No other country on Earth seems to be more dedicated to realizing Blade Runner and Ghost in the Shell than Japan. They might as well deify Ridley Scott and proclaim him the spiritual father of the country’s various humanoid robotics projects. Pictured below is the lovely Hanako 2, a rather stimulating female robot that’s supposed to train dentistry students and oral healthcare professionals in the fine art of looking after teeth.
Of course, Hanako 2’s overt femaleness might rub a few women as a tad sexist (would the robot be treated less better if it were a guy?) But overlooking the implications, Hanako 2 is a fine piece of work.
Advanced Features of Hanako 2
The missing piece of Hanako 2’s backstory is her lifelike appearance, which is a result of silicone. Manufacturer Tmsuk partnered with a ‘love doll’ maker to amplify her, uhm, feminine qualities. Oh yeah, Hanako 2 can simulate almost every type of facial movement and even speak. This level of realism is crucial for dental students who need to practice on a model that closely mimics a real human patient. The robot can simulate various dental conditions, allowing students to experience a wide range of scenarios they might encounter in their professional careers.
Hanako 2 is equipped with sensors and actuators that allow her to respond to touch and pressure, making the training experience even more realistic. For instance, if a student applies too much pressure while performing a procedure, Hanako 2 can react by showing signs of discomfort, just like a real patient would. This helps students learn the importance of gentle and precise handling, which is crucial in dental care.
Ethical and Social Implications
What she can’t do is be your girlfriend. But no worries, as robotic better halves are sure to come real soon. It’s only a matter of time now. The development of humanoid robots like Hanako 2 raises several ethical and social questions. For instance, the use of a female form for the robot could be seen as reinforcing gender stereotypes. Would the robot be treated differently if it were male? These are important questions that need to be addressed as we move towards a future where humanoid robots become more commonplace.
Moreover, the collaboration with a ‘love doll’ maker to create Hanako 2’s lifelike appearance also brings up questions about the objectification of women. While the primary goal is to create a realistic training tool, the methods used to achieve this realism could be seen as controversial. It’s essential to consider these ethical implications as we continue to develop advanced robotics.
Now for the creepy and rather titillating video:
Source Crunchgear
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