PC Magazine declares “Zeno Could Be Next Robot Boy Wonder!”
Zeno’s unveiling at Wired’s NextFest is causing quite a buzz, and it’s easy to see why!
Zeno’s face is covered in Frubber, but Hanson explained it’s a more “sophisticated version” than what’s found on “Einstein,” and is more durable and toy like. Unlike Einstein’s face, there aren’t any pores or wrinkles; Zeno is, ultimately, a cartoon character with a smooth, almost doll-like visage. Underneath the flexible skin are 12 motors (it has 18 more in its body) that provide Zeno with a wide range of expressions. Behind one of its large eyes is a camera that the robot uses to recognize faces. “[Zeno] recognizes faces better than people do, according to the latest facial recognition tests,” said Hanson.
Imagine having your very own Zeno conversational-companion-toy!
September 6, 2007 at 8:47 pm |
Nice work! We are looking forward to the debut of Zeno at Nextfest.
DK
waziwazi.com | robotics today
September 6, 2007 at 11:43 pm |
aaaaaah yeah!
bring it on!
September 12, 2007 at 5:43 pm |
If you ever get around to it you have to make a mega man!
September 13, 2007 at 6:45 am |
I can’t seem to sign up for info on the main website – are the links not functional yet?
This is very cool, would love to have one to interact with as I work in my home office!
V-
September 13, 2007 at 6:45 am |
I love Zeno. He is so adorable and would love to have one someday. Maybe a Zena, since I never had a little girl (only a wonderful boy) and it would be fun to have a grandchild! LOL. I think this is a wonderful idea and the robot is truly awesome and looks soft and kind! Sweet!
I look forward to hearing about more of your work. I am a children’s author and just love the idea of this! AWESOME! Blessings!
Author D’Maria Scaglione
http://enlightenedangel.bravehost.com
September 13, 2007 at 6:56 am |
The signup area should be fixed now. The links will become functional in the coming weeks. Thanks for your feedback.
September 13, 2007 at 7:17 am |
I want to adopt Zeno when he graduates. JP
September 13, 2007 at 7:46 am |
What an exciting thing! I know what I want for my next birthday…
September 13, 2007 at 8:20 am |
I ran into your product in an article on Yahoo. This looks great, and the idea that it may be around $200-300 in a few years seems phenominal. I hope you can realize this goal, for this could revolutionize robotics in the consumer market more than the Aibo dog. Good luck.
September 13, 2007 at 9:40 am |
What a great accomplishment! My first thought upon reading the article was that Zeno, in addition to being a fun companion, would make a great learning/teaching tool for children with all sorts of developemental disorders and for those on the autism spectrum who have great difficulties learning and reading social cues and expressions, interacting with other children and learning how to act in all sorts of social situations. Congratulations!
September 13, 2007 at 12:32 pm |
Andrea, it’s interesting that you mention using a robot to help kids with developmental disorders. One university has expressed interest in acquiring several of our full-size robotic heads to do research with autistic children. The robot is able to add consistency to the interaction with kids, which the researchers expect will help children relate to their surroundings more quickly. Thank you very much for your feedback.
September 13, 2007 at 12:58 pm |
Zeno’s World Website Update: While we’ve been focusing on development of Zeno himself, we’re looking forward to the full launch of Zeno’s World Website. As of now, the site is a work in progress and we’ll be adding new content soon. Thanks for your patience and be sure to check back for new and exciting information.
September 13, 2007 at 9:07 pm |
My three year old son named ZENO loved hearing about a robot named Zeno and of course, your son, Zeno.
What this world needs is more Zeno’s – real or robotic!
Great work!!!!!
diane in milwaukee
September 14, 2007 at 3:49 am |
Got quite a surprise at what a quantum leap Zeno is over the specs of robots I’m used to. Can’t wait. My pulse actually quickened :0)
Anyone heard a $guesstimate?? Plse?
Phil in Oz
September 14, 2007 at 7:24 am |
A very cool project regardless of the name.
But it’s quite an honor to have an AI with the name of Zeno
because that’s my name too and four generations of my family.
Can’t wait to buy one.
-Zeno III
September 14, 2007 at 7:59 am |
So many great suggestions on how Zeno may and probable will be intergrated into our society. I think it’s wonderful that lots of women are showing interest in Zeno as well. I think that Zeno can become a wonderful companion for those who live alone (as I glance down at my little robotic kitty Fiona, anyone remember those? lol!). And how about applications for the elderly, like, reminding someone to take medications, or reminding them of a Dr’d appointment! The uses are endless! I am very excited and at the price quoted would be in line for one myself.
September 14, 2007 at 8:18 am |
Saw the article on Yahoo mail and had to check this out! What a wonderful accomplishment! The quoted price is very affordable and Zeno is both adorable and will be benificial to both adults and children alike. Great for homebound seniors or adults. Developmentaly challenged children and adults. I can see Zeno linking up to our computers and being a teacher of sorts, helping our kids and grandkids learn about everything from history, to science and more with Zeno as their guide and teacher. Someone we can all relate to, plus he would keep their attention as he is their age.
Great work, keep it up and our check books are standing by!
September 14, 2007 at 8:19 am |
I just read the article of Zeno from the yahoo web site. It brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for pursuing this. I have dreamed of this since I was a boy and have only wished I could have the intelligence and understanding to work on a project like this. Please do not give up on this.
I hope your company will be the one that I tell my grandchildren about as the inventors of the first robot boy as we always see commented on in the movies such as AI. The world is so close in making this dream a reality.
September 14, 2007 at 8:21 am |
Cool! I wish i had one. & I REALLY WANT ONE..haha..
Miza in Brunei Darussalam,
September 14, 2007 at 8:29 am |
Very nice. I have been tracking the development of AI and have learned of some great accomplishments. All of which are not geared toward consumer markets. The ones that have been thus far are no more than radio controlled aparatuses with limited functionality. I am truly excited about Zeno. I would love to have one @ the office.
I hope you realize your goal of having Zeno produced for commercial production. The posibilities are astounding. I’ll be the first in line to adopt one!
Bob in TN
September 14, 2007 at 8:49 am |
Wow! What an innovation! How long do you think it will be to come up with a finished product? What are Zeno’s accomplishments so far? Will he ever have a frubber body casting? I think you CAN hold consumer interest if you make it like a human story in which Zeno goes through countless “surgeries and proceedures” on his quest to become more human. Give us a Q&A board, make some t-shirts, get interactive with your audience. I have so many questions and comments…I adore this product! Do you have a web banner that I can display on my website? Sorry about all the questions, I just want to offer my utmost support.
September 14, 2007 at 9:14 am |
We hope to have Zeno out in two years. Zeno took his first baby steps while ABC News was filming on Thursday. Functionally, Zeno is starting to be able to tell people apart and more. There will be many Zeno related items coming. Zeno has a rich story planned and there will be a forum for discussion, items to purchase, games, etc. So stay tuned.
September 14, 2007 at 1:17 pm |
Wow, this project looks awsome, and for only 200 to 300$ seems uber affordable. It would be nice if you made it so he could help college students also, study for tests and ask questions just like a teacher, I’m sure some type of resource site on the would have to be developed. Anyways, nice work
Tim
September 14, 2007 at 4:25 pm |
I don’t think the objective was to replace his own son…
Some people watch too much tv…
September 14, 2007 at 8:17 pm |
Yep, you’re right. Zeno the son will definitely not be replaced. David loves his son with all his heart.
September 19, 2007 at 6:41 pm |
This is very cool im lookimg forward to it I cant wait!
September 20, 2007 at 7:30 am |
I just watched the news blurp on Good Morning America – very nice introduction. Plus, it showcased Zeno’s charm vs. the others in the report. I keep coming back hoping for a surprise saying available for limited release or something.
I get so excited when I read about this. Do you need a marketing guy? *wink wink*. I bet seeing Zeno develop from concept to what he has become now is truely exciting and rewarding work.
Bob in TN