October 6, 2009 2:01 PM PDT
Singing robot takes requests
CHIBA, Japan--Want to request a song from a creepy childlike automaton? There's an app for that.
At Ceatec 2009, Yamaha showed off its prototype HRP-4C robot, which can show a range of motions, strut down a catwalk, and now belt out tunes from a preselected list.
During the demonstration Tuesday, audience members were encouraged to use their iPhones to request one of six songs from the raven-haired robot, decked out in futuristic stormtrooper gear. The winning track is titled "Give Me Wings."
The HRP-4C was featured as part of Yamaha's Play IT initiative, which explores ways to incorporate music and information technology to teach and learn musical instruments. Check out the short clip of her performance below.
Erica Ogg is a CNET News reporter who covers Apple, HP, Dell, and other PC makers, as well as the consumer electronics industry. She's also one of the hosts of CNET News' Daily Podcast. In her non-work life, she's a history geek, a loyal Dodgers fan, and a mac-and-cheese connoisseur. E-mail Erica. 
- by solitare_pax October 6, 2009 5:17 PM PDT
- The problem is, can you classify this performance as "Live" or "Pre-recorded"?
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