November 2, 2008

BeatBots - The Coolest Robot Keepon Is Helpful For Autism

I was watching a video on Somewhat Frank about the Wired NextFest event where they showcase the future of the technology industry, and I stumbled across this really cool product. 

BeatBots,created by Hideki Kozima and Marek Michalowski, are robots designed to replicated human movement in a simplistic form. They have many applications, however one of the main ones will be teaching Autistic children simple emotions, in an easy to understand form. Keepon is the name of the Robot and I must say it looks really very cool.

Keepon is reasonably small, all up, including the base station it is probably less than the size of a foot ball. It has cameras for eyes, and a microphone in its nose and can interact with people or objects which is sees. 

Not only is Keepon great for children’s therapy, but it is a great source of entertainment. Keepon is capable of busting a move with the rest of you, and definitely moves better than John McCain and Barack Obama combined. 

Prices for the robot will start at around $30,000 US, and will initially be aimed at research. However I think these robots could see a future in the living rooms of many homes. If the creators could get this down to a few thousand dollars I would love to own one myself. If not, I will settle for hopefully seeing one in the future.

Check out this video demonstrating Keepon - You Will fall in Love!

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Photo credit, JanneM

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