This born-in-Singapore robot could soon be your receptionist

[yuiyoshida]

Nadine starts work this Saturday at the Nanyang Technological University, and could one day assist lawyers and journalists. Talking Point asks: Could she replace your job?

SINGAPORE: In a black dress, with flowy brunette hair and soft skin, Nadine has her own distinct personality and makes eye contact with you. Not only does she recognise the people she meets, she also remembers past conversations.

Come this Saturday (June 25), the life-like socially intelligent robot, who has been making waves around the world, is set to start work as a receptionist at Nanyang Technological University’s (NTU) Institute of Media Innovation.

What is significant about this moment is that it could herald a future where social robots like her take on certain jobs once thought do-able only by humans.

The 1.7-m tall Nadine was created by a team of scientists headed by Professor Nadia Thalmann, director of the Institute of Media Innovation. Nadine is a ground-breaking project developed to address manpower needs in the administrative and healthcare sectors – for instance, assisting the elderly at home, when caregivers are in short supply.

[snooper2]

1. So the question is, when it starts repeating itself over and over and over

like a skipping record...



Are you supposed to kick it or reboot it?

And how long until groups pop up for robot rights

[LongTomH]

2. More robots....

[FLPanhandle]

3. How long before companion/sex robots are common?

I guess that would be one way to reduce the world overpopulation...

[KansDem]

4. Okay, when will workers get robots to replace them in the workplace?

I'd like to sit at home and enjoy life while my robotic doppelgänger goes to my work and brings home my paycheck.

How long until this happens?

[longship]

5. At least it's not Maxmillian.