A slide show compendium of robot dolls

Click here to launch a slide show of the dolls that have paved the way for robotic companions.

My favorite doll used to be Lola. Her eyes were blue and beautiful, which didn’t stop me from poking them so hard that for most of my childhood, one eye looked perpetually up while the other gazed straight ahead. I was so used to her upturned eye that when my grandmother wanted to fix it, I hesitated. Lola didn’t talk, she didn’t move on her own, and she couldn’t see straight. But I didn’t need all that.

Since those days, there has been a shift from dolls that look like humans to dolls that act like them. The shift has been gradual. Dolls started off with automatically moving parts (arms and legs that propelled dolls like Baby Thataway forward with a flip of the switch), language (chatter of pre-recorded words with the pull of a string), and gastronomy (they ate, they chewed, they burped). Some dolls later gained bodily functions so evolved that they “pee” and "poop," according to advertisements and several revolting YouTube videos.

In the ’80s and ’90s, a new generation of increasingly life-like toys emerged. Thesenewer creations, some of which were designed by roboticists, made demands on a child’s attention by using social cues that humans are wired to respond to—facial expressions, face tracking, voice tracking, eye contact. These give the appearance of some form of consciousness.

Some researchers, like Peter Kahn at the University of Washington, have examined whether kids think interactive dolls are alive, and the implications that has for how they treat the dolls. In other words, would a child think twice about poking the eye of a doll like Lola if her face could appear hurt? Kahn probed this question using SONY’s electronic dog, AIBO, which moves on its own and solicits responses, like a live animal. He found that children were more likely to mistreat a stuffed dog (which does not express anything other than what the child imagines) than an AIBO (who gives the impression of having a mind of his own). Other researchers like Sherry Turkle, director of the MIT Initiative on Technology and Self, explore the nature of our emotional connection to robots. Robots are anthropomorphic, and because they are designed to mimic social behaviors that we are used to responding to (following us with their gaze, crying), they inspire us to feel and care for them as we might for a pet.

These robotic dolls aren’t just for kids. Some are designed as supplementary companions for the elderly, or for those who might need comfort during a hospital stay.

In their studies, Turkle and her colleagues gave a robotic doll called My Real Baby and robotic seal called Paro to nursing home residents to boost morale. Some of the residents responded well to the robots: they were curious, engaged and used the robot as a point of social interaction with people. The robots also helped relieve residents’ anxiety.

The relationships were more complicated, though, than the ones elderly people develop with pets that are similarly given to them for comfort. The elderly talk to these robo-dolls, telling them stories as if they understand, Turkle says, which raises questions about human vulnerability. “There’s a lack of dignity there,” because “people make meaning by telling these narratives. But telling them to robots—where’s the meaning in that?” Turkle also describes a recurring scenario in which a robotic doll is given to a nursing home resident for about an hour, and comes back with its mouth covered in oatmeal, because the resident has tried to feed it.

Tags: baby thataway, robot dolls, robotic dogs, robotic seals, roboticists, robots

Ada Brunstein is a freelance writer and editor at a university press. Her work has appeared in New Scientist, Wired, Technology Review, and other publications.

Comments

cheap puma

By: zhenhua | Thu, 02/09/2012 - 01:16

I work on a site that is a lot

By: jakeblake | Wed, 02/08/2012 - 23:44

I work on a site that is a lot like yours. Articles On Photography artistic fashion photography

pumashoeshot

By: zhenhua | Sat, 02/04/2012 - 04:36

tiffany and ugg

By: zhenhua | Wed, 02/01/2012 - 09:29

Tiffany Jewelry online store , There are Tiffany Necklace , Tiffany Rings , Tiffany Bracelet , Tiffany Bangles , Tiffany Beads Bracelets , Tiffany Beads Necklace , Tiffany Charms , Tiffany Cufflinks , Tiffany Earrings , Tiffany Key Rings , Tiffany Accessories , Tiffany Sets ,Tiffany 1837 ring ,Tiffany 1837 ring Sterling silver titanium Return to 1837 heart pendant and Tiffany Watches Cheap for sale about Tiffany Jewelry!

Cheap ugg boots on sale , UGG Adirondack Boots , UGG Bailey Button Boots , UGG Bailey Button Fancy , UGG Bailey Button Krinkle , UGG Bailey Button Triplet ,UGG Fox Fur Boots , UGG Fringe Cardy ,UGG Highkoo Boots , UGG Jimmy Choo Boots , UGG Kensington Boots , UGG Knightsbridge Boots , UGG Mayfaire Boots , UGG Nightfall Boots ,UGG Payton Boots ,UGG Ultimate Bind , UGG Ultimate Boots , UGG Ultra Short , UGG Ultra Tall , UGG Upside Boots ugg boots saleonline store.

Cheap Ugg Boots online shop , Cheap Ugg Jimmy Choo , Ugg Kensington , Ugg Knightsbridge , Ugg Nightfall , Ugg Fox Fur , Ugg Tess , Ugg Bailey Button Boots , Ugg Bailey Button Fancy , Ugg Bailey Button Krinkle , Ugg Bailey Button Triplet Cheap Ugg Boots for sale!

UGGs on sale online store, UGGs Jimmy Choo , UGGs Knightsbridge , UGGs Adirondack Short , UGGs Adirondack Tall , UGGs Ashur , UGGs Bailey Button , UGGs Bailey Button Fancy , UGGs Bailey Button Krinkle , UGGs Bailey Button Triplet ,UGGs Kensington , UGGs Man , UGGs Mayfaire , UGGs Nightfall Tall , UGGs Retro Cargo , UGGs Swell Tall , UGGs Woman for sale UGGs on sale!

Tiffany Jewelry online store , There are Tiffany Necklace , Tiffany Rings , Tiffany Bracelet , Tiffany Bangles , Tiffany Beads Bracelets , Tiffany Beads Necklace , Tiffany Charms , Tiffany Cufflinks , Tiffany Earrings , Tiffany Key Rings , Tiffany Accessories , Tiffany Sets ,Tiffany 1837 ring ,Tiffany 1837 ring Sterling silver titanium Return to 1837 heart pendant and Tiffany Watches Cheap for sale about Tiffany Jewelry!

Cheap ugg boots on sale , UGG Adirondack Boots , UGG Bailey Button Boots , UGG Bailey Button Fancy , UGG Bailey Button Krinkle , UGG Bailey Button Triplet ,UGG Fox Fur Boots , UGG Fringe Cardy ,UGG Highkoo Boots , UGG Jimmy Choo Boots , UGG Kensington Boots , UGG Knightsbridge Boots , UGG Mayfaire Boots , UGG Nightfall Boots ,UGG Payton Boots ,UGG Ultimate Bind , UGG Ultimate Boots , UGG Ultra Short , UGG Ultra Tall , UGG Upside Boots ugg boots saleonline store.

UGGs on sale online store, UGGs Jimmy Choo , UGGs Knightsbridge , UGGs Adirondack Short , UGGs Adirondack Tall , UGGs Ashur , UGGs Bailey Button , UGGs Bailey Button Fancy , UGGs Bailey Button Krinkle , UGGs Bailey Button Triplet ,UGGs Kensington , UGGs Man , UGGs Mayfaire , UGGs Nightfall Tall , UGGs Retro Cargo , UGGs Swell Tall , UGGs Woman for sale UGGs on sale!

Hi! Thanks for the great

By: alpha15995 | Thu, 01/19/2012 - 01:07

Hi! Thanks for the great information you have provided! You have touched on crucuial points! i bookmarked it and will be back to check it out some more later.
wedding dresses online store,cheap wedding dresses,UGG Boots On Sale,cheap ugg boots,Down coats and jackets,Down coats,Down jackets,Classic And Fashion Boots,Fashion boots,Classic Boots,

Cheap UGGs

By: 200991 | Tue, 01/10/2012 - 20:16

A nearly century-old hunting Cheap UGGs is catching on with a younger generation that sees the utilitarian footwear as hip.L.L Bean's familiar duck UGG Bailey Button with leather uppers and rubber soles - designed for slogging through mud and snow - has become something of a statement owing to its newfound popularity on campuses, UGG Amberlee the company said. Another reason is new styles, UGG Tularosa including something Leon Leonwood Bean surely never envisioned in 1912: bright blue and pink leather, new for spring.Part of the success of the UGG Kensington is its versatility, in barnyards or in cities, in snow or rain.Defying a trend toward offshore production,UGG Bailey Button Triplet the outdoors retailer is adding 125 full-time employees to its Maine manufacturing operation to keep pace with orders.
The well-known UGG Classic Short Sparkles appears to be benefiting from a retro trend, whether it's penny loafers or Gap's 1969 series blue jeans, said Candace Corlett, UGG Caspia president of WSL Strategic Retail in New York.Another factor that could be helping Bean: There's been little that's new and exciting in footwear in recent years beyond UGG Montclair boots and Crocs, said Alexander Geyman, editor of Focus on Fashion Retail. Trendy UGG Classic Cardy boots and the Timberland brand outstrip Bean's in sales, he said.
The duck UGG Classic Short carry the "Made in the USA" label, something that's hard to find these days in footwear. Nationwide, the number of shoe-manufacturing jobs dropped from more than 200,000 in the 1970s to 12,500 this year, UGG Fox Fur according to the U.S. Labor Department. In Maine, shoe-manufacturing jobs peaked at more than 25,000 in the 1960s, UGG Delaine and last year there were 1,300 jobs, according to the Maine Department of LaborWell-known Maine brands like G.H. Bass, Cole Haan, UGG Knightsbridge Sebago and Dexter are now made abroad. But L.L. Bean has resisted the notion of making its Bean UGG Plumdale.As the story goes, L.L. Bean created the hunting UGG Classic Tall for himself after his feet got wet and cold on a hunting trip, and it was not an instant success. Ninety of the first 100 pairs sold in 1912 were returned after the leather separated; Bean had a satisfaction guarantee, UGG Annabelle so he returned customers' money.These days, UGG Retro Cargo the original L.L. Bean Hunting Shoe is available unlined or with various linings, UGG Finnegan including Gore-Tex, Thinsulate and shearling. There are plenty of other variations, including quilted, canvas and plaid, UGG Sheepskin Cuff and even bright blue and pink leather. There are low-cut versions as well.All of them are still made by hand. The rubber soles are made by L.L. Bean workers in Lewiston, UGG Mayfaire and they're sewn to the leather uppers at an L.L. Bean plant in Brunswick.All told, there are 320 workers at L.L. Bean's factory in Brunswick, making UGG Highkoo, dog beds, canvas totes and other products.Each Gore-Tex liner is inflated and dunked in a tank to make sure it's watertight before being dried and put in the UGG Roslynn.

nike air max

By: lovenike | Mon, 01/09/2012 - 04:21

Nike Air Max series will belong to be changed. They are the best face of a shock protection system. Setting the standard for excellence, Air Max 2011 consistently combines great styling with exceptional quality, performance, and comfort:Air Max 2011.Air Max 2012.Air Max 24-7.Air Max 90.Nike Free 3.0.Nike Free Run

Found Authentic louis vuitton

By: lishaohong163 | Sun, 01/08/2012 - 00:50

Found Authentic louis vuitton wallet on MALLERIES - Authentic Louis Vuitton Cherry Cerises Zippered Wallet.louis vuitton outlet discount on sale, outlet louis vuitton purses, shoes, sunglasses are 75% off online! Enjoy our louis vuitton outlet new arrivals free shipping.Choose ideal Louis Vuitton accessory to match your look and figure and also the occasion. Authentic louis vuitton wallets 2011 On Sale At Our Online Store.

ugg kensington

By: zhenhua | Fri, 12/30/2011 - 03:11

abaercrombie bag for man

By: xuntong01 | Wed, 12/28/2011 - 21:15

Dressed in abercrombe below, to spread leg, leaning against a all kinds of rose petals herbaceous peony with jade clip yarn new pillow, and fang officer two HuaQuan first. When the hot mouth fang shouted, dressed only in a abercrombi girded with a under, also to spread trouser leg. Head forehead with a circle (eyebrow plait, goal to centers, "a root ELuan degree of finish total plait, allsaints dragging in brain. The right ear plug in the eye with the size of a rice only a small jade lid, the single left ear with a abercrombie & fitch 8 , the show's face as the full moon of the white, eye such as autumn pay off.

This YouSanJie walking arm in arm with loose hair, abercrombie & fitch cheap half attack by surprise half open, revealing the light green wiping a bosom, a mark Snow White meat. Underneath , a pair of lotus or become warped or and, no moment sven. Two is like a swing in general, the light under, the more the LiuMei cage cui fog, wingceltis mouth DanSha point. This is a pair of autumn eye,

The qing-wen wear only abercrombie & fitch clothing, red XiaoYi red sleep shoes, be covered with hair, riding in the male on slavery. Musk month is , dressed in a suit , where the catch neither rib limb. Male slaves back on the kang, but, dressed in abercrombie & fitch coupon , red pants green socks, two feet disorderly deng and the smile of breath

See wonderful jade head wearing a abercrombie & fitch outlet cover a water TianQing satin edge long vest, tied chou-heung color silk sash, waist of a pale MoHua of white silk skirt, follow a shi son, waving the drag drag comes along.

Why the World Is More Vivid for Babies

For them, every experience is splendour in the grass.

Alison Gopnik
|
August 4, 2009

The Vibrators of the Future

Lady tech products at their most ingenious.

Amanda Schaffer
|
July 21, 2009

How Outlet Malls Rip Us Off

All that driving for nothing.

Ellen Ruppel Shell
|
July 14, 2009

Life

Who Wants to Marry a Robot?