YangYang is a robot that terrifically resembles the former governor of Alaska i.e. Sarah Louise Palin has been revealed at the Global Mobile Internet Conference 2015 in Beijing, China. It is capable to speak, move its head, shaking hands, all facial expressions and even hug which makes us feel creepy yet realistic same like humans.
Root Source:
The robot was produced at the Yangyang Intelligent Robot Science Service Centre and can demonstrate a wide range of facial expressions.
The android robot was designed by the Shanghai Shenqing Industry (SSI) working in collaboration with Japanese robotics expert Hiroshi Ishiguro, a professor at Osaka University’s Department of Systems Innovation who has been developing robots for over 20 years. He is well-known for his android series, which look perfectly like replicas of their human counterparts.
Hiroshi Ishiguro Thoughts:
“I try to understand humans by creating lifelike robots because Japan is an isolated island and we have our own culture,” who referenced the ancient religion Shinto as an example. “[In Shinto], we don’t distinguish between humans and things. We believe that everything has a soul. I believe for example that computers, chairs and desks, rocks and trees have a kind of soul.”
“As humans are more likely to empathize and relate with creation that looks like them, why not make robots that closely resemble us?”
“We’ll stop caring about the body itself, but not the definition of a human”
Ishiguro’s Inventions:
- Singing Japanese robot unveiled in Hong Kong.
- Geminoid HI-2 modelled on Ishiguro himself.
- Geminoid F modelled on a Japanese woman.
- Kodomoroid and otonaroid who will read news daily in the studio.
Also like earlier his android series is even based on his own daughter, and may more creations have been put up by him.
Ishiguro’s just been awarded $16 million by Japan’s Science and Technology grant-giving body ERATO to take his robots to the next level, in which he hopes to instil them with the notion of “intention and desire”.
Future augmentation using yangyang:
Shenqing Industry is planning on using Yangyang in an educational way to teach young kids about robotics which attracts young people in studying robotics.
This robot could also be used in commercial settings, as “greeter” in department stores or museums.
“The Chinese market is more active than the United States and Japan. They’re eager to accept new technology and innovation which is booming in China.” Says Ishiguro
Ishiguro said he believes robots will replace pop stars and Hollywood actors one day. There are many like, how about a fashion model? Or newsreader and receptionists – even famous movie stars. Androids never get old and so you can keep a young identity by creating an android that will stay forever.”
