Robo-Garage recreates Murasaki Shikibu in robot form

Murasaki Shikibu, famously known for penning The Tale of Genji, practically has goddess status in Japan. For those who scoff at such a statement, just take a look at the robot above. The MURASAKI stands in at 31-centimeters tall and weighs 1.5-kilograms (3.3-pounds), and while the design is subtle, this gal still demands respect. Reportedly, the bot is powered by NiMH batteries, waltzes about on two wheels and sports an 8-axis system for moving her neck and arms. We're hearing conflicting reports about it actually being on sale or simply being a prototype, but we're sure the misdirection is all part of the allure that makes her so irresistible.

[Via CrunchGear]

[Schfelzerberg @ Jul 28th 2008 9:47PM]

The face reminds me of that girl robot in Wall-E.

[JR @ Jul 28th 2008 9:49PM]

EVE was so hot.

[who? @ Jul 28th 2008 9:50PM]

Dude, these peeps are weird. LOLz @ them ALLz

[Haikibutsu @ Jul 28th 2008 9:50PM]

紫 (murasaki) means Purple in Japanese.

[andres @ Jul 28th 2008 10:19PM]

hmm, interesting...

[kev @ Jul 29th 2008 6:34AM]

Yes, but 村崎 is the last name.

[ShadowKain @ Jul 28th 2008 9:54PM]

Yu Wan Happy Ending for 5 Dolla?

[initialxy @ Jul 28th 2008 10:04PM]

historically speaking, fat chick with very long hair is considered to be beautiful back then. this one's kinda historically incorrect. too much modernization perhaps?

[andres @ Jul 29th 2008 2:12AM]

its a robot, id expect it to be modernized

[quomen @ Jul 28th 2008 11:12PM]

We're supposed to have sex with this thing, right?

[Nipponese @ Jul 29th 2008 12:15AM]

The original article states that this robot was created for this particular exhibit. The exhibit is honoring the 1000th year since the story of "Genji Monogatari" (Tale of Genji) was said to have occurred. The exhibit is held at the Ishiyama temple where the story took place.

I think the creator should have made her kimono a Junihitoe to make it more authentic.

[Romer @ Jul 30th 2008 5:43AM]

I for one...

[Gaz @ Jul 29th 2008 5:53AM]

do the arms move up an down??? oil or water based lubricant???

[Josh @ Jul 29th 2008 11:52AM]

LOL, she sure is irresistible. And what else does she do? Here's a robot that can develop emotional bonding, create a personality http://www.internetevolution.com/author.asp?section_id=526&doc_id=155718&f_src=flffour and this one only "Waltzes"? something's missing.