Robots, apripoko, gadgets, infrared, ir, ir robot, remote control, robot, toshiba...

Toshiba's ApriPoko: a Remote Controller Companion Robot

Toshiba's new robot pal is basically a voice-operated infrared universal remote control, heavy on the cuteness. Programmed to be fairly smart, he'll wait until you use a controller for your electronics, then ask you what you were doing: the next time you want to perform the same action, you just have to tell ApriPoko to do it for you. He'll then wave his IR transmitter arm and *bing*, on goes your TV. He's even equipped with a camera to identify users, presumably to learn their habits. For now he's just an R&D demonstrator device, and is limited to simple commands. We hope we're right in expecting the technology to make its way into consumer gadgets soon. [Robot Watch]

3:37 AM on Wed Mar 26 2008
By Kit Eaton
5,879 views
23 comments

Comments

Balance_In_Life (PSN) at 04:30 AM on 03/26/08
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Connectedness Index: 191
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If this was say... under 200 bucks, would really think about buying one. This thing looks like it would A: Fuck with my cat to the point of comedy gold and B: would kinda be a cool remote.
Arelar at 04:39 AM on 03/26/08
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finally technology allows us to switch channels without those darn old-timey remote controllers
montecristo at 05:04 AM on 03/26/08
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love it!

fun stuff. a good example of a gadget that the chick you brought home will adore. that thing just signals "guy must have a good heart". never mind that you'll dump her the next day.
CubFan81 at 05:15 AM on 03/26/08
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It also kind of looks like an early prototype of that "female" robot from the new Wall-E trailer.
dankell at 05:45 AM on 03/26/08
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OMG it's Pintsize!

[questionablecontent.net]
Stacky Botrus at 06:36 AM on 03/26/08
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I'd pork it.
Mandatory_Field at 06:59 AM on 03/26/08
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Alice?...
kylo4 at 07:09 AM on 03/26/08
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"No Apri, I really don't want to watch G4 right now. Please switch the channel o-....No, not Adam Sessler!"

Hopefully it just does what it's supposed to. Price it reasonably (just over $100) and I'd pick one up.
fastmike at 07:17 AM on 03/26/08
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holy Shit......it looks better than the robot I already have....... called wife lol
SinistarX at 07:36 AM on 03/26/08
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Aw HELL naw! Have we learned nothing from the attack of the Universal Remonster???
flyboy at 08:45 AM on 03/26/08
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it looks like a baby turtle.
TheCyberBob at 09:06 AM on 03/26/08
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Kinda looks like the bastard child of the unholy union between an owl and a penguin. Still... for lack of a better word this mutant is adorable.
feckineejit at 09:15 AM on 03/26/08
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Make one that can follow me around and I'll buy it.
maxcalvino at 09:31 AM on 03/26/08
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I want one
jetexas at 09:47 AM on 03/26/08
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I want one.

But hopefully it does voice recognition better than Vista. I set that up on my media center to impress the ladies, but when the TV/stereo is blaring it can't hear/understand your commands.
wizardofpants at 10:00 AM on 03/26/08
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Totally wants. I like the 'look' of concentration the lines on the head give it. It aims to please its masters.
Klappstuhl at 10:03 AM on 03/26/08
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Daaaaaawww.
gadgetfanatic at 11:19 AM on 03/26/08
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He/she/it looks like a bird of some kind.
gizak at 12:06 PM on 03/26/08
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Cool idea, hopefully it's voice recognition is good enough to work through the sound already blaring out your tv/stereo.
lunarstreaker at 02:22 PM on 03/26/08
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How kool! Lard-ass will not even have to reach for the remote, anymore.
the_amazing_doug at 05:15 PM on 03/26/08
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ZOMG . I . must . have . one.
MickyK at 08:12 PM on 03/26/08
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Maybe if they gave it a nice little tank bottom so it could move from room to room then i would buy it.

I kinda have a feeling that this won't be cheap...
dasnake at 11:19 AM on 03/27/08
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Finally a remote for my dad so he wont have to pick up remotes just to turn something on!