TEROOS: Awesome, Shoulder-Mounted Communication Robot (Video)

Serkan Toto

Dr. Serkan Toto is an independent consultant and advisor focusing on Japan’s web, mobile and social gaming industries. Based in Tokyo, he works together with financial institutions and startups worldwide. Serkan has been the Japan contributor for TechCrunch.com since 2008. He is sept-lingual, holds an MBA and is a PhD in economics. → Learn More

Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011

A group of researchers at Keio University in Tokyo has developed a mini robot/personal avatar that’s supposed to make it easier to communicate with other people via video (and sound) while on the go. Switch the so-called TEROOS on, set up a Skype connection, sling the robot over your shoulder and you can share what you see with another person when you’re out on the street.

Apart from a camera, TEROOS also features a built-in mic and speaker so you can also communicate with the person on the other end of the line. He or she can even move the robot remotely, for example by moving his head (the camera) and control his eyes to convey (a limited set of) emotions.

This English video provides more insight (shot by Diginfonews in Tokyo):