In the latest invasion of humanesque robots, Mayfield Robotics’ Kuri makes his (or her or its) debut as being the first of a kind (species?). Kuri’s makers claim the robot is designed with personality, awareness, and mobility, with the ability to enhance home life and help people connect
Allegedly, it can understand context and surroundings, recognize specific people, and respond to questions with facial expressions, head movements. Kuri also can emit “unique, lovable sounds.”
As for the important part, what’s under the hood? Kuri integrates a 1080p camera, four-microphone array, dual speakers, Wi-Fi + Bluetooth connectivity, and a variety of sensors for mapping and detecting edges and objects. Additionally, tasks are said to be easily programmed and battery life is several hours. When it’s time to recharge, Kuri returns to a charging dock.
Kuri is 20” tall, weighs about 14 lbs., and includes an app for iOS and Android for setup and control. Mayfield Robotics plans to ship the first Kuri robots for Holiday 2017. Priced at $699, Kuri is available for pre-order now in the US with a $100 deposit at http://www.heykuri.com
Overall, this begs a question. In the advent of a war between robots and zombies, who would win? My money is on the robots because, based on a previous study, it may soon be legal to marry a robot. And you know how everyone loves a winner. ~MD