Westworld-like robots continue to inch toward a reality–but are we ready?
We’ve talked a lot about the emergence of A.I. robots coming to fruition in ways that will change our lives forever. In fact, on Beyond Westworld, we’ve begun discussing how robots may become an integral part of our future lives–and perhaps the cure to our loneliness.
And while this future could be years down the line, many companies have started tapping into this possibility–including a U.K.-based company called Engineered Art. They have already built a series of robots called “Mesmer” that can move, talk, and function very similarly to a human.
Their “Mesmer” series is perfecting the robots and going as far as detailing every pore and hair on the robot. They have motors installed for any bodily movements and almost all the sensors, etc are connected to the internet. This capability means the robots could be functional from anywhere in the world.
Software has also been developed so that the robot can have seamless movement, and if that’s not crazy enough, one robot can transfer it’s animation to another.
But perhaps the most frighteningly cool aspect of the “Mesmer” series is that the robots can maintain eye contact with you. Yes, that’s right. If you are in their vicinity, they will be able to carry a conversation with you while looking right into your eyes.
Next: Do Westworld robots of the future need legal rights?
The animations and have movements of the “Mesmer” series robots are pretty convincing and while no cost is associated with it just yet, the more basic models cost about $79,000.
Westworld may not be a fantasy world for much longer–isn’t that something?