Robotronica @ QUT

Robotronica @ QUT

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Posted 2013-08-12 by Damsel Martinfollow

Sun 18 Aug 2013

Like most working mums, I've often wished I could clone myself.

That way, there would be a like-minded army available to attend to what feels like a never-ending to do list.

So I was more than a little intrigued when I heard about Professor Hiroshi Ishiguro, the world's leading developer of androids, who has created a eerily human-like robot in his own mirror image.


"Once we replace the human with an android, we can understand the human," Ishiguro said.

And, I thought, perhaps get a few extra loads of laundry done.

The good news for Brisbanites who've ever felt the need to be in two places at once is that Professor Ishiguro's clone, the Geminoid HI-4, will be one of the headline attractions at QUT's Robotronica event on Sunday 18 August.

Billed as "an epic robotic spectacular providing a jaw-dropping vision of the future" Robotronica will feature a full day of workshops, demos, screenings, performances and tours.

These include Ishiguro remotely operating his android from Japan, as he discusses his research into human-like robotics and how he has used it to better understand what it's like to be human (12.30-1.30pm).

But that's just one small slice of what's on offer - so if Ishiguro's clone doesn't give you a case of future shock, just take a look through the rest of the program .



The Paro, an animal robot originally designed to work with dementia patients, is also a major drawcard.

Certified as a medical device by the United States Federal Drug Administration in 2009, it was found to boost the physical and psychological health of patients and their carers.

Equipped with five sensors, the Paro can learn to behave and respond through its user's actions - and you don't even need to feed or walk it.

There is plenty to keep kids interested too.

For ages 14 and over, a difficult age to cater for at the best of times, there is a 'Rise of the Machine' desktop manufacturing workshop.

It will step participants through the process of using pre-3D printed parts to build a programmable, moving toy.

Robotronica is, appropriately, being held at the new $230 million Science and Engineering Centre at QUT's Gardens Point campus.

Behind-the-scenes guided tours (offered by 11am to 4pm) will offer visitors a glimpse of the cutting-edge research laboratories and other areas including the Institute of Future Environments.

Robotronica's closing performance will also be a highlight.

A group of dancing humanoid androids around will set the party pace before the largest swarm of drones ever seen in the Southern Hemisphere will shake their stuff in the sky.

Beam me up.

  • All Images Courtesy of Robotronica Website.

  • #brisbane_city
    #technology
    #august
    !date 18/08/2013 -- 18/08/2013
    %wnbrisbane
    152565 - 2023-06-14 06:48:52

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