Robotic noblewoman walks like a lady, retells world's oldest novel

http://blip.tv/play/ih_E6EGJ5FQ
Japanese people are proud of the fact that many scientists credit “The Tale of Genji” as the first novel ever written. Now famous Kyoto University spinoff Robo-Garage has revived Murasaki Shikibu, the tale’s author and a noblewoman, in robotic form.

MURASAKI stands 31cm and weighs 1.5kg. The robot wears a kimono in the style of the early eleventh century (the time the novel was written) and can also use a folding fan, just like a real Japanese noblewoman. A built-in MP3-player makes sure she is able to retell her tale.

MURASAKI is powered by NiMH batteries, “walks” on two wheels and moves elegantly via an 8-axis system (2 in the neck and 3 each in her arms). Robo-Garage used the same “robot processor” (VS-RC003HV) they build into their BLACK OX model. The frame is mainly made of plastic and aluminum.

Robo-Garage is officially selling a handful of their robots in an affiliated (Texas-based) online shop but as of now, MURASAKI is only a prototype.

Sega’s fembot E.M.A. should be easier to get.

Via Robot Watch [JP]