I have very mixed feelings about this technology...
Scientists have created the first 'humanoid' robot that can mimic the facial expressions and lip movements of a human being.
'Jules' - a disembodied androgynous robotic head - can automatically copy the movements, which are picked up by a video camera and mapped on to the tiny electronic motors in his skin.
It can grin and grimace, furrow its brow and 'speak' as his software translates real expressions observed through video camera 'eyes'
On the one hand, it's kind of cool that more human-looking robots are being developed (it sure beats that little robot vacuum cleaner that hoovers under couches). I mean, it really was only a matter of time before things got to this stage. We're bound to have real-life Datas working among us in the not too distant future.
However, and I realize the dialog is just for comic relief, listening to the voice and watching the creepy eyes roll from side to side in the demonstration is a bit unsettling...
"When can I destroy humanity?!"
Let's hope that newer models are given more productive and positive programming before they start selling the latest "Jules: The Happy Man-servant" line at every Costco and Walmart.
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