Comments on: Microsoft demos robotic receptionist

Chief Research and Strategy Officer Craig Mundie used his speech on Thursday to show off a robot that can perform basic tasks.

[jamalystic]

That's just a tip of the ice berg!! How true is that statement taking into consideration what i read on this article: Synthetic Companions: Downloading Robot Personalities(http://www.internetevolution.com/author.asp?section_id=526&doc_id=155718&F_src=flftwo)

[jamalystic]

That's just a tip of the ice berg!! How true is that statement taking into consideration what i read on this article: Synthetic Companions: Downloading Robot Personalities(http://www.internetevolution.com/author.asp?section_id=526&doc_id=155718&F_src=flftwo)

[jamalystic]

That's just a tip of the ice berg!! How true is that statement taking into consideration what i read on this article: Synthetic Companions: Downloading Robot Personalities(http://www.internetevolution.com/author.asp?section_id=526&doc_id=155718&F_src=flftwo)

[Llib Setag]

God knows THAT'S the only receptionist that could stand working for "BaldyBOT" Ballmer!

[calpundit]

Bravo, Microsoft ... more ways to reduce direct human interaction in the workplace.

Many large corporations, including Microsoft, already have a reputation for being monolithic and impersonal. Even for a tech company, a real live receptionist seems a fairly modest concession to humanity and personal service.

Sorry ... I know this is hopelessly old fashioned.

[Thomas, David]

Actually, I can't agree with you more. I think this approach is novel, well intended, but not quite applied correctly. I'm sure someone will find ways to apply the technology that has a greater positive impact, than a negative one.

[Vegaman_Dan]

Just a note- this demo is just that. It isn't in use at all on the campus, nor are there any kiosks or similar. Building receptionists sitll put in shuttle requests in an online app. It's not like they are actually very busy.

But if I ever see this put into use, I will quickly nickname it 'Holly'. ;)

[inpersonoz]

Looks a lot like Holly. And why is a robot receptionist making measurements of the guy on the rights trousers?

[TV James]

Yay, Holly!

12 years ago I saw an early prototype from Micrsoft - a parrot that lived in a 3D world. The camera perspective would slowly shift. The bird would talk to you and understand when you talked to him. You could ask him to play music from the library or he might offer suggestions. If you left him alone, he'd preen, or fly around the room, the camera perspective tracking him in wide swooping motions. It was all very cool. Can't wait to see some of this technology make it out into the world for us to play with. (The bird was named, of course, Polly.)

@inpersonoz - maybe she was trying to hack his bluetooth phone or look for weapons? Or, yeah, measuring - maybe she was going to try to sell him some new pants.

[rontowns25]

Wow that is sweet. Check this out... www.readtheanswer.com/index.php?RTA=web2