Social Media may have overtaken the world, connecting people in one click, different issues and even not-so-serious topics became worldwide spectacle. Everything is being talked about in this marvelous invention from Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the list goes on. Most people specially the yuppies, millennials are hooked on these platforms but did you know that there are still people who are alienated and wanted to be alone? In Japan, the tech firm Vinclu Inc. has developed Gatebox, a portable hologram device that features an interactive 3D virtual character called Azumi Hikari. The company has already started getting pre-orders.
The encapsulated digital anime character doesn't only keep its users' company but also brings many real-world uses. It answers user's questions, keeps conversations and even text messages. It is especially built for smart homes, it can be connected to computers and TVs. The company just released a promotional video on December 13 and gathered more than 600,000 views.
The video features a young man interacting with the high-tech gadget, Azumi, the hologram robot, saying good morning, informing him about the weather, sending text messages, opening the lights, sipping coffee and saying goodnight. The gadget is operated not by keyboard or controller but by a touch button interface. It is equipped with human detecting sensor and cameras. It automatically detects and recognized the movement and face of its owner. The new invention is only limited to Japanese language. With Azumi's function, a Fortune article said, "It's the perfect digital girlfriend for an alienated, overworked populace."
Robots are not a new concept in Japan. There are a lot of robots that have surfaced in different areas of this country. On Saturday, a "Robot Street" event was held at a commercial complex in Osaka. It features a bilingual humanoid robot that answers questions in Chinese and Japanese. The event was made possible by The Asia and Pacific Trade Center (ATC) According to Japan News, "Several robots are being used. A "robot concierge" stands in front of the duty-free shop, while a "robot clerk" waits on customers at a pop-up shop that sells robot-related products.
The robot concierge can provide information on where visitors can find products and recommends shops by automatically giving preset answers." The humanoid robots displayed at the event are not furnished with artificial intelligence. According to an engineer at Tokyo-based Tasukakeru Co. who is in charge the robotic system, these robots are more practical when taking cost into account.
