Robotic Teddy Bear with Soft Arms and Legs (Video)

Tokyo Institute of Technology research group has designed a Teddy Bear with soft arms and legs. If you notice, those battery operated bears are often stiff and not very nice to hug. With their research, they are able to produce a Teddy Bear that is can be cuddled.

Making use of strings to pull the arms and legs, the Teddy Bear is able to be soft and still move. The research group is now thinking of using sensors to let the Teddy bear to detect movements, objects surrounding it. Based on some simulation input, the bear could be more life-like with its movement. Watch this video of it in action.

My first impression is that there is something wrong with the bear’s head. It is always slanted. Anyway, the look is not very nice and appealing. And at this moment, it is reacting to touches and do not have much AI. I guess it will be long wait to get one that resembles and behave like the one in AI (Artificial Intelligence) movie. Fujitsu has one that looks cuter but is stiff. So, for the people at Tokyo Institute of Technology, please consult the professional if you want to make this bear commercial.
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