14 DAY TRIAL // When it comes to robots, so far, Asia rules. They're a few generations over competitors in the field and every day, they keep coming with new and impressive creations. Sony's AIBO was the first robot dog to recognize words and objects and Honda's ASIMO is the first humanoid robot that can walk on two feet in a manner resembling human locomotion at upto 6 km/h (3.7 mph).
Now, a robotic Einstein made a big impression at a technology fair in Spain, where Professor Jun Ho-Oh (L) of South Korea's Institute of Advanced Technology showed off his robot that can do many things and also has the face of the most brilliant and famous mind in physics.
Albert Hugo is the name of the robot and it can walk, talk and smile and even practice Tai-Chi thanks to advanced technology comprised of 66 motors, most of which are situated in his head. It kind of resembles an astronaut in a white and blue suit, until you see the funny face that mimics the Einstein we know and love, with gray hair, a smile and full of good intentions.
It can talk about famous subjects, like gravity and the relativity of all things, like the fact that Einstein's face is attached to a robotic body: "Hi. My name is Albert Hubo. I come from South Korea and I am very happy to be in Valencia," says the creature, after having demonstrated some rather bizarre hip-hop moves.
According to Jun, in a few years busy householders might find a use for an Albert in the home undertaking the daily chores that humans would rather live without.
"They will be able to help human beings in daily tasks," says Jun.
Albert, who stands one meter 37 centimeters (4 foot 5 inches) tall is "based on a Windows XP platform that allows us to make him as intelligent as we want", he adds.