Greg Ponesse — September 2, 2006 — Tech
References: cnn
The new Japanese robot Miuro turns an iPod music player into a dancing boombox-on-wheels.
The 14-inch-long machine from ZMP Inc. blares music as it rolls and twists from room to room. The robot, which looks like a ball popping out of an egg, has a speaker system from Kenwood Corp.
Apple Computer Inc.'s iPod player locks into the top of the robot, which comes in white, black, yellow or red.
The $930 Miuro -- short for "music innovation based on utility robot technology" -- responds to a handheld remote control. It receives wireless signals from a PC to play music from iTunes and other programs.
At a demonstration in Tokyo, the 11-pound Miuro did a preprogrammed vacuum-cleaner-like dance, rolling about and pivoting to music.
"This is a robot version of music-on-the-move that's so popular," said Miuro designer Shinichi Hara, who also creates album jackets for Japanese pop stars.
"I designed it to have a gentle look because it becomes a part of everyday life by integrating robotics and music," Hara said.
The 14-inch-long machine from ZMP Inc. blares music as it rolls and twists from room to room. The robot, which looks like a ball popping out of an egg, has a speaker system from Kenwood Corp.
Apple Computer Inc.'s iPod player locks into the top of the robot, which comes in white, black, yellow or red.
The $930 Miuro -- short for "music innovation based on utility robot technology" -- responds to a handheld remote control. It receives wireless signals from a PC to play music from iTunes and other programs.
At a demonstration in Tokyo, the 11-pound Miuro did a preprogrammed vacuum-cleaner-like dance, rolling about and pivoting to music.
"This is a robot version of music-on-the-move that's so popular," said Miuro designer Shinichi Hara, who also creates album jackets for Japanese pop stars.
"I designed it to have a gentle look because it becomes a part of everyday life by integrating robotics and music," Hara said.
Trend Themes
1. Robotics in Entertainment - The Miuro robot demonstrates the potential for robots to enhance entertainment experiences by combining music and motion.
2. Wireless Music Streaming - The Miuro robot showcases the convenience and versatility of wirelessly streaming music from devices like iPods and PCs.
3. Integration of Robotics and Everyday Life - The Miuro robot highlights the integration of robotics and music into everyday life, opening up opportunities for personalized and interactive experiences.
Industry Implications
1. Consumer Electronics - The consumer electronics industry can explore the development of more innovative and interactive devices that combine music and robotics.
2. Entertainment - The entertainment industry can utilize robotics to create immersive experiences where robots become interactive companions that enhance the enjoyment of music.
3. Home Automation - The home automation industry can leverage the integration of robotics and music to develop smart systems that provide personalized and intelligent music streaming throughout homes.
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