New NEC robot could give R2D2 a run for its money

Robotics is making progress in all walks of life. Japanese company NEC has designed a new robot designed to be as helpful and cute as possible called PaPeRo R500. Even its name is cute. The original robot was apparently designed and developed over 10 years ago but NEC has upgraded it since then and showcased it at a Tokyo robot expo. This little guy is powered by a lithium-ion battery that allows it to function for about 100 minutes before it need to be recharged. It’s been designed to perform about 200 different operations which also includes having conversations, albeit short ones, with users. Also coupled with built-in cameras that use facial recognition technology to memorize at least 30 users faces, the R500 can alter its behaviour depending on the user. PaPeRo will be available in Japan (only) soon for about $600 per month as it’s on a “rent paid trial” offer. R2D2 must be rolling in his rusty grave.

Crunch Gear