The robot imitates people's emotions

The robot is capable of showing the emotional state of the people debuted in Japan on June 23.

The Kobian expressed surprise by raising his hands above his head, while opening his mouth and eyes. Photo: AP.

Kobian - the name of the robot - is the result of cooperation between Waseda University and Tmsuk (in southern Japan). This machine is capable of expressing seven emotional states - including satisfaction, surprise, suffering, hatred and contempt - through facial expressions. The Kobian face motors help the lips, eyelids and eyebrows move to different positions to match the emotions.

Waseda University scientists have also programmed a robot so that robots can perform a variety of body movements to support their emotional state. For example, to express satisfaction, the robot held up his hands above his head, simultaneously opening his mouth and eyes. When he wanted to express his feelings of pain, he bent down and wiped his eyes.

The robot is suffering by bowing and wiping his eyes. Photo: AP.

Kobian also can walk everywhere, feel the surrounding environment and do a lot of work. Double coupling between the neck and the trunk helps the robot perform complex and ingenious movements.

Prof. Atsuo Takanashi, head of the Kobian Manufacturing Group, said the robot's ability to express emotions makes it easier for humans to interact with them. The design team will continue to improve the Kobian so that this robot can become a nurse in the future.