CEATEC 2008: Japanese research institute showcases one ugly and one cute robot

Japan’s NICT (National Institute of Information and Communications Technology) is also present at CEATEC 2008 and two of their robots caught my eye, apparently integral elements of their “CareBots Project”.

The one you see on the left in the picture above is called Infanoid and is a humanoid that is supposed to resemble a 3-4 year old child (seriously). Infanoid features a number of sensors, 29 actuators and has CCD cameras in both of his eyes.

The small yellow thing on the right is a robotic biddy called Keepon. Keepon is not only cute but geared towards children, it actually serves a purpose as an advanced electronic toy. It can move in different ways, also has CCD cameras in its eyes and the nose is not a nose but a microphone.

Too bad I didn’t make a video.