Behold the latest in service bot technology: A group of computer scientists at Cornell have created a robot that can predict when you need a refill and pour your drink for you. At least, it can 82% of the time, according to Slate.
Like other drink-oriented bots, the Cornell model features a PR2 robot. But unlike past bartending robots, the Cornell bot uses a Microsoft Kinect sensor to evaluate human actions and then predict and anticipate needs. Unfortunately, the robot can only predict one second into the future, which means it could easily guess wrong and pour a drink on a lap or table. Even so, predicting human activity is a pretty remarkable step in creating the ultimate service bot. Have a look:
Video: Human Activity Anticilation
· Human Activity Anticilation [YouTube]
· Finally, a Robot That Knows When You Want It to Pour You a Beer [Slate]
· All Robots Coverage on Eater [-E-]