Asimov 0.98: The carrying robot

This robot is more for the show, than for solving a real need. But once its out, it will open the era of new robots.

The main feature is that it looks and walks like a human, or at least like a stick figure. So it has a head, two legs and two hands, in approximately human proportions.

It runs by understanding voice commands, but also via a remote. It has only a few commands: Turn right/left, Go forward/backward. Put down. Pick up. And STOP.

It has a voice reco interface, which you can teach to understand the simple set of commands. It can also be controlled with a remote control.

It keeps balance, using "feelers" in its feet assisted with binocular front and rear cameras.

It has a set of standard messages that it can learn to say.

Sells for $5000 although it barely does more than a supermarket wagon (except that it goes up stairs and can come home with you). At first it will be seen only in the rich areas. But later on, when prices plummet, will be bought by museums and theme parks, and by disabled people (improved versions could even carry them around).

- I remember about 15 years ago when my wife and I watched a man in an expensive suit get out of his expensive car, took out his expensive mobile phone and jot down the supermarket list which apparently his wife was reading to him. "Tuna? How many?" We thought it was hilarious. Then found ourselves a few years later doing exactly the same thing.

Within just a short time, the real kitchen aid robots will be available, helping you see or reach for items on the top shelf with their telescopic hands and eyes, but still preserving some sort of "human" look. Also garage aids that can get under the car, and use a screwdriver and hammer.

Summary: This idea is about a simple robot that does very little, as long as it looks like a human, its a product that will sell well.