Probo the huggable Belgian bot goes hands-on with kids

Oh Probo, you've come so far. Just a few years back you were an cute little green fuzzy thing trying to make a name for yourself by partying the night away with geek celebrities. Now you're out in the wild, looking tired, sporting a wrinkled flannel covering, proboscis hanging dangerously low, and a pair of eyes that truly tell the tale of all you've been through. Those eyes and that schnoz are fully movable and programmable, and that touchscreen on the belly can be made to show children's tales of all sorts, but sadly Probo still can't give the one thing he was made for: hugs. Maybe in his quest for fame he lost a little bit of his purpose along the way -- maybe it's for the best.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 23rd 2009 10:51AM]

Yours looks like a windsock? Yikes.

[ckent Posted Apr 22nd 2009 3:39PM]

Best engadget photoshop ever.

[hemmy Posted Apr 22nd 2009 4:19PM]

awesome engadget shoop is awesome

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 22nd 2009 4:38PM]

This is like a futuristic Teddy Ruxbin. I think the vehicle for this gadget could have been planned a little better. It doesn't seem exactly child-friendly. In fact, it's a little scary.

[BackStabber Posted Apr 22nd 2009 5:10PM]

Oh god, Probo is getting "hands-on" with the kids. Good job on the title Engadget.

[Seoul Brother Posted Apr 22nd 2009 5:23PM]

You think that's bad, you should see the Japanese market exclusive Probo, the HentaiProbo. That model comes with an internal "coolant" system and external flash drive support.

Scotchguard costs extra, though.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 24th 2009 7:42AM]

Can't the Belgians just leave the kids alone?
The creepy guy reminds me of this - probably NSFW.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRZo8CHsgp8

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 26th 2009 2:01AM]

That thing freaks me out... I'm sorry. Whoever created that is a total freak (in every sense of the word)

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 26th 2009 4:29PM]

@Mike (Mr hypocrite )

just keep your shortsighted remarks to yourself next time, our read some uk history before you do ....

https://lists.uwrf.edu/archives/socwork/2003-July/027718.html

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/644845.stm

http://watson.gnn.tv/headlines/18736/Scandal_of_care_at_top_UK_children_s_hospital