Gizmodo
You're old, weak and your bastard kids want to put you in a home. The uBOT-5 could one day offer a solution that could help you maintain your independence without having to resort to depressing nursing homes or lame Life Alert badges. Thanks to researchers at the University of Massachusetts, their uBOT-5 robot is capable of picking up small objects, dialing 911 and even using a stethoscope to check vitals.
It could also be used to remind patients to take meds, pick up packages or other important errands. Plus, an integrated web cam, microphone, touch-sensitive LCD screen and internet connection make it possible for doctors to conduct virtual house calls or for family members to interact with the patient from a distance (you can even play dress-up with it!). Currently it costs about $65,000 to produce a uBOT, but manufacturers have stated that it may only cost a few thousand to mass produce—and chances are that even those costs could be picked up by insurance companies. [LiveScience via Digg]
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Comments
I would like to be the first to welcome our u-Bot overloards....welcome.
Robots mugging old people. I love it. So much less work for me.
NOOOOOO! They will kill the old people. Robots steal old people's medicine for fuel!
[www.robotmarketplace.com]
The BIG question is, does it change your mom's Depends , put on Velcro shoes, and dispense Stool softeners? That is the $65,000 question!
Forget BigDog or that Japanese shopping bot - this is by far the creepiest robot I've ever seen. The proportions and the tiny video head are just too disconcerting. It looks like what Sid from Toy Story would make if he majored in robotics.
Basically is a robot to tell when u're dead. That's sad.
@Hiphopopotamus:
For when the metal ones come for you.
...and they will.
"I've fallen and I can't get up!"
Should have bought the fuckin robot!
@strider_mt2k: And when they grab you with their metal claws, you can't break free.
Because they are made of metal. And they are strong.
@Hiphopopotamus:
-and no one can destroy the metal.
the metal will strike you down with a vicious blow.
+ Watch video
Hey if its cheaper than the home
Does it hurt when I jab you with a knife here? How about here?
@Hiphopopotamus: I think they steal alcohol for fuel, the drugs are just for fun.
Get your metal paws off me, you damned dirty 'droid!
i think the old people would pass out just looking at that
Those hands look like they are for beating. And only beating. I'll take two for my grandparents please!
...but can it play Beamz?
Can't we just talk to the humans?
A little understanding could make things better.
Can't we talk to the humans and work together now?
No, because they are dead
I said the humans are dead
The humans are dead
(I'll just confirm they are dead)
The humans are dead
(I just poked one it was dead.)
We used poisonous gasses
(With traces of lead)
To poison their asses.
(Actually their lungs)
Binary solo:
0000001
00000011
0000001
00000011
0000001
0000001
0000001
0000001
...well we know Strider can't.
Exterminate! Exterminate! Its a mini-me Dalek! Yikes!
This isn't really all that connected, but I just did a Google search for the address of the home I grew up in, and it turns out the owners have turned it into a nursing home. They tore out the entire front yard to make into a parking lot.
...I guess this thing could spare others' childhood memories a similar doom.
I envision the elderly person waking up in the middle of the night and upon seeing this creepy martian (and armed with a touch of alzheimers and a baseball bat), goes medievel on its ass. So much for $65K.
This robot scares and confuses former United States Surgeon General C. Everett Koop.
It should be a little disturbing that nearly every commenter seems to have come to more or less the same conclusion:
uBOT won't save that man, because it killed him.
I foresee a Robot Wars/Little People Big World spin-off reality show.
That's not a robot! It's a punching Doctor puppet!
[www.flickr.com]
i think its now time for the 3 laws discussion..
h
@bailey_ca: Get well soon, Kenny Baker!
SkyNet is freaking popping up everywhere!!
That guy looks like he's writhing around on the floor, in pain, while thinking, "I just got punched in the nuts by my HMO."
So is Tracy Morgan the only option? Or can you upgrade to an actual doctor?
could wear a nicer shirt
I can almost hear it laugh.
Robocop 5?
Just so you know, not all nursing homes are depressing. I work in a wonderful facility. We have many residents who were well enough to go home alone after rehabilitation, but chose to stay because they enjoy the community life and feel safer knowing help is always near by.
because in your time of need, its nice to have a rock em sock em robot / 790 to... punch you.
@robinandtami:
"just so you know, not all nursing homes are depressing. I work in a wonderful facility."
i think he meant LIVING in one.
"but chose to stay because they enjoy the community life and feel safer knowing help is always near by."
i know what really goes on - you told em if they left their grandchildren would be murdered. awesome.
"It's time to take your meds Francine" -Robot
"I KNOW ALREADY WILL YOU QUIT REMINDING ME???"
wtf! I don't know but that looks like a GayBot with that Lilac shirt on!
@riqgeez:
and... you just outed yourself by being able to tell Lilac from plain old blue.
@nutbastard:
Funny;) But seriously, they are not like they used to be (most anyway.) My facility has hi-def TV's, two Wii's, a dog, a cat, and even a pet squirrel. They go shopping, fishing, out to eat (the men's group likes to go to Hooters) and to the casinos. For many of them, it's like living in a hotel. Someone to cook for them and do their laundry, and BONUS, even wipe their butts if they need.
WTF.
Can't a walking-stick handle by itself contain all of the following?
heartbeat - check.
meds alert - check.
making calls - check.
picking small objects ( annoying kids on the street) - check.
MORAL: You can't cut the boxing Terminators legs off and expect it to die.
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