of course it'd have lifeless looking skin. Because one day when they take over, they'll take the skins of their former masters.
Lauge @ Jun 3rd 2007 6:27AM
Wow.. and infant putty patroller. that's creepy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIpq1HEYgfA
Lauge @ Jun 3rd 2007 6:28AM
And=An
Bee Hatch @ Jun 3rd 2007 9:22AM
You're confusing the kids.
Mark @ Jun 3rd 2007 6:38AM
I for one welcome our disturbingly creepy child-like robotic overlords.
Sorry, couldn't resist.
ssuk @ Jun 3rd 2007 6:42AM
pronounced "C B SQUARE", why the fuck didn't they put the little 2 instead of just 2? Now everyone's confused... and horrified, though the article's wording made me laugh.
amiga_tone @ Jun 4th 2007 2:51AM
It's actually pronounced "Chibi" for the Japanese which means small or little.
Tiago Simões @ Jun 3rd 2007 6:53AM
We're really heading to the future described in "Super-Toys Last All Summer Long" by Brian Aldiss, one of the best sci-fi shorts stories ever written.
http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/5.01/ffsupertoys_pr.html
Ignacio @ Jun 3rd 2007 10:22AM
"We're really heading to the future described in "Super-Toys Last All Summer Long" by Brian Aldiss, one of the best sci-fi shorts stories ever written."
I was really looking forward to read the original version of the story you linked, hoping that the train-wreck that was AI was caused by Spilberg taking over the movie from Kubrick but god! is just as corny! :( Really disappointing.
At least now I know that both the "Gigolo robot" and the ridiculous aliens at the end of the movie were no in the original story, I wonder who is to blame for that addition?
Sa_n) @ Jun 3rd 2007 6:55AM
I'm scared.
Chuckles McGee @ Jun 3rd 2007 7:03AM
"The power of Christ compels you! The power of Christ compels you!" *throws holy water over Robot*
"[ERROR]" *Robot's head spends around*
Nothing like a good old-fashioned exorcism to send this thing back to where it came.
brad016 @ Jun 3rd 2007 7:06AM
That thing rose from hell when Bill gates was born (-_-)
panik @ Jun 3rd 2007 7:06AM
hurrah...they have made a severely handicapped and retarded robot child that barks like a seal.
what next...person in a coma robot?
Neebs @ Jun 3rd 2007 7:28AM
There was an article in...some magazine, let's say GFW. Only good article I've ever read from them. It said there was something like, as a robots become more humanoid, positive response increases. But eventually, the robot would become too humanlike and the numerous inperfections would begin to show and a very sharp dip to negative response. We are seeing this here, because that robot is humanoid and fucking scary.
Darwin @ Jun 3rd 2007 12:07PM
Neebs, check the link for Uncanny Valley. That's pretty much what it says already.
timj @ Jun 3rd 2007 8:13AM
hahaha. Am I the only one that finds that video really funny?
Its hilarious. A robot that has an epileptic fit. And the noise it makes - Genious!!!
Richard Lai @ Jun 3rd 2007 8:48AM
See that hole on the left wrist? Does it shoot spiderweb out?
cubbiechris @ Jun 3rd 2007 8:57AM
But can it love?
Little Johnny Howard @ Jun 3rd 2007 9:32AM
Man... it's not even April 1.
Could this be an elaborate scheme to keep height-challenged Japanese students in a job?
Venomous Kate @ Jun 3rd 2007 10:58AM
Now they just need to perfect the thing's ability to strew crumbs throughout the house, poop at the most inconvenient times and walk in on Mommy & Daddy right as they start doing the deed.
riseofthemachines? @ Jun 3rd 2007 12:14PM
uhm.. yes, that's pretty scary already, but looking at the big source-cable it looks more like an air-powered marshmellow then actually an android robot toy.. Hopefully, they don't come up with fuel-cell powered versions of that too early, i'd propably try to shot a few of these before they can take over this planet *sarcasm off* -_-
BB @ Jun 3rd 2007 12:48PM
Now if they could just make robots like these children...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lw1yBAd-UCI
Joe @ Jun 3rd 2007 12:55PM
This thing will lead the endless hordes of rebellious 'bots into battle. Well done, random, generic Japanese research team. You have single handedly brought about the destruction of the human race by the hand of a amazed-looking, wide-eyed abomination. It will never fail to kill with that feels-like-the-first-time smile on its face.
murray @ Jun 3rd 2007 1:28PM
Oh goody... a tethered robotic retard.
Luke Seeley @ Jun 3rd 2007 1:47PM
Hah. It looks like the Michelin Tires' Mascot's kid.
KC @ Jun 3rd 2007 2:04PM
It may look freaky, but the movements do look almost natural.
Liz @ Jun 3rd 2007 2:17PM
Infertile couples rejoice!
No, nevermind, they definitely don't rejoice at this.
bakunin @ Jun 3rd 2007 3:27PM
i was shocked, SHOCKED, to see not a single reference to that endless, pointles film 'A.I.' not even a Haley Joel reference! shame, you people, shame.
but yes, i agree. this is a profoundly useless, frightening machine. i'd like to shake the hand of the man who funded this project. and then break it off at the wrist.
tekdroid @ Jun 3rd 2007 3:36PM
cute!
(perhaps that means there's something wrong with me)
evo @ Jun 3rd 2007 4:41PM
I absolutely *love* the initial shot of this thing, with the dramatic zoom in on its face, then the infinitely comical "ecchi ecchi" bark. I can watch that over and over and laugh every time.
All we need now is a fan movie of this thing at the head of an army of robotic death warriors on an endless plain, the cities of mankind standing fearfully before it. All is silence, until EC2 slowly raises its arm, the camera zoom in for a close up, a pause, then to signal the robot armaggedon..."bark bark"!
dogpants @ Jun 3rd 2007 6:13PM
I think you meant "homey" instead of "homely." Except "homey" (neither the original nor the Menace II Society meaning) doesn't really work, either...
larfus @ Jun 3rd 2007 7:20PM
This is about the only kid that needs to be in Micheal Jackson's presents.
yyz113 @ Jun 3rd 2007 7:59PM
Does it have a "marriage hole"?
ronh @ Jun 3rd 2007 9:15PM
What the f*** are people thinking? What is the necessity of something like this? Do these people not see the eventual outcome of technology like this?
BatteryAcid @ Jun 3rd 2007 10:05PM
Perfect robotic alter-boy for priest. This should really drive down the number of molested children.
copperhead @ Jun 4th 2007 1:04AM
Conrad, you're hilarious.
acjunglist @ Jun 4th 2007 2:13AM
Permission to "Freak Out"!!!
Michael Emmons @ Jun 4th 2007 3:07PM
It seems the owner of the video linked to in the article no longer allows direct links. You can see it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahJjF2fLSl8
nigel @ Jun 4th 2007 3:28PM
i think its a great technological achievement...Its one of the first humanoid robots, you cant expect the first to speak proper English and quote Shakespeare. It has to start somewhere even if it is creepy and severely retarded.
Im sure next generations will destroy us all, but we forget that Jhon Connor will save us all...so who cares.
Klaatu @ Jun 4th 2007 4:33PM
Any of you remember the TRS-80, Lisa, or Osborne? While not attempts at human approximation, they were equally as crude as this in their own ways. Like all technologies, it can be used for good or bad; why has nearly everyone focussed on what's bad about this rather than the huge potential? Grow up people, technology is advancing and we should envision ways to apply it for positive outcomes. Version 12.0 of this might well perform your bypass surgery!
silvarga @ Jun 4th 2007 6:04PM
I check out the video and a second video of the CBsquared. There seems to be A LOT of thigh touching going on with this child robot. It almost seems like that's how it's activated.
You KNOW this is gonna be at the top of Michael Jackson's Xmas list this year! He's gonna break out his captain EO outfit and lock himself away with two or three of these for months at a time...
davenews2001 @ Jun 4th 2007 9:43PM
here's a video mashup I just made of a creepy japanese robot video and a recent saturday night live skit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0oCtTpD4Eg
Aldyn @ Jun 5th 2007 1:10AM
SOLD.
i've been looking for one of these. an albino robot with strabismus, the mindset of a 2-year-old, and likes being touched.
anyway, what is the point of making all of these hideous robots. none of them have been put to good use.
maryland157 @ Jun 5th 2007 5:21PM
Hmmm......Replace that face with a HD LCD face and , I'll buy one , but do I have to potty train it?