Researchers Unveil An Android-Powered Humanoid Robot Resembling Sarah Palin In China
Researchers have unveiled a life-like humanoid robot that bears a scary resemblance to former governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin. The robot, named YangYang was unveiled at the Global Mobile Internet Conference 2015 in Beijing, China.
The Android robot has been designed by the Shanghai Shenqing Industry (SSI) working in collaboration with Japanese robotics expert Hiroshi Ishiguro, a professor at Osaka University's Department of Systems Innovation.
Scientists said the robot features a skin made from a special type of silica gel to replicate the texture of human skin.
"After they made one of me, I got all these really amazing feelings. For instance, because I feel it's like me, if when she's performing her movements, expressions are not ideal, if she doesn't do it well, I'll feel it's a real shame," Song Yang, a Chinese researcher working with SSI, told Reuters.
"There are many possibilities, for example an idol singer [pop star]. An android robot is more beautiful, probably, and they never get tired and can keep singing songs forever," said Ishiguro.
"And how about a fashion model? Or newscasters and receptionists - even famous movie stars. Androids never get old and so you can keep a young identity by creating an android that will last forever."
