Fujitsu's robot bear designed to win over the elderly, but we're on to it

Man, what is it with Japan, robots, and the elderly? We've been hearing about projects like RI-MAN and Ninomiya-kun for years now. And sure, it looks good on paper -- design an ultra-realistic (or ultra-cute) robot, stick it in a room with the unloved elderly person in your life, and forget about the lot of 'em. The problem? Apparently the aforementioned "olds" don't like it one bit. In fact, it seems that they'd prefer a stuffed animal. Not to be outdone by this admittedly low-tech solution, Fujitsu has built a prototype Teddy that features a camera for face tracking, a network of touch sensors, and a catalog of 300 responses to various stimulus -- "which range from giggling and laughing, waving its paws around, and pretending to fall asleep complete with recorded snores," according to SlashGear. Another possible use for the as-yet-unnamed bear would be for school children. Who wuvs our cuddly robot overlords? We do, don't we? Yes we do...

[Pedro0792 Posted Apr 2nd 2010 11:37AM]

It looks so creepy... but i would buy one XD

[Atkins Posted Apr 2nd 2010 12:35PM]

@Pedro0792 I don't understand the japanese. There's a lot of unemployed people here, and they are making robots to cut more jobs....

[VampireHunterZ Posted Apr 2nd 2010 5:09PM]

@Pedro0792
Definitely not the cutest bear. They could have done a way better job even though it has moving parts.

[Smigit Posted Apr 2nd 2010 11:40AM]

Looks like it's come out of a Chucky film

[Darkseider Posted Apr 2nd 2010 11:43AM]

Wondering if one of the 300 pre-programmed responses turns the eyes red and razor sharp teeth and claws emerge? If it has this feature I would definitely go out and get one now!

[NYCJames Posted Apr 2nd 2010 11:48AM]

And we shall call him SUPER TOY TEDDY.

[Shane Posted Apr 2nd 2010 11:53AM]

That is one of the most MALEVOLENT looking teddy bears I have ever seen!

[weedalin Posted Apr 2nd 2010 1:55PM]

@Shane Here's what I thought of when I read the title
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S72QSbaeAZQ

[carsan07 Posted Apr 2nd 2010 11:56AM]

If they designed one like the Teddy Bear in Steven Spielbergs movie "AI: Artificial Intelligence" then i would be impressed! I'd love one of those!

[technojeff Posted Apr 2nd 2010 12:57PM]

@carsan07

I was thinking the same thing. That bear from A.I. was the best thing in that movie.
My elderly mother would be very happy to have a stuffed bear talk to her and bring her a cup of coffee when she wanted one.

[laze Posted Apr 2nd 2010 11:56AM]

Tired of being alone? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7i_d95KsJI

[natkm Posted Apr 2nd 2010 12:07PM]

Better get your old glory robot insurance now before the rates go up. When they grab you with those metal claws you can't break free, because they're made of metal, and robots are strong.

[UrAwFuL Posted Apr 2nd 2010 12:19PM]

That bear looked like it came from A.I.: Artificial Intelligence.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7i_d95KsJI

[rony Posted Apr 2nd 2010 12:30PM]

@UrAwFuL yeah I was wondering why no one got that :D....wow...AI.....I loved that one...

[Snv Posted Apr 2nd 2010 3:32PM]

@UrAwFuL Yes I was going to say that! The Artificial Intelligence days are coming!!

[Diemer Posted Apr 2nd 2010 12:22PM]

I, for one, welcome our furry robot overlords.

[HektikLyfe Posted Apr 2nd 2010 1:05PM]

Teddy Ruxbin 2.0?

[Dybuk Posted Apr 2nd 2010 1:11PM]

Could somebody get on the robot engineers to design less angry eyebrows from now on?

[To Hell Posted Apr 2nd 2010 1:48PM]

Hey it's Teddy from A.I.!

Now i'm sad :(

[DaHarder Posted Apr 2nd 2010 1:58PM]

I'm seeing shades of 'Teddy' from Steven Spielberg's Artificial Intelligence.

[kyle90 Posted Apr 2nd 2010 2:16PM]

Forget "A.I.", didn't anyone else see "Screamers"?

[HrVanker Posted Apr 2nd 2010 3:28PM]

Robots and the elderly belong together. I firmly believe that this is just a campaign to create a more healthy, non-killing relationship between the two.

See: http://www.robotcombat.com/video_oldglory_hi.html

[romevi Posted Apr 2nd 2010 3:43PM]

What is it with the elderly? Why, the fact that they're respected and honored there.

[Wag Posted Apr 2nd 2010 8:41PM]

I will put a lock of hair in his stitching and be alive in the year 3000!!!