Zeno the child-robot apes Astro Boy, Chucky

Hanson Robotics, creators of the wildly creepy Albert Einstein and (now missing) Philip K. Dick robotic heads has turned its attention to children... er, that is, a child-robot. Sure, it's somewhat difficult to look at little Zeno and not find him just slightly disturbing, but that won't stop the team from breaking ground on this new cybernetic-tyke. The bot will stand 17-inches tall, weigh 6-pounds, and will cost you around $15,000 apiece (consumer models could be $200-300), though you can't put a price on a child-bot that walks, talks, and makes eye contact, right? The original design for Zeno is based loosely on Astro Boy, though somehow the creators have imbued him with a slightly more Chucky-like appearance. Zeno will be controlled wirelessly from your PC, but will also have, "His own moods," and make, "His own decisions." The bot is due out for mass consumption in "a few years," though no word yet on whether Zeno will silently creep into your bedroom at night and stare at you while you sleep.

[Via The Raw Feed]

[strider_mt2k @ Sep 6th 2007 10:02AM]

"...I'm a real boy!!"

"Five Shillings for the possessed toy. Take it away!"

[Xzavier @ Sep 6th 2007 10:06AM]

I can see Astro Boy walking his robotic dog *Aibo*. Awe... how cute!

:D

[L. Cyphre @ Sep 6th 2007 10:19AM]

That's some freakin' scary eyes... They're so dead.

[Rainier @ Sep 6th 2007 10:19AM]

Looks like he could play the lead role for a live action Mega Man film.

[Keef @ Sep 6th 2007 10:23AM]

them eyes.... HES GOING TO KILL US ALL!!

and it cant stand up....... its sat on a rock....

[Keef @ Sep 6th 2007 10:23AM]

them eyes.... HES GOING TO KILL US ALL!!

and it cant stand up....... its sat on a rock....

[Loner45 @ Sep 6th 2007 10:47AM]

I WANT ONE!!!

[KC @ Sep 6th 2007 11:02AM]

What's the point? He doesn't appear to be in any way advanced beyond a freakin' Furby for $15K!

He has no hands, looks like he has very limited mobility, his size prevents him from performing any really useful tasks...

Though perhaps having him box with a Yorkshire Terrier might prove amusing as the dog dismembers him.

[StrangeBum @ Sep 6th 2007 11:43AM]

I'm totally digging the anime hairstyle. I just find it hilarious.

But, I don't know. So many new robots, eventually these little bots like this Zeno will be reprogrammed by larger scale, more intelligent robots to become little warlords. They will spring out and attack at the least likely moment and gouge out your eyes and steal them for themselves.

Maybe I've been watching too many movies though....

[Naegling @ Sep 6th 2007 12:03PM]

lightning bolt eyebrows are always a hit with the kiddies.

[Dave @ Sep 6th 2007 12:09PM]

Ugh... Uncanny Vally - GET IT AWAY!!!!

[Morgan Percy @ Sep 6th 2007 4:08PM]

is it just me or does it look like he is trying to cover up his fangs before he attacks?

[samax @ Sep 7th 2007 7:28AM]

the future is coming... whether we like it or not!!!
i've actually seen this robot (i live in the same area as Dr. Hanson), and it can walk, talk, and do a little dance!

it's all very surreal...

[Sumi @ Sep 8th 2007 12:49PM]

This thing looks scary imo.

*It does look a bit like Astro Boy.

[ZenoDesigner @ Sep 9th 2007 3:58AM]

Well folks,

After working on the design for the Robot Zeno's head now for the last couple of months, I can say that I am truly astonished! Yes, I work with Hanson and have been in on every phase of the mechanical design.

I knew that I had my own ideas of how the face would look animated, but I can say that I was mesmerized and blown away by the expressions. We are going to be posting a video soon on youtube so everyone can see. He is not creepy at all. It is honestly one of the most adorable toys I have ever seen.

We will be showing Zeno in Las Angeles at the Wired Magazine's Next Fest. Look for more on Zeno after the 13th of this month. I am sure that there will be quite a buzz.

[elle @ Sep 14th 2007 9:32AM]

Didn't the creator of this pinocchio also name his kid Zeno?