iCub gets upgraded with tinier hands, better legs
By Laura June 
posted March 12th 2010 11:11AM
posted March 12th 2010 11:11AM
We're pretty familiar with iCub -- the humanoid robot modeled on a two year old -- around here. Just because we know him well, though, doesn't really change the fact that we get the slightest chill running down our spine every time we're reminded of his existence. Well, iCub's getting an upgrade which includes newer, lighter legs which will be more impervious to damage, and smaller hands. That's right, the youngster, who is about toddler-sized, has had until now, the hands of an eight-year old: pretty embarrassing for the little fellow. The new hands are the right size, and have the correct dexterity as well. Regardless, he's still a little creepy, but as you'll see in the video after the break, impressive none the less.
Creepy...
@n0ne
Agree, and also is it just me or is that circle .. isn't circily?
@n0ne it's because of something called "the uncanny valley" - an object only looks nice if it's either stylized/cartoony or 100% human, but if it's "almost human" it's creepy - this can be seen in such films as midnight express where the CGI characters look, well, dead.
And thus was born the new crime of robopedophilia. Or is that pedorobophilia?
@CRA1G maybe artificial-pedobear addiction.
@CRA1G What I don't understand is why every time a child is involved (or in this case a child-like robot), someone talks about paedophilia. Is there nothing else on your mind? You are sick.
@luisfcosta Why so defensive? Got something to hide?
@luisfcosta - no sense of humor?
@n0ne And comments like yours are the second reason why I believe today's society is deeply disturbed. So in your perspective, in order for me to think someone is wrong, I must have something to hide myself. Which leads me to my final question. Do you have something to hide? I do not, not regarding this matter at least. Perhaps you are trying to tell us something. Please share, it will make you feel better :)
@luisfcosta >____>
Your trying to hard...
@luisfcosta I hear they're selling senses of humor on ebay...you might want to go grab one of those ("Buy It Now" might be especially helpful if you plan on hanging around Engadget a lot).
Smaller hands.............Still big time creepy
@GenericMessage
The left eye is creepiest, got some droop going on there or something
@GenericMessage
Awww come on, he's almost to the point where when he chokes you in your sleep, it will be adorable.
With those tiny hands hows he going to eat those a giant Whopper Jr. sandwiches?
@kristapsb
this is about iCub, not iTroll.
Why don't they start using artificial muscle technology in these things?
Dress it up like a 'real boy' doesn't make it any less creepy looking. I would rather have robots look like robots and not like a robot trying to blend in with humans. This is for two reason, one less creepy and two easier to ID them during the impending robot uprising when they turn on their meat bag masters.
Today Tic Tac Toe
Tomorrow THE WORLD
Behold its true form!!!
@Lord Vader
Well that's good it can go to your old alma mater Imperial College.
this reminds me.. Opening Day is just around the corner.. Go Cubs!!!!
Awe, no weapons upgrade. That's not kool anymore.
Excellent. Now it's not only mimicking the right age, but also the correct dimensions to put together Apple products.
Those tiny little screws require tiny little hands you know.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nK0Pi4wC8Hk
It's eerie, but kind of cute. Serious AI is becoming a real thing, folks.