[CEATEC 2014] When it comes to getting the message across efficiently, you know for sure that the art of communication can be a rather difficult and challenging one. With so many different backgrounds and experiences that people come from, the clash of cultures – and subsequently communication, is a risk that lies right under the layer of a relationship. However, some languages are easier to get the precise and accurate message across, such as sign language, and Toshiba has unveiled their Aiko Chihira communications android.
This is but a prototype at time of publishing, but Ms. Aiko Chihira is touted to be able to perform sign language to a visitor. The gestures are not all that smooth between transitions of its expression, but the face and skin do look rather realistic, making the jump over to the uncanny valley. This is one surefire way of grabbing the attention of anyone who walks into your store for sure, although the novelty factor might wear thin fast unless more functions are introduced into Chihira-san’s repertoire of actions, gestures, and perhaps information dissemination capabilities.
Chihira-san was made possible thanks to an algorithm which is capable of coordinating all of the 43 motors in its joints to ensure precise delivery of information. Toshiba intends to throw in extra sensors down the road, in addition to speech recognition software and the ability to speak – by the time 2020 rolls around, which is still some years away.
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