Robot checklist

[robkelk]

Over on Usenet, one of the semi-regulars posted a link to a story about a "kissing robot" that's about to go on sale in Japan. (http://www.crunchgear.com/2008/06/12/ne ... rom-japan/]This story, to be precise.) My first thought, which I didn't post there, was "that doesn't look a thing like the one Kaolla Suu built..."

However, Abraham Evangelista posted a question checklist:

From a technical standpoint:

• How many servos?
  
• How many points of articulation?
  
• Putting aside the built in AI, is it programmable?
  
• Method of control? (Wifi? Infra-red? Other?)
  
• Memory?
  
• Battery life?
  
• Any sensors? (Motion? Weight? Distance?)
  

More importantly:

• Does she have a compartment for a cat brain?
  
• Is she willing or able to protect me from Sister Jill and the Panther Claw?
  
• Is she fully certified for domestic AND combat work?
  
• Can she host a radio show?
  
• Do I need to wind her up on a regular basis? If so, do I have any guarantee that she won't destroy the universe?
  
• Will she make 30,000 friends?
  
• Is a 33-S model available? If so, do I have any guarantee that she won't destroy the universe?
  

I don't know whether to be pleased or frightened that I recognized all seven anime referenced in the second part of that checklist... (Edit: And that I've actually seen six of those seven)

So, what did he miss?
--
Rob Kelk
"Governments have no right to question the loyalty of those who oppose
them. Adversaries remain citizens of the same state, common subjects of
the same sovereign, servants of the same law."

- Michael Ignatieff, addressing Stanford University in 2012