The Real-Life Pinocchio

ZenoHe might look like any other children's toy, but you won't be able to pick up a 'Zeno' from Toys 'R Us this Christmas. They cost tens of thousands of dollars to make, for a start.

This real-life Pinnochio is the culmination of five years of work by inventor David Hanson and a small group of engineers at his company, Hanson Robotics to develop an artificial robotic boy that can be used as a learning aid for children.

With skin made from a lifelike synthetic substance called 'frubber' future, more advanced, variants of Zeno will be able to engage in conversation and convey emotions.

"It sees you and recognizes your face. It learns your name and can build a relationship with you."

His company offers models that look like Albert Einstein, a pirate and a rocker, complete with spiky hair and sunglasses.

They can be customised to look like anyone, Hanson said.

Although it can move smile, frown and acts like a sophisticated self-contained robot, Zeno synchs wirelessly to a PC running the same software that was used to create the hordes of elves, orcs and dwarves in the blockbuster "Lord of the Rings" film trilogy.


Two more images after the jump.


Zeno
Zeno
Video: Liveleak
Source: DailyMail
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