You remember that Will Smith movie I, Robot, with the whole android revolution and humans being eliminated by their robotic slaves? What if that happened with cute anime girl robots instead of creepy skinless mannequins? Thanks to Bandai Namco and Sweden’s Furhat Robotics, we’re one step closer to finding out.
Furhat Robotics specializes in the development of robotic heads that have faces projected onto them through a special rear-projection technology, allowing for more accurate movement and expressions. Their “social robots” are currently used to run job interviews, assist international travelers and even pre-screen patients for potential diseases. Now, we can add “anime girl idol” to the list of incredible society-changing applications for this technology.
Bandai Namco created a new Vocaloid character named Mirai Komachi last year, and now they’ve teamed up with Furhat Robotics to create a real-life version of the virtual singing idol. The proof of concept video above shows a robotic head with a bright orange wig moving around with Mirai Komachi’s face on it, talking cheerily and greeting the viewer.
Bandai Namco’s Creative Design Department manager, Shohei Nakanowatari, was apparently blown away by how accurately the design of their mascot character was able to transfer over to a robotic version. Both companies believe that this technology will expand into more inventive applications in the future.
The CEO of Furhat Robotics, Samer Al Moubayed, had high praise for their collaborative partner Bandai Namco, stating that “Bandai Namco is one of those magical institutions that creates characters and games that millions of people fall in love with. Working together with them to bring these personas to life through Furhat is an incredible honor.”
It’s a little unnerving seeing the severed head of a Vocaloid move around and talking like this, but it’s definitely an interesting look into the future of robotics technology and applications. When the anime waifus rise up and overthrow society, you’ll have Bandai Namco and Furhat Robotics to thank.
