This teddy knows when you're tipsy

(Credit: Pink Tentacle)

If you think GPS breathalyzer devices are intrusive, you'll love this next item from Japan. Engineers at iXs Research are developing a talking teddy bear that serves as an in-car navigation system, giving directions while sniffing out any alcohol on your breath with a sensor embedded in its neck, asking "You haven't been drinking, have you?"

As if that weren't irritating enough, this backseat-driving teddy also has sensors designed to detect reckless driving, such as sudden braking and acceleration ("Watch out!"). And as a "bonus," according to Pink Tentacle, the bear will give information about landmarks in the vicinity when his head is patted. We don't know whether to be annoyed or creeped out.

[gabehacker]

This thing would be awesome if it looked like Marvin the paranoid android, or Optimus Prime.

[jamesreb]

Yes, just what we need to do. Associate drunk driving with the creepy teddy bear from A.I.

[klafleur]

funny

[JohnKdrew]

WOW! What a bear! He's only the second every working bear I've heard of -- the other one works in a Chicago factory.... Factory_Bear