The European way of Designing Robots: Philips Smart Companion

Jun 14 2005, 10:34am EST | by Luigi Lugmayr

This is just a great example of cultural differences in that expresses itself through technology design. Just before I reported about the Japanese Repliee Q1 android that aims to be as human as possible.

Philips Research goes with their Smart Companion a total abstract way (see photo). The robot is not the woman on the right, as it would be the case in Japan.
I would actually be more comfortable with the Philips design in my home. I like minimalistic and cartoon like characters.

The Smart Companion is an electronic device that looks at users, listens and talks to them, and even nods yes. Connected to the Internet the Smart Companion can perform voice controlled searches and stuff like that. It is basically a dialog system like the Repliee Q1, but boy are they different.
More details on the Philips Research site. Via We-Make-Money-Not-Art and Engadget.

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Luigi Lugmayr
Luigi is the founding chief Editor of I4U News and brings over 15 years experience in the technology field to the ever evolving and exciting world of gadgets. He started I4U News back in 2000 and evolved it into vibrant technology magazine.
Luigi can be contacted directly at ml@i4u.com. Luigi posts regularly on LuigiMe.com about his experience running I4U.