Introducing MiRo: the little robot who could be your granny's next carer!

Introducing MiRo!

While Putin unveils his plans to create a Russian 'robot army' out of artificially intelligent Terminators with pinpoint accuracy to 'man' his new top-secret military base in the Arctic, Consequential Robotics takes a more family-friendly approach to robotics. Introducing MiRo; the shiny, impenetrable, squeaky metallic robot dog-bunny-mouse-thing that may well be the future of domestic artificial intelligence! Or, at the very least, the cutest and most expensive wobbyknacky to sit on the mantelpiece and collect dust. 

The little robot was designed with a 'biomimetic' approach to robotics, reinventing the principles of intelligent behaviour in humans and animals. With a focus on appropriating the basic creation of artificial intelligence for domestic efforts rather than the start of a new cold-war, MiRo has the 'right level of intelligence for the tasks' he will perform, understanding the practical needs of its owners. Sebastian Conran, Co-founder of design at Consequential Robotics describes how if your granny has a fall or an "emergency event" in her home, it could "help the triage; it could call for help, and it could help people who are coming, letting them know more about what was going on" through a series of strange squeaky noises apparently. You can hear these noises and learn more about the functionality of MiRo in this video: 

Another video, uploaded to YouTube by Eaglemoss Collections showcases the beauty and mystique of MiRo. The narrator describes the nature of MiRo, calling him "a beautiful example of evolution" which "does not belong to one animal family, it has the characteristics of many". He then describes the groundbreaking technological capabilities of the little robot: "precision sonar and acute hearing allow him to navigate his surroundings with pinpoint accuracy. Light sensitive vision helps him see in the darkest of landscapes, avoiding any lurking danger. Responding to the lightest touch, playful, sociable, MiRo is known for showing an extensive range of emotions, constantly learning, remembering and adapting. Building on his experiences to overcome challenges logically". This video can be viewed here:

He may not be able to shoot lasers out of his eyes, or really do much if your granny has a fall in her home, but MiRo certainly marks the increasing focus and importance of artificial intelligence in the home. He is a social companion, an adorable and intelligent one at that, and he will be able to comfort those who are lonely, elderly or even with learning disabilities. Also, you have to build it yourself, apparently giving you skills with robotics and making you feel like a real-life parent. You also don't have to pick up after MiRo, feed him, wash him or walk him, making him an efficient futuristic replacement for the real thing - although parents and animal lovers such as myself would probably argue that is half the fun of being a parent. 

With the increasing popularity of artificially intelligent robots such as MiRo, or Putin's terminator army, it is clear the future is already here. The future is waiting for you! So what are you waiting for? Buy a robot today! But remember to be nice to it because when technology takes over, you might just be spared! I thought I'd end this post with a selection of my meme-gifs so I can make fun of MiRo before he evolves into the robot overlord of the planet.

References and Related Links

http://consequentialrobotics.com/miro/

https://www.eaglemoss.com/en-us/technology/miro-the-biomimetic-robot/

http://factor-tech.com/robotics/22874-meet-miro-the-robot-dog-with-a-mind-of-its-own/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4tya6Oj5sU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBLBxqkvvL4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6evKU7BZOk&t=81s

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/weird-news/robot-dog-recognises-faces-likes-10258456

Posted by Student 45175411 (Alison) on 23/04/2017.

Stay tuned for more exciting posts, folks!