MIT builds Nexi the emo robot
April 4, 2008
Researchers in the MIT Media Lab are developing a team of small humanoids that are especially "human."
The robots are built on a platform called "Mobile, Dexterous, and Social" (MDS), meaning the little creatures can move around, manipulate objects, and interact with humans. MIT is collaborating with Xitome Design and UMASS Amherst on the MDS development.
One of these humanoids is Nexi, a ghost-faced robot whose ability to express emotions might appear a little spooky - not to mention that "her" body looks like it's turned inside out.
But Nexi is talented among robots in that it can express different emotions using its eyes, eyebrows, eyelids, and mouth. Not only can it express different emotions, but Nexi will also be able to detect the emotions of humans and act accordingly. The researchers' goal is to have the robot learn behaviors from humans and other robots.
Nexi has an on-board computer that manages a variety of sensors, along with a stationary off-board computer that manages its complex artificial intelligence programs. It also has a color camera and IR system in its forehead that enables it to create 3D maps of its surroundings.
The size of a three-year-old, Nexi rolls around on a Segway-like wheeled base. And - rounding out its "Mobile, Dexterous, Social" title - it can grip and handle objects with its hands. Altogether, these abilities would make Nexi a perfect addition as a servant or worker in homes and nursing homes, or anywhere where human-like interaction is desired.
In the future, the researchers - roboticist Cynthia Breazel and her group - plan to have Nexi and other MDS robots participate in "socially situated robot learning," where they observe humans and figure out for themselves how to best integrate with them.
Here's a short video of Nexi from MIT:
More information: MIT Media Lab - Nexi page
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