From being capable personal assistants, to medical aides and even baby sitters, robots are being developed to take care of everything we humans can. A robot that could read out fairy tales to your tots was probably the only one waiting to be developed, and the Japanese have cashed in on the opportunity. The Ninomiya Kun robot developed at Waseda University is capable of reading old fashioned paper printed books and it staged proof of its ability at the robot trade fair in Kitakyushu, by reading fairy tales.

Ninomiya Kun is one meter tall and weighs 25 kilogram, thanks to its aluminum framed body, which manages to keep its weight light. It brings into use a training process whereby the camera eyes comprehend printed materials placed on a special book stand. Character-recognition software (installed in the robot’s backpack) translates the text into verbal material then relayed through a voice synthesizer.

The name of the robot draws its inspiration from a 19th century agricultural leader (Kinjiro Ninomiya) who is depicted as reading a book while carrying logs on his back in many ancient stories. The robot does share the reading interest with the ancient farmer but it sounds very machine-like, so the developers intend to make that voice sound more human.

Via: Pinktentacle 460294