Posted 12.15.2009 at 2:45 pm
14 Comments
Paper, Plastic, or Robot
via Robot Watch
The ease and variety of online shopping enabled by the first dot-com explosion cast technology as the killer of in-store retail. But in Japan, with its aging population and unique consumer culture, technology facilitates grocery shopping, in the form of retail assistance robots like Robovie-II. Part of a larger network of sensors and wireless devices, Robovie provides assistance to elderly shoppers making their rounds.
The process begins at home, with the user entering their shopping list into a specialized mobile device. When the shopper arrives at the store, the robot senses the device and greets the user. Then the robot follows the shopper around the store, carrying the load, reminding the shopper of the items on the list, and recommending additional products to pick up.
At present, the system remains in the testing phase, with robot helpers assisting elderly shoppers at Apita-Seikadai supermarket in Kyoto, Japan, through March of next year. To see Robovie in action, check out the video below.
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What happens when someone walks up and steals the items the robot's carrying?
It punches you with the arm not holding the basket.
Why else give this thing arms? Otherwise a self-propelled shopping trolley would do the job better.
This would work for someone elderly, or who could walk but not support any weight. Other than that it is pretty useless, unless this is the first generation of terminators that will later be equiped with 50cal's and have a sniper program installed!
well it doesn't look like it can carry a lot.Certainly wouldn't do at Christmas time.
www.yournetbiz.com
Yeah. But can it change and adult diaper?
If I write a grocery list and lend it my wallet, can it drive to the store and pick up the items on the list and get back? OR will it go pick up some hookers and score some drugs while I don't suspect anything?
I would like to know more about what the robot can do by itself. It seems to be guided by a handler in the video.
I am with you - what prevents anyone from running off with your stuff?
Pretty cool gadget though.
www.yournetbizwealthcreation.com
This actually makes sense !!
It does not do real shopping. It gust drives around.
Looks like a very helpful tool for those who may have a handicap of some kind.
www.massrealestatenews.com
Can I have one of those please?
www.trafficgenerationcafe.com
Interesting idea. But I don't see it ever being adopted in the real world. Way to expensive and cumbersome. Maybe for people who have special needs.
building a new home
Wow, it's amazing. A wonderful invention! http://www.amerisleep.com/