Morgan BellRobot Learns to Smile
July 10th 2009 22:08
Wired Science has reported on a new robot that has taught itself to make facial expressions.
The Einstein robot can look happy or sad or shocked. This a remarkable moment of progress in robotics. Not only can robots learn, but they can smile about how clever they are!
The Einstein robot has been developed with the intention of providing tutoring to students. Engaging non-verbally one-on-one aids learning. The capability to perform eyebrow narrowing and frowning will replicate the disapproval and frustration of a real teacher!
Marian Bartlett, a co-author of the study and facial recognition expert described the development as an iterative process.
Einstein is placed in front of a mirror where it begains contorting its face into random positions. Facial recognition software sends Einstein a reward signal when he makes a convincing realistic expression.
Now that the facial expressions are down pat, Einstein just needs to work on his social skills.
The Einstein robot can look happy or sad or shocked. This a remarkable moment of progress in robotics. Not only can robots learn, but they can smile about how clever they are!
The Einstein robot has been developed with the intention of providing tutoring to students. Engaging non-verbally one-on-one aids learning. The capability to perform eyebrow narrowing and frowning will replicate the disapproval and frustration of a real teacher!
Marian Bartlett, a co-author of the study and facial recognition expert described the development as an iterative process.
“It starts out completely random and then gets feedback. Next time the robot picks an expression, there’s a bias towards putting the motors in the right configuration.”
Einstein is placed in front of a mirror where it begains contorting its face into random positions. Facial recognition software sends Einstein a reward signal when he makes a convincing realistic expression.
Now that the facial expressions are down pat, Einstein just needs to work on his social skills.
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Comment by Norm
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The life of people in blogs. A bit, maybe.
It's funny when the robot does all those expressions at the start of the clip. His face must get really tired. They could have used Mickey Rourke, though. That would be an education.
Comment by Morgan Bell
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oh its totally like bloggers, its like people in general
i think the robots sad face looks a bit like Clint Eastwood
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
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Comment by ebby!!!
[> v <]
/)___)___/ /_
_________
Comment by Janet Collins
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Comment by Morgan Bell
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haha excitement and wind pain are often confused!
hi ebb,
being tutored by a robot would be awesome!
hi Janet,
the less humans the better . . . lets just hope it doesnt turn into one of those disasters like Terminator or Battlestar Galactica
Comment by Wilson Pon
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Comment by Morgan Bell
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thats a bit sadistic! haha
although im sure they will manage to develop the technology in the future
Comment by RubySoho
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Comment by Morgan Bell
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its gunna be an armageddon . . .