Babyloid (via Robonable)
The applications of robots as solutions to different psychological problems are just now being explored. A recent project in Japan is currently working to find robotic solutions to mental ailments suffered by its elderly, which makeup 20% of Japans total population. Masayoshi Kanoh, professor at Chukyo University in Japan, has developed a doll with the intent of providing therapeutic interaction older people suffering from depression or dementia. He calls his creating Babyloid. Like the name suggests, this robot simulates the actions and behavior of a baby in hope of providing elderly users with a sense of purpose.
Aesthetically, Babyloid has a fluffy cover and a robotic cartoonish face that can express emotions. The mouth is able to change shape to express smiles or frowns, the eyes have moving eyelids and even its arms move to resemble a human baby. It is 17 inches long and weighs about 4.8 pounds. (It looks cumbersome.)
Some Babyloid expressions (via Robonable)
Just like an infant, Babyloid cries, laughs and falls asleep when rocked back and fourth. It produces more than 100 sounds all of which are recordings of Kanoh’s daughter when she was a baby.
The robot can sense its surroundings because it features accelerometers, temperature, touch, pyro-electric and light sensors that allow it to react to its environment. Red and blue led lights embedded in the face, along with facial expressions and sounds, allow the user to know when Babyloid is happy or sad.
Babyloid at the moment is being used to conduct research in nursing homes throughout Japan.
The prototype so far has cost about $25,000 USD, and Kanoh expects to make around 10 more prototypes in the next two years. He estimates the final product to cost around $1,300 USD if it hits the market, however, there are currently no plans to for distribution outside of Japan.
Eavesdropper
