This week at CeaTec 2012, NEC has been showcasing their PaPeRo telecommunications robot, allowing remote users to control PaPeRo via an Internet connection and companion application.
The remote control application allows users to see what PaPeRo sees and interact by controlling the robot’s head movements. Watch the video after the jump to learn more about the PaPeRo robot and see it in action.
Features and Capabilities of PaPeRo
PaPeRo, which stands for “Partner-type Personal Robot,” has been designed to facilitate communication and interaction between humans and robots. Since its inception, PaPeRo has been equipped with a variety of sensors and cameras that allow it to recognize faces, understand speech, and respond to various commands. The robot can also perform a range of movements, making it highly interactive and engaging.
One of the standout features of PaPeRo is its ability to be controlled remotely. This is particularly useful for applications such as remote caregiving, where a caregiver can interact with a patient through the robot, providing companionship and monitoring from afar. The robot’s head movements and camera feed can be controlled via the companion application, giving users a sense of presence even when they are not physically there.
Commercial Applications and Future Prospects
PaPeRo has been licensed to companies since 2009, so it’s not the first time it has been exhibited or on show. However, it is the first time a commercial non-enterprise application for PaPeRo has been demonstrated by NEC. This opens up a plethora of possibilities for consumer applications, ranging from home assistants to educational tools for children.
For instance, in educational settings, PaPeRo can be used to engage children in interactive learning activities. Its ability to recognize and respond to speech makes it an excellent tool for language learning and other educational games. Additionally, its friendly and approachable design makes it less intimidating for children, encouraging them to interact more freely.
In the healthcare sector, PaPeRo can be used to assist elderly individuals or those with disabilities. Its remote control capabilities allow family members or healthcare providers to check in on patients, provide reminders for medication, and even offer a form of companionship. This can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals who may otherwise feel isolated.
Unfortunately, no information on pricing or worldwide availability has been released as yet, but it seems that the cute NEC PaPeRo robot might be arriving commercially for consumers to purchase sooner rather than later. The potential for PaPeRo to become a household name is significant, given its versatile applications and user-friendly design.
As technology continues to advance, the integration of robots like PaPeRo into daily life becomes more feasible. The demonstration at CeaTec 2012 is just a glimpse of what the future holds for personal robotics. With ongoing development and potential consumer interest, PaPeRo could soon become a common feature in homes and institutions around the world.
Source: Slashgear
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