Trumpeting the Modern Robot
Humans won't be the only visitors at the Kennedy Center during the Japanese festival: Robots, including the trumpet-playing Toyota Partner Robot, will roam the halls as well.
(Toyota Partner Robot/kennedy Center)
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Friday, February 1, 2008
Robots that recognize your voice or remember what you look like. Robots that play musical instruments. Robots that shake your hand and know up to 10,000 words -- in Japanese.
All of these futuristic creatures and more will be on display starting Thursday in "Robotopia Rising," a high-tech part of the Kennedy Center's "Japan! Culture + Hyperculture" festival.
In the center's Hall of States, the Actroid DER2, a surprisingly human-looking robot made by Kokoro, will be programmed to answer questions about the festival using appropriate voice inflections and facial expressions.
Upstairs in the Nations Gallery, the cuddly-looking yellow robot Wakamaru (made by Mitsubishi) will shake hands and show off its 10,000-word vocabulary. Sony's robotic dog AIBO and several plush robots will mingle with visitors as well.
Two other robots, blank-faced ASIMO (by Honda) and trumpet-playing Toyota Partner Robot, will each perform 15-minute shows three times a day. ASIMO, whose name stands for Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility, can dance and serve tea.
"Robotopia Rising," which runs through Feb. 17, is a family-friendly introduction to the increasingly sophisticated robots being created and used in Japan in everyday life, including eldercare and entertainment. Visitors can interact with some of the robots and give them commands in Japanese with the help of Kennedy Center staff.
In addition to the free performances, "Robotopia Rising" offers an interactive tour of the history of Japanese robots Friday and Feb. 14 at 10 (tickets are $5). Four other free robotics lectures are offered Feb. 9 and 10 at 11 and 3 on the Millennium Stage.
Robotopia Rising Thursday-Feb. 17 at the Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW Info:202-467-4600. http:/
